A small space on the third floor of a new building in a residential estate in Kyiv has become a place of thoughtfully designed everyday life for a young couple. The architects at ater.architects have created an interior based on subtle contrasts in materials – warm wooden cladding envelops the built-in furniture, whilst steel accents introduce a cool sheen and a sense of visual lightness. In total, the flat measures 50 square metres.
The owners, who work in creative professions, needed a space that would be both practical and imbued with a sense of calm. He designs original furniture and solutions for commercial interiors; she writes books. Their shared flat was intended to reflect an aesthetic of understated comfort – without an excess of form, but with a keen sense of proportion and materials.
Transforming the layout
The project began with a thorough overhaul of the layout. The architects removed most of the partition walls, leaving only the bathroom and the wardrobe. The rest of the flat was opened up, with the functional division defined by furniture and a glass partition. This gave the interior a sense of fluidity whilst still allowing for the clear demarcation of zones.
The key challenge was to provide sufficient storage space within a relatively small area. The solution was built-in wooden furniture, which integrates the cupboard system and creates a cohesive, enveloping perimeter around the flat. A compact wardrobe and a bathroom are situated in the hallway, beyond which the space opens out into the shared living area.
Open-plan living area
The kitchen, combined with the living room, forms the focal point of the flat. Wooden partitions mark the transition from the terrazzo-finished corridor to the living area with its warm oak parquet flooring, creating a clear boundary between the functional and private zones. Sliding doors made of solid oak allow the bedroom to be separated whilst maintaining the continuity of materials throughout the interior.
Stainless steel dominates the kitchen – used for the worktops and the fronts of the wall units. This contrast in materials emphasises the natural character of the wood and introduces a cool sense of precision. The lower cabinet fronts are made of unlaminated MDF finished with a matt varnish, which adds tactile depth and reinforces the raw aesthetic of the steel surfaces.
Signature details
The dining area features a round table with a unique walnut veneer pattern. It is accompanied by the iconic Cesca Chairs and a metal lamp from &Tradition – a subtle nod to 1960s design. An open shelving unit has been integrated next to the table, serving as a display unit and adding a personal touch to the interior.
By the window, a cosy relaxation area has been created with a sofa, a vintage side table and an icon of Italian design – the Billa lamp designed by Gio Ponti. It is a place perfect for short breaks and evening reading, naturally woven into the daily rhythm of the residents’ lives.
An intimate bedroom
The bedroom is separated by a glass partition and wooden sliding doors, allowing the space to remain open or completely private. Curtains in the same colour as the walls – a delicate shade of buttery cream – enhance the atmosphere of calm and softness.
In the bathroom, the eye is drawn to the use of Italian marble with golden-chocolate veins, from which the washbasin and vanity unit are crafted. Behind it stretches a large mirror, which visually enlarges the room. Steel taps, bespoke wall lights and shelves in warm walnut veneer create a cohesive composition that harmoniously echoes the material palette of the entire flat.
The interior exudes tranquillity and understated elegance – with a subtle retro flair stemming from the presence of vintage objects and design icons, which lend the space an individual, unique character.
design: Yuliya Tkachenko, Oleksandr Ivasiv – ater.architects
photographs: Yevhenii Avramenko
See also: Flat | Interiors | Kyiv | Ukraine | Minimalism | whiteMAD on Instagram
