Olga Akulova installs glass walls and monolithic fireplace within Kyiv penthouse

Rina Lovko Studio undertook the redesign of a 2,200-square-foot apartment in Kyiv's Pecherskyi district, situated on the ninth floor of a circular tower. The apartment initially presented an unconventional, hand-fan-shaped floor plan with five enclosed rooms, which Rina Lovko noted as a challenge that precluded standard design approaches but also provided an opportunity for innovative design. The objective was to transform the space into an open, airy, and artful environment, catering to the clients' preference for flowing lines and maximizing the abundant natural light from the curved window wall. The redesign focused on integrating three of the original rooms into a single kitchen, dining, and living area, better suiting the lifestyle of the young, culinary-minded couple. The kitchen was conceived as a highly functional space for communal cooking and entertaining, featuring a large island topped with glazed porcelain tiles that mimic the irregular edges of handmade terra-cotta. The base cabinetry and a custom bar-height table, both crafted from painted MDF, introduce vibrant color accents that contrast with the exposed concrete of the apartment's architecture. The selection of materials and finishes, such as the porcelain tiles and painted MDF, was aimed at balancing aesthetic appeal with practical durability. The living area was designed to evoke a gallery-like atmosphere, characterized by minimalist furnishings arranged as freestanding sculptural elements. A key design strategy was the incorporation of extensive built-in storage solutions to eliminate clutter and maintain the area's clean, open feel. Lovko emphasized the creation of 'hidden areas' to store household items and relieve the main living space of visual distractions. This approach extended to a spacious dressing room located between the main and guest bedrooms, which includes a transparent, custom-designed wardrobe that doubles as a display case for clothing. Light penetration was a significant consideration throughout the design. A frosted glass wall was installed to separate the dressing room from the main circulation route, allowing natural light to extend into the landlocked main bathroom. This thoughtful integration of transparent and translucent materials ensured that even interior spaces received adequate illumination, contributing to the overall airiness of the apartment. Despite the use of rigorous architectural forms, strict lines, and minimal furnishings, the design successfully created a cozy and inviting environment, challenging the perception that minimalist design cannot be warm. The article highlights specific product sources and designers, including a wool-linen rug by Yuriy Zimenko, a Gaetano Pesce Serie Up 2000 lounge, Shane Schneck’s Bowler table, Barber & Osgerby’s Lane glazed porcelain tile, Iskos-Berlin’s felt Dancing pendant, and Tim Rundle’s TR Bulb pendant fixture, among others. Custom furniture fabrication and glasswork were handled by Bassa, with local distribution partners Davis Casa and Svetoria. #KyivApartment #RinaLovkoStudio #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #OpenConceptLiving #CustomFurniture #MinimalistDesign #InnovativeLayout #ResidentialDesign

Ater Architects, a Ukrainian architecture and interiors studio, renovated a 65-square-metre apartment in Kyiv, named EGR Apartment, for a young couple. The original layout was cramped and compartmentalized, featuring separate rooms connected by corridors. The clients requested a light and minimalist space, leading Ater Architects to remove most of the internal partition walls to create an open-plan design. In this transformed space, cobalt-blue curtains are employed in place of traditional walls to define distinct zones within the apartment. The only area fully separated by walls is the bedroom. The blue curtains serve as a contrasting element against an otherwise monochromatic color and material palette, with the aim of introducing a vigorous colored accent while maintaining brightness and airiness. For structural considerations, the ceiling in the kitchen and bathroom areas was lowered to accommodate ventilation systems. In the rest of the apartment, the existing concrete slab ceiling was painted white, contributing to the minimalist aesthetic. For the flooring, wide plank oak engineered flooring was used throughout most of the apartment. The kitchen and bathroom, however, feature a unique breccia flooring, which is composed of fragments of broken marble bound with polymer grout. In the kitchen, black ceramic tiles with pink grout, which complements the cylindrical base of a custom-designed dining table, were installed. Oak veneer cabinets and a copper Flowerpot lamp, designed by Verner Panton in 1968, were incorporated to add warmth to the space. The living room features a powder-pink sofa, providing another soft contrast to the striking blue curtains. A white 265 wall lamp by Paolo Rizzatto for Flos illuminates the area. The clients explicitly requested no television or projector in the living room, intending it as a space for communication. Instead, the room's focal point is a graphic artwork by Yulia Popova. A specific request from the apartment owner was the inclusion of a dedicated workspace for composing electronic music. Ater Architects designed a custom table to accommodate the necessary equipment. Above this table, a photograph of the cult Berlin techno-club Berghain by Michael Belhadi is displayed. Other custom-designed furniture pieces include an oak dressing table with a round backlit mirror in the bedroom, which is separated from the main bedroom area by the same blue curtains, and a spacious wardrobe. Integrated oak veneer cabinets throughout the apartment provide hidden storage solutions. Mirrored panels in the living room, bathroom, and bedroom strategically create an illusion of expanded space. Ater Architects, founded by Alexander Ivasiv and Yuliya Tkachenko, has previously undertaken projects such as designing colorful interiors for a children's clinic in Kyiv. The use of curtains as flexible and colorful room dividers is noted as a practical option for apartment renovations, drawing a parallel to another project by Azab where pale blue curtains were used to divide an open-plan apartment in Bilbao, Spain. #ApartmentRenovation #KyivArchitecture #AterArchitects #MinimalistInteriorDesign #CurtainWalls #OpenPlanLiving #CustomFurniture #InteriorDesign #SmallApartment

