Naïve bar review - Kiev, Ukraine

A dazzling polished brass bar, plush room-dividing curtains and rich white marble accents; the levels of opulence are entirely appropriate at Naïve, a Kiev bar solely dedicated to sparkling wine.

In a clear step away from the industrial aesthetic that currently prevails in the capital’s bars, Ukrainian firm AKZ Architectura have created a space that draws on the sense of decadence and celebration that are synonymous with the bubbles served here. As such, architects Zuieva Katya and Olga Malyshenko have combined art deco-styled furniture with a powder pink and blush palette for a result that manages to be simultaneously surreal and luxe; an unfamiliar yet successful duality heightened by the presence of mirrored walls and monochrome chequered tiles throughout the 80 sq m space. Overt usage of wood and metal has been abandoned in favour of a gentle exploration of textures — velvet and suede abound amongst the upholstered seating — while bursts of patterned wallpaper and globed lighting fixtures bring Naive in line with contemporary design trends and give visitors plenty of reasons to toast.