Minimalist Kyiv apartment designed as a calming oasis
Created by Dubrovska Studio, the space features a visually noiseless interior palette with discreet design details
![Blue edra sofa by Francesco Binfare](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9wz9Jmk8H8fDSuATpiWQj8-415-80.jpg)
Ukrainian designer Natalie Dubrovska of Dubrovska Studio created the minimalist interiors for a Kyiv apartment. Responding to the client’s request to balance a busy life with a calming interior environment, the designer created a place that combines distinctive design gestures with an essential aesthetic.
Kitchen and dining area, with upholstered dining chairs by Monica Förster for Artifort
Visually noiseless, the apartment interiors feature a white and grey palette, with rounded corners that further soften the space with a muffling effect. The only colours in the space are offered by the sofa, by Francesco Binfaré for Edra, its asymmetric forms and deep blue velvet upholstery creating a strong presence in the living area. The sofa’s shape-shifting nature allows the furniture piece to perform different functions in the room, with different seating approaches created by changing the placement of cushions.
The same shade is replicated in the bathrooms, where the colour is used for the sink and a small shelving alcove in the shower, and in the office chair, by Jaime Hayon.
The study, with chair by Jaime Hayon for &tradition
The entrance is defined by a dressing room area with a concealed study space on one side, flanked by Rimadesio wardrobes in the same tones as the apartment, while in the open living space a monochromatic kitchen and dining area features a lacquered white table and elegant dining chairs by Monica Förster for Artifort. Responding to the client’s request to keep appliances out of sight, the designer created white and grey cabinets that offer a discreet hiding place, contributing to the minimalist effect in the room.
‘Cooperation with the client was a unique and fascinating experience,’ comments Dubrovska. ‘Her references were not photos of interiors but more abstract pictures like a photo of the sundown or a Pink Floyd album cover. I had to process all those images to find the solution of how to express that emotion in a material area. Eventually, we found a concept that reflects this perfectionism and lateral beauty perception.’
Bed by Francesco Binfaré for Edra
A frosted glass window in the bathroom, with the bedroom plants visible on the other side
Dressing room with wardrobes by Rimadesio
An custom designed alcove in the kids' bedroom, featuring Puppy by Eero Aarnio for Magis
A blue sink in the bathroom
The apartment's walls feature rounded corners
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Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.
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