New Delhi-based Architect Aparna Kaushik presents a collection of meticulously designed foyer areas, showcasing her expertise in blending classical aesthetics with contemporary sophistication. Her design philosophy emphasizes grace, precision, and impact, evident in these transitional spaces that evoke a sense of old-world charm while maintaining modern elegance. Kaushik's approach integrates fundamental design principles such as symmetry and balance, creating visually appealing and harmonious entryways. Each foyer design is tailored to user preferences, featuring classic elements like chandeliers, decorative photo frames, and gargoyles that contribute to a vintage ambiance. The flooring designs are carefully chosen to complement the walls and ceilings, ensuring a cohesive and integrated aesthetic. A notable feature in one design is the use of perfect concentric inlay flooring, which stands out for its exquisite beauty and symmetrical precision, instantly capturing attention. Another example highlights a coffered ceiling paired with subtly curved furniture pieces, combined with contemporary details to create a charming classical look. A vaulted ceiling in a different foyer area imparts a sense of lofty grandeur, with the inclusion of a vintage light fixture, a fireplace, and intricate wall details that reinforce its historical allure. These elements collectively contribute to the overall vintage appeal and sophisticated character of the spaces. Aparna Kaushik is the founding principal and design director of an eponymous design-and-build firm, offering comprehensive services across architecture, interiors, furniture, lighting, product design, and landscaping. Her design ethos is rooted in a thoughtful synthesis of art and architectural history, merging classical composition with modern flair and practical exactitude. This allows her to seamlessly incorporate clients' explicit requirements and subtle preferences into her creations. Her diverse portfolio encompasses luxury estates, intimate boutiques, commercial establishments, retail outlets, spas, pubs, and restaurants, all characterized by impeccable functionality and striking aesthetics. The firm focuses on delivering designs that are both functional and visually compelling, maintaining a high standard across all projects. #AparnaKaushik #FoyerDesign #InteriorDesign #ClassicalDesign #LuxuryEstates #ProductDesign #CofferedCeiling #VaultedCeiling #VintageAllure

Amidst the challenging early months of the invasion of Ukraine, an apartment in Kyiv underwent a transformative renovation, showcasing both creativity and resilience. The '2BM Apartment' project, led by architects Volodymyr Petrunok, Roman Savchuk, and Olexandra Alioshkina of TOP LAB Interiors, aimed to create a vibrant and functional living space despite budget constraints. The 560-square-foot apartment was designed for rental purposes, prompting a resourceful approach to materials and a bold experimentation with color. The design philosophy for the 2BM Apartment centered on trust and a willingness to take risks with unconventional aesthetics. The client's initial skepticism about a particular shade of green for the kitchen cabinets ultimately paved the way for an exploration of diverse colors and materials throughout the space. This bold choice became a defining characteristic of the project, establishing a lively and unconventional atmosphere. Primary colors are strategically employed to create visual interest and delineate different zones within the apartment. The kitchen features vibrant green cabinets juxtaposed with white square tiles and blue grout, creating a striking focal point. In the open living area, contrasting bright blue curtains provide balance and depth, complementing the bold kitchen design. The dining area continues this theme with a red pedestal table and matching red artwork on the wall. The bedroom offers a calmer ambiance with warm-toned walls and textiles, yet still incorporates a pop of color through a Yves Klein blue colored shelf. Resourcefulness is evident in a bedside table crafted from leftover tiles. A hidden element of surprise is introduced with a cherry red interior for the closet, revealed when the floor-to-ceiling white curtains are opened. The entrance features a bold blue sliding door made of polycarbonate plastic, echoing the blue tile grout used elsewhere in the apartment. The bathroom maintains the colorful concept with a yellow glass partition for the shower/tub, a red cabinet supporting the sink, and the consistent blue grout application. These deliberate color choices and material selections transform the compact apartment into a dynamic and visually engaging space, demonstrating that design innovation can flourish even under challenging circumstances. #KyivApartment #InteriorDesign #PrimaryColors #SmallSpaceDesign #ColorfulInteriors #ModernDesign #TOPLABInteriors #DesignInnovation

