Apartment with Charisma: A Unique Fusion of Styles in Kyiv
Amidst the modern backdrop of Kyiv’s Comfort Town, the “Apartment with Charisma” dazzles with an eclectic blend of vintage nostalgia and audacious modernity. Crafted meticulously by Between the Walls, this one-bedroom apartment on the Dnipro River’s left bank artfully merges diverse styles into a harmonious sanctuary, reflecting its owner’s multifaceted spirit.
About Apartment with Charisma
An Eclectic Design Fusion
Like a charismatic individual, this interior masterfully merges diverse styles. Within its compact space, vintage carpets meet a vibrant green kitchen cupboard. Additionally, concrete ceilings provide a modern touch, while “grandmother’s house” vibes permeate the ambiance. Located in Kyiv’s modern Comfort Town complex, this one-bedroom apartment subsequently graces the 16th floor of an 18-story building.
Client’s Vision and Lifestyle
Upon contacting the designers, the owner presented specific wishes. Her desires revolved less around aesthetics and more about technical innovations enhancing life quality. Moreover, an advocate for a healthy lifestyle and mindfulness, she passionately engages in sports. Furthermore, she often embarks on less-trodden paths and co-founded the radical feminist group, Femen, in Ukraine.
Victoria Kareva from Between the Walls admired the client’s bold choices. She said, “I thrive on working with such audacious individuals.”
Innovative Interior Choices
The owner prioritized a top-notch water purification system, a state-of-the-art washer and dryer, and a high-quality wall-projector in the living room. On the other hand, she opted against some traditional comfort features. For instance, the apartment lacks air conditioning, a dishwasher, and underfloor heating. Interestingly, the client firmly believes in toughening her feet against colder surfaces.
The kitchen radiates with a large cabinet in a striking green shade, housing a refrigerator, storage, and a wine fridge. In tribute to American minimalist Donald Judd, the kitchen table and wall shelves reflect his design influence. Dominating the living room, a pale pink velvet sofa sits gracefully, accompanied by a ceiling-suspended projector. Adjacent to this, a special paint on the opposite wall ensures impeccable image display.
The bedroom exudes a “Grandma’s vibe”. Warm herringbone parquet, a rattan chair, rounded lamp designs, dual vintage carpets, and an adjacent vintage mirror define the space. Notably, above the bed, a large wooden propeller doubles as a lamp. Despite the cozy ambiance, a concrete ceiling introduces an edgy element. Victoria Kareva, the studio’s co-founder, said, “The concrete ceiling offers a wonderful blend of plane and texture. It’s a favorite technique of mine.”
The master bedroom’s ensuite bathroom sits elevated on a platform, separated by a terracotta curtain. Traditional turquoise tiles, countertop stone, and an antique mirror collectively deliver a classic aesthetic.
Overcoming External Challenges
Originally, the project kickoff was set for February 2022. However, Russia’s invasion halted everything as war erupted in Ukraine. Uncertainty clouded the future. But, six months on, amidst recurring power outages and the looming threat of aerial attacks, the owner expressed her intent to proceed. Due to logistical challenges mounting because of the conflict, Victoria Kareva sourced some design items from France, where she temporarily resided. In the midst of these challenges, the commitment to exceptional design remained unwavering. The project’s continuation symbolized a resilient belief in the future and an undeterred pursuit of excellence.
Photography by Andrey Bezuglov
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- by Matt Watts
