Located in the pedestrian zone of Landscape Alley in Kyiv, a 19th century apartment is being redesigned by Yana Molodykh. The location and architecture have influenced the interior style, which blends various styles and eras, from Belle Époque and Art Deco to mid-century modern and brutalism.
Clients
A family couple, Ukrainian and Dutchman, live and work in Dubai. The family has chosen Kyiv as their primary residence, and this choice is no coincidence: man is in love with the city, its people, and its atmosphere, while woman, deeply connected to her homeland, also wants to leave a legacy for their son on their native land so that he never forgets his roots.
Location
After a long search, their final choice fell on an apartment in a building from 1911. It is located in the so-called “Golden Triangle” — an area where the princes of Kyivan Rus once lived.
Today, this area has become one of the most sought-after by creative people and a favorite spot for both Kyiv residents and visitors to the city.
The building stands on the slope of Annalistic Hill, offering a panoramic view of Podil and the left bank of Kyiv.
It is situated in the pedestrian zone of Landscape Alley, a place adored by many for its unique topography, stunning views, lush greenery, and proximity to significant architectural landmarks.
From the old interior, only one chair has survived the entire renovation process. It is currently being restored, and we named it in honor of Felix Lvovych to preserve a piece of the previous owner’s memory in the apartment.
Request
The small apartment, with a total area of 73 square meters but boasting a ceiling height of 4 meters, was in a dilapidated state, as the last renovation had taken place back in the 1960s.
Yana, the designer, was tasked with creating a two-bedroom apartment with a walk-in closet and the maximum amount of storage space.
The respectable age of the building dictated the classical architecture of the apartment (we even managed to create a symbolic enfilade of rooms).
At the same time, the interior is a rich mix of styles and eras, ranging from Belle Époque and Art Deco to mid-century modern and brutalism.
The interior blends the classic pre-war Kyiv apartments, the chic of French apartments, and the retro mood of Milan. The apartment is decorated with masterpieces by Ukrainian art classics, custom-made furniture, exquisite French textiles, as well as vintage and designer pieces from renowned brands.
Design
The location and architecture dictated the style of the interior — hence the tall doors, classic parquet floors, and plaster moldings.
In the son’s room, we recreated the moldings that were discovered in one of my previous projects during a renovation. They were hidden behind a drywall ceiling in a 1913 building from the Kyiv Modern period.
The apartment’s area is relatively small, but we managed to create a layout that met the clients’ requirements: two bedrooms, a walk-in closet, and plenty of storage space.
Art collection
The art collection in this apartment deserves special attention.
It features works by some of the most renowned contemporary Ukrainian artists, whose creations have become part of Ukraine’s cultural heritage and are preserved in museums.
Above the sofa, there are two pieces by one of the most famous Ukrainian contemporary artists, Anatoliy Kryvolap: “Horse” (2005), “Silence” (2007), and “Summer Morning on the Lake” (2014). Additionally, there are two works by Marfa Tymchenko, a master of Petrykivka painting: “Mother” (1993) and “Flowers, My Flowers” (1996).
Facts & Credits
Title Landscape Alley
Typology Interior, Apartment
Location Kyiv (UA)
Status Completed, 2024
Architecture & Interior Design Yana Molodykh
Photography Yevhenii Avramenko
Text by the author
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