In Siberia, interior designer Elena Rybalkina has completed the "Art House" project, a 1,615-square-foot residence designed to highlight the creative spirit of a family of artists. The home integrates an explosion of colors, textures, forms, and mixed-media art, challenging conventional perceptions of Siberian design. A key feature of the residence is its three substantial studio galleries, which are interconnected and serve multiple functions, including showcasing the owners' paintings and photographs, hosting parties, acting as a meeting space, and providing a quiet reading nook. Rybalkina emphasized mobility and variability in all components of the design, selecting interior items that are both comfortable for relaxation and resemble art objects themselves. The design strategy includes distinctive flooring choices. In the more traditional areas like the bedroom, kitchen, and living room, terrazzo flooring features a geometric design conceived by Rybalkina. The kitchen, despite its small size, makes a strong statement with matte black facades contrasting against a walnut backsplash. The living room takes a more avant-garde approach with glossy self-leveling floors that have had paint directly poured onto them, explicitly emphasizing the creative purpose of the space. This free-spirited painting motif extends into the ceramics studio, where paint was intentionally splattered onto the walls to create natural, whimsical color spots. The color palette is dominated by graphite and ultramarine, which are complemented by raw textures such as untouched concrete blocks and fragments of brickwork. These textural elements provide a rich background, allowing the furniture to stand out prominently. Rybalkina articulated that the diverse range of interiors is intended to foster liberation and creative activity, ultimately cultivating a cozy atmosphere that feels like a distinct "own world" for the residents. The project also focused on practical enhancements, with the initial step involving the expansion of windows to maximize natural light and airflow throughout the home. Each area of the house is thoughtfully designed to serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. For instance, the staircases are not merely transitional elements but are also designed to offer comfortable seating. The bedroom, while maintaining a more subdued anthracite tone, is enlivened by exaggerated forms, adding an artistic touch even to personal spaces. A neon slogan installed in the house encapsulates Rybalkina's design philosophy, serving as a motivation and instruction for the home's operation: "impressions of the environment, creativity without templates and restrictions, personal perception of reality, and personalization—all this is embedded in the interior." This slogan underscores the bespoke and artist-centric approach taken in the Art House, making it a unique and inspiring living environment tailored to its creative inhabitants. #SiberianDesign #ArtHouse #InteriorDesign #ElenaRybalkina #CreativeResidence #ArtStudios #TexturalInteriors #GeometricDesign #ModernLiving

Artist and architect Inés Esnal has unveiled her Prism installation, transforming the lobby of a new residential building in New York City. The artwork utilizes colorful elastic ropes to create intricate triangular formations that serve to filter light, producing a dynamic interplay of vivid colors and optical illusions. This installation provides a stark and compelling contrast to the lobby's existing concrete walls, injecting an element of artistic vibrancy into the otherwise stark architectural setting. The Prism installation is characterized by its use of stretched elastic ropes, meticulously arranged to form geometric patterns. These ropes, varying in color, intersect and overlap, creating a complex web that interacts with the ambient light. As light passes through these colored strands, it is fractured and dispersed, casting a spectrum of hues across the lobby space. This optical phenomenon changes throughout the day, depending on the angle and intensity of natural light, offering a constantly evolving visual experience for residents and visitors. The design intention behind Prism is to introduce an element of surprise and visual engagement within a functional architectural space. By contrasting the inherent rigidity and monochromatic nature of concrete with the fluidity and vibrant palette of the elastic ropes, Esnal challenges conventional perceptions of lobby design. The installation effectively redefines the entrance area, transforming it from a transitional zone into an immersive artistic environment. Esnal's work often explores the relationship between art, architecture, and human perception. In Prism, she employs principles of geometry and optics to manipulate space and light, thereby creating an illusory depth and movement within a static structure. The triangular shapes formed by the ropes evoke the concept of prisms, which are known for their ability to refract light into its constituent colors. This not only imbues the space with aesthetic appeal but also invites viewers to contemplate the scientific and artistic principles at play. The installation aims to enhance the sensory experience of the building's occupants, offering a momentary escape from the urban environment. The selection of elastic ropes as the primary material allows for flexibility in form and an ethereal quality that belies the material's strength. This choice also contributes to the lightweight and seemingly gravity-defying appearance of the artwork, further emphasizing its illusory nature. The vibrant colors chosen are intended to evoke a sense of energy and warmth, counteracting the potentially cold aesthetic of modern concrete architecture. The overall effect is one of harmony between the artistic intervention and the architectural context, demonstrating how art can profoundly alter and enrich built environments. #ArchitecturalInstallation #PublicArt #LobbyDesign #InesEsnal #OpticalIllusions #ElasticRopeArt #NYCArchitecture #ColorTheory #GeometricArt

