Blending Vintage Charm and Modern Minimalism in Kyiv Apartment

Architectural design studio Between the Walls took on the challenge of transforming a 721-square-foot apartment in Kyiv’s Comfort Town complex into a space where old-world nostalgia meets modern minimalism. Located on the 16th floor, the Old&New apartment offers sweeping views of the Dnipro River and Kyiv’s urban landscape, perfectly capturing the mix of calm and bustle that defines the homeowner’s lifestyle.

Modern living room with a pink sofa, wooden shelves, and a green archway mirror. A dining table with chairs is in the foreground, and a large window with beige curtains is in the background.

The apartment is designed for a client who embraces both a healthy lifestyle and a deep sense of individuality. An avid traveler and active participant in social causes, the homeowner’s vision went beyond typical aesthetic goals, focusing on practical elements that support her well-being. The resulting space reflects her values and personality, with clever design choices that blend functionality and visual appeal.

A modern kitchen with vibrant green cabinetry featuring a built-in oven. A wooden dining table with matching chairs is nearby. The space includes white walls, an exposed concrete ceiling, and minimal decor.

The design of this one-bedroom apartment is both striking and intentional. The green kitchen cabinet, for instance, is not just a bold visual centerpiece but also a multifunctional unit that conceals appliances and storage spaces. Inspired by American minimalist Donald Judd, the kitchen table and shelving units maintain a clean, refined simplicity that contrasts with the more textured and nostalgic elements of the home.

Modern kitchen with a brown lower cabinet, marble backsplash and countertop, and a white upper cabinet with glass doors. Equipped with a sink on the left and an electric cooktop on the right.

Modern kitchen with a marble backsplash and countertop, white upper cabinets, and wooden lower cabinets. A green pendant light hangs above a wooden table with a red chair.

Modern dining area with a wooden table, four chairs, and pendant lights. Red chairs contrast with wooden ones. A shelf with decor items is on the wall, and a green cabinet is visible on the right.

A minimalist dining area with a wooden table, red and wooden chairs, green cabinet, and hanging light. Open wooden wall shelves hold books and decor items.

A minimalist dining area with a red chair, a wooden table, hanging shelves with books, and a green pendant light. A plate of pastries is on the table, and a wooden chest is placed against the wall.

One of the standout features of the living room is a plush pale pink sofa that serves as the seating for movie watching via a projector. Suspended from the ceiling and a specially treated wall for optimal image projection, the apartment transforms into a personal cinema – reflecting the client’s desire for high-end amenities without unnecessary excess.

Modern living room with pink sofa, wall-mounted wooden shelves holding books, a ceiling projector, black wall lamp, and beige curtains. Geometric patterned rug on the floor.

Modern living room featuring a pink sofa, white coffee table, and a wall-mounted shelving unit with books and decor items. A ceiling-mounted projector and floor-to-ceiling curtains are also visible.

A minimalist living room with a beige armchair, a floor lamp, a potted plant, a wooden cabinet, and a white coffee table holding a magazine.

A minimalist room featuring a beige armchair, a standing lamp, a tall radiator, and a potted green plant beside a large window with beige curtains. The floor has a light-colored rug with geometric patterns.

A minimalist bedroom with a wooden bed, a desk near the window, white walls, and a ceiling fan.

The bedroom strikes a warm and familiar tone with vintage carpets, rounded lighting, and wooden details that evoke the comfort of a grandparent’s home, a request from the client. These design elements are thoughtfully juxtaposed with the industrial edge of exposed concrete ceilings. A striking wooden propeller doubling as a light fixture and ceiling fan offers a whimsical touch to the room, merging the traditional with the unconventional.

A bedroom with natural tones features a bed with neutral bedding, six botanical prints on the wall, terracotta curtains, a small nightstand with a white pendant light, and a ceiling fan.

A round mirror reflecting a bedroom with orange curtains, a window with a white shade, and part of a neatly made bed with white bedding and a bedside table.

A cozy bedroom with an adjacent bathroom separated by an orange curtain. The bathroom features green tiles and a bathtub. The bedroom has a wooden bed and framed art on the wall.

In the primary bathroom, the aesthetic takes a vintage turn, with green tiles, stone countertops, and an antique-style mirror creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and fresh. The bathtub, slightly elevated on a podium and shielded by a terracotta curtain, offers an oasis within the urban landscape – ideal for unwinding after a busy day in the city.

A bathroom vanity with a marble countertop, wooden cabinets, a large ornate mirror, and green tiled walls is partially obscured by a rust-colored curtain. A round light fixture is mounted on the wall.

Originally scheduled to begin in early 2022, the project faced significant delays due to the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Despite the unpredictable circumstances, the client decided to resume the renovation later, a testament to her determination to move forward and reclaim a sense of normalcy.

A bathroom features dark green tiled walls, matching green marble countertop, gold fixtures, and a large mirror with intricate gold edging. An elegant sconce with a round bulb is mounted on the wall.

While Kyiv struggled with power outages and the constant threat of air raids, the design team navigated supply chain issues, sourcing materials internationally. With chief designer Victoria Karieva temporarily residing in France, crucial items were imported to ensure the project’s completion. This resourcefulness gives nod to the studio’s resilience and commitment to delivering high-quality designs, even in the most challenging conditions.

A bathroom with green tiled walls, a gold showerhead, and gold fixtures. An orange-brown shower curtain and two bottles are placed on the built-in shelf.

Minimalist bathroom with a green tiled wall, a white wall-mounted toilet, gray floor tiles, and wooden cabinets with two doors above the toilet.

A teardrop-shaped mirror in a beige-tiled bathroom reflects a person applying lipstick. Below the mirror, a white sink and gold faucet are mounted on a thin shelf.