Classic Rewind

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko

Led by Maksym Dietkovskyi, the architecture and interior design bureau Modektura Studio unveiled its latest residential project in Kyiv: an 83 m² apartment with fusion of classical elements with mid-century design pieces.

The apartment is situated in the heart of Kyiv, on Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street, within a residential building dating back to 1900, distinguished by its classical architecture featuring high ceilings. During the project analysis phase, numerous visual distractions were identified, stemming from wall niches, variations in floor height, and exposed utilities. Consequently, during the demolition stage, it was decided to refurbish the flooring and reinforce windows and openings with a metal frame. While to cultivate a sense of stability and tranquility, materials such as toned oak, marble, stainless steel, and brass were meticulously selected. Experimentally, sand was incorporated into the terrazzo flooring, while marble chips were embedded within mineral plaster on the walls, enhancing their texture and visual appeal. The apartment's distinctive features, including the spacious corridor-gallery with its windows and arches, a loggia, and a balcony, served as the cornerstone of the project's concept. The corridor, acting as the central artery, extends throughout the entire apartment, seamlessly integrating all areas into a cohesive space. The entrance is highlighted by a green colour, on the left a large round mirror is accompanied by a bench, in front of which an illuminated wooden wardrobe niche has been created. The main door was also painted the same color and features moldings following the style of the house. From here we can glimpse the choice to use arches to delimit each space instead of inserting doors. They have been enhanced to exude sophistication, achieved through the fusion of decorative molding and an inner wooden frame. Paintings and Louis Pulsen's glass pendants adorn the corridor.

An arch on the left leads to the minimalist industrial kitchen placed on the two opposite sides. On one side, cabinets with high exposed legs containing an induction hob have been inserted; above a diptych by Rostyslav Zavhorodniy is accompanied by a pair of Tratten black wall lamps by Örsjö which guarantee a light pleasant and gentle on the eyes. The rest of the appliances are integrated on the opposite side where more capacious tall furniture with small legs have been used. A space has been created in the middle for the sink with an integrated open wooden wall unit.

The loggia underwent insulation and was seamlessly incorporated into the kitchen, where a conservatory for plants was thoughtfully placed which illuminates the entire room. A wooden table with rounded edges and several chairs form the dining space. HAY's Nelson pendant lamp with spherical silhouette floats delicately above offering a soft and suggestive light. Continuing along the corridor, always on the left we find the bathroom door; in front a sculpture by Dmytro Hrek has been placed on a pedestal. The bathroom has extended shape with a large shower at the end. It has a very cosy atmosphere, given also thanks to the wood that covers the custom-made piece of furniture on one side.

Following extensive consultations with the client, it was agreed to blend classic style details with mid-century furniture from the 1930s to the 1970s, seamlessly integrating them into the apartment's ambiance. In particular, in the living room the design team opted for contemporary Atoll modular sofas in a greenish color by B&B Italia. A pair of reclining back armchairs from Cassina evoke a nostalgic retro atmosphere. A series of coffee tables different in shape and material complete the room. On one side the fireplace has been kept, a vintage, typically classic, mirror has been placed above. On the opposite part, a white bookcase was designed which extends towards a niche in the adjacent wall. The lighting also features a mix of styles. Vibia's North wall lamp gently walks the line between utilitarian function and sophisticated design. While the iconic Flos' Snoopy table lamp gives a touch of color with its orange enameled metal. For greater lighting, Ideal Lux ceiling lamps with brass finishes were inserted. In addition, the apartment's design seamlessly interacts with art in its various forms. Paintings, small décor objects, sculptures and design objects elegantly complement the interior, enriching its aesthetic depth. Another feature to note is the change of the flooring: the design team inserted the dark herringbone parquet on one part of the floor that then follows into the bedroom.

In the bedroom, a bench, a small coffee table and the floor lamp from Nemo Lighting were placed next to the window, thus creating a perfect space for reading or simply enjoying the view outside. Black stained ash, chromo-satinized steel, soft padding: a mix of elements contained in the elegant Shin bed by Porro. Walk-in closet was positioned behind it, separated by a colored glass partition with black finishes.