Perched on the 26th floor overlooking Kyiv's Dnipro River, this 1,141-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment, known as the "Apartment with a Lizard," represents a bold and surrealist design vision by Ukrainian studio Metric Bureau. Designed for a creative couple and their cat, the apartment blends dramatic aesthetics with functional living spaces, fulfilling the clients' desire for both a cosmic carnival flair and areas for quiet reflection. Designer Svitlana Moskalenko noted the clients' openness to risk-taking, which allowed for a unique and emotionally resonant interior. The apartment's design journey begins in a monochrome red entryway, encompassing walls, ceiling, and lighting, creating an immediate immersive experience. This vibrant space is separated from the main living area by sliding glass panels. The living room, anchored in deep green, features a striking circular opening lined with faux fur, which serves as a meditative focal point, inviting inhabitants to engage with the city skyline. The balcony beyond this portal is tiled in a rippling, water-like pattern, enhancing the connection to the outdoors. Furnishings in the living room include Ukrainian-made pieces like a blue L-shaped sofa by SVOYA Studio, a sculptural Woo armchair, and a mushroom-like Pecherytsia coffee table. The built-in metal shelving is backed with Alpi veneer, a material designed by postmodern master Ettore Sottsass, adding an artistic touch to the display of books and objects. The entryway also incorporates practical metal shelves for shoes and cleverly hidden panels for technical systems. The kitchen continues the distinctive aesthetic with cabinetry matching the living area's green, contrasted by a mirrored concrete pylon that visually expands the space. Red Alpi veneer accents the upper cabinets, complementing a whimsical portrait of a lizard in formal attire by Ukrainian artist Valery Kuznetsov, which presides over the area. A circular dining table is surrounded by mismatched red and white chairs, illuminated by a felt pendant lamp from Danish brand Audo, contributing to the playful atmosphere. The bedroom is designed for fantasy and comfort, centered around an oversized custom bed that offers over 75 square feet of sleeping space. Italian wallpaper by Wall&Deco and an eclipse-inspired mirror create a dreamy ambiance. Theatrical elements such as a fringe-trimmed vanity and lamps are present, with chain curtains revealing an all-black dressing room. The bathroom maintains the dramatic theme with contrasting cobalt walls, a striking red sink and shelving, and a discreet, cat-friendly entrance to the litter box. The balcony, further enhancing the surrealist theme, is clad in Seletti water-like floor tiles and black mosaic tile walls, along with stepped benches, evoking the feel of a swimming pool. This apartment serves as a testament to daring design, where every detail contributes to a narrative that blurs the lines between everyday life and a fantastical stage. #KyivApartment #SurrealistDesign #MetricBureau #InteriorDesignUkraine #BoldInteriors #ColorContrast #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalDetails #ModernLiving

This article details the transformation of a 1907 San Francisco shingled house in the Richmond district, bordering the Presidio, through a comprehensive remodel led by architect Malcolm Davis. The homeowners, Jen and Adrian, sought to integrate modern design elements while preserving the home's historic character, addressing issues such as a disjointed layout and an unusable backyard. Davis's philosophy centers on exposing the 'bones' of old houses and introducing natural light, which was crucial for this project given San Francisco's often gloomy climate. The renovation involved strategically removing interior walls and installing a large support beam to create an expansive, open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area on the first floor. A significant change was lowering the floor of a conversation area next to the kitchen, directly connecting it to a new, multi-level rear garden through wide glass doors. This reconfigured the main living space to be more open and family-friendly, while the front entry, formal living room with its original bay window, and staircase were largely kept intact, yet now feel connected to the brighter rear. A key aspect of the remodel was the innovative use of skylights and glass. The attic transformation was particularly impactful, allowing daylight to penetrate from the third floor down to the front entry. This was achieved by adding a new stairwell to access a top-floor office, which features a low glass wall and skylights behind it. The light travels through the office, through the glass wall, and then into the main stairwell, where the ceiling was opened to expose framing, creating a dramatic and bright effect throughout the house. The backyard, previously unusable, was converted into a functional, low-maintenance outdoor space with concrete seating and hardy plants, mirroring the interior layout with distinct outdoor dining, cooking, and lounge areas. This integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces was a primary goal for the homeowners and architect. The interior design carefully balances modern and traditional aesthetics. Jen, with her master's degree in architecture, emphasized maintaining traditional details like trim in certain areas while introducing modern elements where appropriate. The home features a striking contrast between light and dark, with rich stained floors, Simply White walls, and a combination of Marine Black soapstone and Pure White Caesarstone countertops. Unlacquered brass fixtures are used throughout, adding a subtle metallic glow that patinas over time. The primary bathroom benefits from two skylights, allowing light from opposite exposures to illuminate the Heron Blue variegated Heath tile, creating dynamic visual changes throughout the day. While common areas are bright and inviting, bedrooms are designed as quiet, cocoon-like retreats with thick curtains and dark, moody paint colors like Farrow & Ball Railings and Bancha. The home also incorporates inherited pieces, like Jen's grandmother's dining table, mixed with modern furnishings, reflecting a personal and eclectic style. #HomeRenovation #SanFranciscoArchitecture #ModernDesign #HistoricPreservation #Skylights #GlassWalls #IndoorOutdoorLiving #InteriorDesign #GardenDesign #ArchitecturalRemodel

