In the historic centre of Kyiv, in a building of classical architecture built during the Stalinist era, there is a flat which has undergone a complete transformation. Now it is not just an ordinary living space, but a place imbued with the spirit of the owner’s childhood and personal memories hidden in every corner. Transforming this flat into a modern rental flat was a challenge which the design team undertook with exceptional attention to detail, trying to preserve its unique character while creating a functional space for future residents. The Kyiv flat after the makeover is a place that combines history with modernity.
The flat originally consisted of two separate rooms and a kitchen, which limited the functionality of the interior. The design team decided to merge the living room and kitchen into one open-plan space. Thanks to this, the flat is more spacious and the large windows overlooking the quiet courtyard allow plenty of natural light into the interior. This allows the residents to enjoy the play of light and shadows created by the trees surrounding the building.
When designing the interior, a major objective was to create a seamless transition between the outside and inside of the building. The architects sought to recreate the aesthetics of the era in which the building was constructed, but in a modern way. The result is an interior which is both stylish and subdued, perfectly reflecting the spirit of Kyiv’s historic architecture. Each zone of the flat has its own unique identity. The choice of furniture and decoration reflects a modern approach to interior design, but with elegant simplicity. The space has been divided into functional zones by means of room dividers and built-in furniture, which ensures comfortable use and aesthetics. The use of different shades of oak wood combined with stainless steel in the kitchen creates a subtle but effective contrast.
One of the most unique elements of the interior is the wooden shelf which not only separates the kitchen from the living room, but also has a decorative and practical function. It is a place to store and display items which add character to the interior. The lighting in the flat has been designed with various uses in mind, which makes it possible to create a cosy atmosphere at any time. The introduction of a mirrored volume at the entrance to the flat optically enlarges the space and enhances the natural light inside. Faced marble is used in the entrance area and in the bathroom to add elegance.
Each element of this flat tells its own story, creating a mosaic of memories. By carefully combining historical references with modern design, the result is a space that is not only functional but also full of emotion and the spirit of the past, transforming an ordinary Kyiv flat into a unique home with a soul.
Project name: Darvina
Project designer: Nastia Mirzoyan
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Area: 55 sq.m.
Year: 2024
Photography: Yevhenii Avramenko
Read also: Ukraine | KievÂ| Eclecticism | Vintage | Interior | Apartment