StudioTamat, a Rome-based architectural firm, has undertaken the renovation of an 80-square-metre "villino" in the heart of Rome, situated within the courtyard of a late-19th-century building on Viale di Trastevere. The project, known as RA House, was designed to create a sense of spaciousness and vibrancy for a couple who split their time between multiple residences. The intervention strategically employs elements of color, transparency, and reflection to achieve this objective within the compact three-level property. The design ethos centers on amplifying spatial dynamism while maintaining a coherent aesthetic that nods to the existing charm of the villino and the lively Trastevere neighborhood. Architects Matteo Soddu, Tommaso Amato, and Valentina Paiola spearheaded the transformation, which involved a significant rethinking of the vertical arrangement of the house. A key modification was the replacement of part of the original first-floor mezzanine with a structural glass floor. This innovative feature establishes a direct visual connection between the ground-floor living areas and the bedroom located above, promoting a more open and integrated living experience. Further enhancing the feeling of openness, a void was introduced into this new glass floor, creating a double-height lightwell. This lightwell is complemented by a new window, allowing natural light to permeate deeper into the interior. Mirrored ceilings are strategically incorporated throughout the house, contributing to an illusion of expanded space and vertical infinity. These reflective surfaces work in conjunction with the transparent elements to dematerialize boundaries and make the relatively small footprint feel significantly larger. A central blue volume acts as a functional core, extending between two levels. On the lower floor, it neatly houses the kitchen and utility spaces, while on the upper level, it accommodates an en-suite bathroom. This clever integration of services within a unified volume optimizes space and maintains visual continuity. The circulation within the house is also thoughtfully designed; a bookshelf ingeniously doubles as a space-saving staircase connecting the two main floors, while a spiral staircase provides access to the second floor, which serves as a flexible study or guest room. In addition to these structural and spatial interventions, the project meticulously restored the art-nouveau-style stained glass, which now forms an orangery at the entrance, infusing the space with shades of green, orange, and yellow. New materials are introduced with a discerning eye, including Verde Alpi marble, which is prominently featured as a podium at the base of the chestnut wood staircase and on kitchen surfaces. Fluted glass is used for partitions in the upstairs en-suite, offering a degree of privacy while maintaining light and an open feel. The kitchen also showcases metal cabinets with an ombre effect, fading from rose-gold to black. The interior is furnished with a mix of contemporary and vintage pieces, including a concrete table, vintage Thonet chairs, and a custom-made bed, providing the final touches to a sophisticated and spatially efficient urban residence. The project successfully blends historical preservation with modern design principles, creating a functional, elegant, and seemingly expansive home within its compact Roman setting. #StudioTamat #RAHouse #RomeArchitecture #VillinoRenovation #GlassFloors #MirrorCeilings #SpatialDynamism #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture

This article investigates a specific claim made by Instagram personality Caroline Calloway regarding a 'real Murano-glass Venetian chandelier' valued at over $3,000, which she listed as an improvement to an apartment she rented. Calloway, known for her online presence and a past book deal controversy, recently vacated a New York apartment, leaving it in a state of disarray. Her landlord subsequently conducted renovations, listed the apartment for rent, and initiated a lawsuit against Calloway for unpaid rent. In her legal defense, Calloway cited several improvements she allegedly made to the apartment, including the aforementioned chandelier, arguing these should offset the outstanding rent. Photographic evidence submitted in court documents, depicting the apartment before renovation, shows a distinctive light fixture with some filigree near the front door. Post-renovation images reveal a standard 'boob light' in the same location, indicating the original fixture was removed. Further investigation into Calloway's past social media posts, specifically a 2016 Instagram image from her former London apartment, shows what appears to be the identical fixture. The article also references a photo accompanying an earlier news story about Calloway's departure from New York, which also features the blue glass globe and clear pendant crystals of the chandelier. The fixture is characterized by a blue glass globe and clear pendant crystals, suspended from metalwork described as 'tole.' The article points out that similar tole-light fixtures are readily available on online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy. A comparable chandelier with a simpler blue glass globe was found listed for $329. Numerous variations in color, such as red, white, pink, and clear glass, are also accessible, often specializing from certain Etsy dealers who offer these fixtures cleaned and rewired, alongside matching sconces. The pricing of these fixtures consistently falls within a few hundred dollars, significantly below Calloway's asserted $3,000 valuation. Some dealers attribute the glass components of these chandeliers to Fenton Art Glass, an American company established in 1905, still operational today in jewelry bead production. While acknowledging the remote possibility that the blue glass bubble could genuinely be from the Venetian island of Murano, the article suggests that Calloway's use of 'Murano' might be more about evoking a certain aesthetic or 'vibe' rather than an accurate description of its origin or material. The author critically notes that the overall design of the chandelier appears to have little in common with authentic Italian craftsmanship, drawing a comparison to American chain restaurant decor. The article concludes by humorously speculating that the exaggerated valuation might stem from an opportunistic seller taking advantage of a buyer prone to impulsive spending, implying that Calloway herself might have been 'scammed' into believing the fixture's inflated worth. #CarolineCalloway #Chandelier #MuranoGlass #ApartmentRenovation #DesignInvestigation #RealEstateLawsuit #OnlineMarketplaces #HomeDecor #SocialMediaPersonality

The Prisma Lighting Series, created by Lucie Koldova, artistic director of Brokis, draws inspiration from Brutalist architecture, a design movement often associated with large-scale, raw concrete buildings. Koldova's approach reinterprets this style for smaller, interior objects, specifically lighting fixtures. The collection is characterized by its inherent strength and structural qualities, reflecting the foundational principles of Brutalism. The name "Prisma" directly refers to the decagonal metal prism structure that forms the core of each lighting piece. This geometric form is crucial to the design, as it interacts with light in a dynamic way, creating varied reflections depending on the observer's viewing angle. The angular, robust nature of the metal prism contrasts with the softer elements of the design, creating a balanced aesthetic. Complementing the metal prism, each end of the fixture features a handblown glass sphere. These glass spheres are responsible for emitting light and are designed to illuminate unexpected shapes and patterns from within, adding an artistic and intricate dimension to the otherwise straightforward Brutalist inspiration. The combination of industrial-grade metal and delicate handblown glass highlights a thoughtful interplay of materials and textures. The Prisma series offers versatility in its application, being available as both a pendant light and a table lamp. This dual offering allows the lights to be integrated into various interior settings, serving different functional and aesthetic needs. The collection also comes in three distinct finishes: brushed steel, galvanized yellow zinc gloss, and galvanized yellow zinc matte. These finish options provide designers and homeowners with choices to match different interior palettes and desired visual effects, from a sleek, modern look to a more industrial or rustic feel. When incorporated into an interior space, the Prisma lighting series aims to introduce an industrial and architectural element. The strong lines and geometric forms of the lights contribute to a sense of structure and modernity within a room. Despite this emphasis on form and material strength, the design simultaneously prioritizes the creation of a soft and inviting ambiance. The interaction of light with the prism and glass spheres is engineered to produce a gentle, diffused glow, ensuring that the lights enhance the atmosphere rather than overpowering it. This balance between raw industrialism and gentle illumination is a hallmark of the Prisma series, making it a distinctive addition to contemporary home furnishings. #PrismaLighting #BrutalistArchitecture #LucieKoldova #Brokis #GeometricDesign #HandblownGlass #InteriorLighting #IndustrialDesign #HomeFurnishings

Anastasia Mirzoyan, founder of Kyiv design firm Anastasia Mirzoyan Bureau, addresses the modern need for individualized housing that meets residents' contemporary lifestyles. Her recent project involves a 650-square-foot apartment within a house built in 1874 in Kyiv's historic district, designed for a client who identifies as a 'citizen of the world' and appreciates both the Bauhaus aesthetic and Kyiv's vibrant art scene. The client sought a flexible home base that could accommodate a minimalist lifestyle, described as one that 'should fit into a backpack.' Mirzoyan's design strategy involves a primary bisection of the apartment into distinct public and private zones. Further division within these zones is achieved through strategic furnishing and custom installations. For instance, open shelving units are custom-designed to separate the sleeping area from the social spaces, optimizing the apartment's compact footprint. A significant feature is a monumental green marble island that serves multiple functions: it discretely separates the kitchen from the bathing area and cleverly conceals all necessary appliances, contributing to a streamlined and uncluttered aesthetic. In homage to the apartment's historical context, Mirzoyan intentionally left certain enclosing structures exposed to showcase the original brickwork. This decision integrates the apartment's past with its modern design, creating a dialogue between old and new. The central element of the home is a custom wood table, positioned in the apartment's core. This versatile piece functions as a hub for various activities, including socializing, working, and dining, embodying a modern approach to multi-functional living spaces. Throughout the apartment, the design incorporates a blend of vintage and contemporary furniture and lighting. A vintage sofa is illuminated by a Muuto floor lamp, while a custom bed by Woodwerk is complemented by a Hay lamp on a Muuto table. The dining area features an &tradition; pendant light hanging above the custom table, which is paired with chairs by Enea. Artistic elements are also present, with a painting by Masha Reva adorning the dining area wall, near a rug by Massimo Copenhagen. The kitchen cabinetry is custom-made by UA Makers, reinforcing the bespoke nature of the design. The use of distinctive materials further enhances the aesthetic. The green marble island, sourced from Guatemala, acts as a focal point, providing both visual interest and practical utility. Graphic floor tiles by Topcer are used in certain areas, adding a modern touch, while green tiling by Detiles Mosaic Tiles define the powder room, maintaining a cohesive color palette and luxurious feel. The overall design successfully marries the client's desire for a Bauhaus-inspired, minimalist, and adaptable living space with the historical character of the building, creating a contemporary yet respectful renovation. #BauhausAesthetic #ApartmentDesign #KyivArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #InteriorRenovation #CustomFurniture #HistoricPreservation

This article details the transformation of a 925-square-foot apartment in Almaty, Kazakhstan, by designer Elina Mussakulova of sdelaemremont.kz. Initially, the apartment presented significant challenges, including an unpleasant odor due to faulty plumbing, and a long, uninteresting layout described as trailer-like. Mussakulova's primary goal was to make the space welcoming and visually appealing for the new owner, Raushan. Upon entering the renovated apartment, guests are now greeted by handcrafted Metlakh floor tiles and a retro GPO Bermuda record player in the foyer, replacing the previous issues. A major design hurdle involved load-bearing transoms in the living room and bedroom that were awkwardly placed. Instead of concealing them, the design team decided to highlight these architectural elements with plaster corbels. Similarly, the long, seismic corridor was transformed into a series of nicely framed passageways, effectively addressing what was once considered a significant aesthetic problem. The kitchen's design originated from a unique wallpaper by Zak + Fox featuring monkeys, chosen because it reminded Mussakulova of the client's active personality and curly red hair. The purple fruit depicted in the wallpaper inspired the color choice for the kitchen cabinets, establishing a personalized and vibrant theme. A notable decision involved connecting the bathroom directly to the kitchen to create a more spacious entry hall. To mitigate the issue of a toilet next to the oven, a small room was ingeniously built within the bathroom to discreetly house the toilet. The apartment also features resourceful storage solutions, such as a yellow freestanding cabinet found at a flea market. Although its wood was in poor condition, painting it gave it a new lease on life, demonstrating a creative approach to repurposing. The homeowner's preference for a soft bench in the kitchen over a narrow island with stools was adopted, contributing to the kitchen's intended function as a relaxed social gathering area rather than solely a cooking space. This client's infrequent cooking habits allowed for the use of a tiled countertop, an unconventional material choice that perfectly suited her lifestyle. A rolling library ladder was a non-negotiable element for the designer, incorporated to visually heighten the ceiling and add a whimsical touch. The project also involved collaborating with a plaster specialist for the first time, who created custom plaster corbels under the transoms, adding intricate detail. The article highlights the use of stained-glass doors, a new and highly successful feature for the design team, which they plan to incorporate into future projects. These doors, despite limited color options, were combined to create a cohesive and striking visual element. The design philosophy also emphasized unconventional art placement, such as positioning pictures in unexpected corners, to create more engaging and dynamic visual effects. Key products and suppliers mentioned include Anthropologie for handles, Original BTC for lighting, Tikkurila for wall paint, Finarte for rugs, Zak + Fox for wallpaper, and Zara Home for furniture, illustrating a mix of high-end and accessible design elements used in the project. #ApartmentDesign #InteriorRenovation #KazakhstanHome #ColorfulInteriors #StainedGlass #CreativeSolutions #HomeTours #SmallSpaceDesign

Peggy and David Matthews, celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, undertook a significant interior design renovation of their Southside Place home, which they built 20 years ago. The initial design of the house catered to their young children, but with their five children now ranging from 16 to 28, and several back home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the family's needs and lifestyle have evolved. Peggy Matthews, who owns Rapid Record Retrieval, a legal support company, expressed a desire to upgrade, redo, and refresh their living space, driven by her love for change. The redesign project was spearheaded by Marie Flanigan Interiors, with Marie Flanigan and design director Melanie Hamel leading the effort. A key aspect of the renovation involved transforming a multi-purpose front room, which had served as a playroom and teenage hangout, into Peggy's personal retreat. This room now features deep blue lacquered walls and built-in bookshelves, a sofa reupholstered in white fabric, a bold geometric rug with chartreuse accents, and a dark blue tufted ottoman. This space allows Peggy to relax privately, though it remains appealing to other family members as well. Peggy's passion for fashion significantly influenced the design choices, prompting the designers to incorporate sophisticated yet functional fabrics inspired by runway trends, including Hermes and Jean Paul Gaultier fabrics. The home's existing art collection, notably Andy Warhol's "Cowboys and Indians" lithographs, served as a primary source of color inspiration. The rich ochers and cobalts present in Warhol's pieces, such as "Mother and Child" in the front room, "Geronimo" in the family room, and "Kachina Dolls" in the hallway, guided the selection of the home's new color palette. Flanigan and Hamel aimed to create a vibrant interior that matched Peggy's dynamic lifestyle, moving away from an all-white aesthetic. The dining room, frequently used for family gatherings, was reimagined with customized de Gournay "Willow" wallpaper featuring delicate branches and a Lindsey Adelman "Branching Bubble" chandelier. Vintage side chairs, discovered on firstdibs.com with garish green frames and old upholstery, were meticulously restored with a gold-bronze finish and reupholstered to complement the wallpaper. The family room was designed with two distinct seating areas to accommodate both large group television watching and intimate conversations, and even includes a designated "dance floor" for entertaining. Minor updates were also made to the kitchen, including replacing traditional island legs with edgier stainless steel ones to match the existing stainless steel counters and range hood. New barstools, combining wood frames with varied fabric on the backs and seats, added warmth. A geometric patterned backsplash was installed after a range replacement, contributing to the updated decor. The breakfast area received new furniture, including a round table that can expand to an oval for larger gatherings. Furthermore, part of the backyard patio was enclosed with large glass panels to create an indoor-outdoor sunroom, offering a climate-controlled space that can be fully opened to the outdoors. This sunroom is furnished with a mix of blue and white patterns in performance fabrics, including a bold Martyn Lawrence Bullard Perennials print on a large ottoman, a striped chair, a solid sofa, and a chevron rug, ensuring durability and a cohesive aesthetic that extends the home's style into the outdoor living area. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FashionInspiredDecor #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection #CustomWallpaper #ModernTraditional #IndoorOutdoorLiving #FamilyHome

Shelley Victory, a native New Yorker and fashion designer, undertook the extensive restoration of her 1890s Bed-Stuy limestone townhouse, a property characterized by its ornate plasterwork and original woodwork. Victory purchased the house in 2007, recognizing its unique architectural features despite the significant wear and tear it had sustained over more than a century, including its use as a rooming house. Many prospective buyers were deterred by the daunting restoration effort required for the crumbling plaster and paint-covered woodwork, but Victory saw the potential in the “decoratively fabulous” structure. The house, designed by architect John E. Dwyer, features elaborate plaster relief decorations on its walls and ceilings, with motifs ranging from florals and scrollwork to swags and musical instruments. Victory believes these varied motifs might have been a developer's showcase for plasterwork options available to buyers during the neighborhood's new-home market boom. Upon acquiring the house, Victory decided to inhabit the space and allow it to guide her restoration process, avoiding immediate, radical changes. Her approach began with the garden-level front bedroom, which featured impressive wood wainscoting but was in disarray. She learned wood stripping techniques, working alongside an experienced professional, to restore the original woodwork, including intricate fretwork, to its natural state. The plasterwork presented an even greater challenge, with much of it cracked. A significant turning point was the recommendation of Raul Agrippa of Agrippa Plasterers, who meticulously restored the damaged plaster. Agrippa's method involved cleaning and documenting the original bas-relief details, creating new smooth surfaces, and then re-creating the missing or damaged ornamentation. This work has been ongoing for over a decade and a half, with some areas, such as the living room ceiling and entry, still awaiting completion. Victory recounts an incident where an electrician's aggressive work caused a portion of the kitchen ceiling and medallion to fall, which Agrippa painstakingly reassembled. During a recent renovation, Victory installed a new herringbone-pattern white oak floor throughout the parlor level. The existing Ikea kitchen at the rear of the house, which suffered damage during this process, is currently undergoing remodeling, a plan that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its rudimentary state, the kitchen is a grandly proportioned, south-facing space that Victory has transformed into a greenhouse for her thriving houseplant collection. An adjacent new half-bath, formerly a dumbwaiter closet, was also added. Beyond the structural restoration, Victory's interior design choices are a reflection of her unique and witty aesthetic. Her decor blends modern and romantic elements, incorporating whimsical contemporary artworks and handcrafted solid-wood objects from diverse cultures. Having worked in fashion design for Ralph Lauren, she emphasizes the importance of personal expression in her home, moving away from a previously more minimalist style to embrace a more bohemian approach with a preference for color. A prime example is the Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa in the front parlor, assembled piece by piece in various colors over time, alongside a distinctive mid-century 'Cocoon' ceiling pendant by Achille Castiglioni. Victory is a keen bargain hunter, sourcing pieces from places like Housing Works, City Opera Thrift Shop, and even discovering unique items like a carved wood pole from the West African Dogon culture. Her artistic tastes extend to collecting works from contemporary artists, such as a painting by Su-en Wong, a ceramic bust by Emil Alzamora, and a painted wood butler by Robert Carter. Victory, an alumna of Howard University and the Fashion Institute of Technology, has a professional background in fine arts and fashion design, having worked for notable firms like Kenneth Cole and Donna Karan's Urban Zen. The article concludes with her anticipation of a post-pandemic shift towards more expressive fashion and a desire for people to embrace dressing up again. The piece originally appeared in the Spring/Summer 2021 issue of Brownstoner magazine, highlighting the enduring nature of her restoration project and her personal design journey. #BedStuy #HomeRenovation #PlasterworkRestoration #WoodworkRestoration #InteriorDesign #ShelleyVictory #BrooklynHomes #HistoricPreservation #BohemianDecor

Carole and Don Watanabe have transformed an ordinary 1963 California ranch-style house in Sebastopol into a unique and vibrant living art piece called Chez La Vie. Carole, a multi-talented artist, and Don, an architect, collaborate to create a home that is an ongoing project of artistic expression and precision. The property encompasses multiple structures, including their main residence, an attached apartment for Don's father, an appealing guesthouse known as the Art Chapel, and various utilitarian sheds that are integrated into the artistic landscape. The main house immediately catches the eye with its vibrant ultramarine blue exterior, trimmed with deep turquoise and brick red. A wide berm in front of the property features Carole's "drive-by gallery," where steel frames crowned with corrugated aluminum roofs will display sheet metal paintings by local children, sold to support school art programs. The entrance to their home and Don Sr.'s apartment are adorned with enormous antique Indonesian facades made of intricately carved teak. Tall columns flanking the Watanabe entrance are covered in colorful spirals, created by Carole using abandoned mirrors and broken ceramics, giving them a jewel-box appearance. This use of found and repurposed materials is a hallmark of Carole's work, with a significant portion of the home's materials sourced from salvaged items, often acquired for minimal cost from places like a Santa Rosa Goodwill store. The backyard features a stream circulating water through the Paradiso Pond, which Carole considers her most significant work. The pond, a 4-foot-deep, rubber-lined creation, is landscaped with truckloads of rock and adorned with lilies and other water plants, evoking a Monet painting. On the western edge of the property, an outdoor fireplace, a table under a large tree, painted chairs, tiled tables, carved benches, tiny sculptures, clever mobiles, and painted fences contribute to the whimsical atmosphere. A curving dragon made of random ceramics weaves through the garden, intersected by brick pathways leading to a double-doored gateway to the neighbor's property. Inside, the whimsical aesthetic continues with furniture crafted from discarded wood and an assortment of found objects. Walls are accented with Carole's cursive writing and display her paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Recessed altars and mirrors decorated with colorful tiles are present throughout the interior. The flooring varies from room to room, incorporating area rugs and even a floor covered with squares of fabric and old photographs sealed with Varathane. The master bedroom features a custom-made headboard and Carole's handwriting on the walls, while her studio serves as her creative sanctuary. The Watanabes envision Chez La Vie as an "elder compound" where they can age gracefully amidst their beloved creations. They plan to host art openings in their spacious backyard, with a pizza oven available for guests. Banners of art, much of it created by children, will adorn patios and fences, transforming the home into an interactive gallery open to the public. #HomeTransformation #ArtisticHome #RanchHouseRenovation #SebastopolHomes #CreativeCouple #FoundObjectsArt #GardenDesign #SustainableDesign #SonomaHomes