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A Small Kyiv Apartment Elevated With a Kaleidoscope of Primary Colors

02.01.24 | By
A Small Kyiv Apartment Elevated With a Kaleidoscope of Primary Colors

In the midst of the first months of the invasion of Ukraine, where uncertainty loomed over daily life, the 2BM Apartment in Kyiv became a symbol of creativity and resilience. Led by architects Volodymyr Petrunok, Roman Savchuk, and Olexandra Alioshkina of TOP LAB Interiors, the project not only defied budget constraints but also served as a testament to the power of experimentation and trust. The apartment, spanning 560 square feet, was designed for rental purposes, necessitating a thoughtful use of resources. However, the team decided to focus on a bold experiment with color and unconventional material usage, transforming the space into a vibrant haven.

modern minimalist living space looking towards kelly green kitchen

The client leaned on the team’s expertise regarding the kitchen’s color: “I don’t like this green, but I like to trust you! Therefore, I am ready to rely on you and take a risk.” This sentiment became the driving force behind the 2BM project, turning it into an exploration of diversity in color and materials.

closeup angled view of bright green kitchen cabinets

closeup angled view of bright green kitchen cabinets

Throughout the interior, bright primary colors take center stage, creating a lively and unconventional atmosphere. The lively green kitchen cabinets are juxtaposed with white square tiles framed in blue grout. Opposite the kitchen in the open living space, contrasting curtains in a bright blue shade, provide balance and depth to the space.

looking through modern living space with bright green kitchen on right and white sofa on left. Person in blue walking in background

small modern dining room set with red pedestal table and three chairs

closeup view of modern dining set with red pedestal table and red art on wall

closeup of red square art on wall behind dinette set

vignette of modern living room with brown chair in front of bright blue curtain

closeup of chrome lamp in front of gathered bright blue curtain

partial view of bright blue modern shelf on white wall

view of bright blue modern shelf

closeup angled view of bright blue modern wall shelf

angled view of minimalist white bedroom with white bedding and white hanging curtain

The bedroom exudes calmness with warm-toned walls and cozy textiles, while a Yves Klein blue colored shelf pops as a focal point across from the bed. Resourcefulness was showcased in the creation of a bedside table made from leftover tiles. A cherry red color is revealed when the floor-to-ceiling white curtans open to the closet.

angled view of minimalist white bedroom with white bedding and curtain open to reveal bright red closet

view looking past bright blue modern shelf to hallway

angled interior shot of white hallway with bright blue glass window

A bold blue sliding door made of polycarbonate plastic welcomes guests at the entrance, which is complemented by a similar shade of tile grout.

interior shot of white hallway with bright blue glass window

interior shot of modern bathroom with white grid tile, red sink, yellow shelf, looking into hallway

Even the bathroom follows the project’s colorful concept, featuring yellow glass for the shower/tub, a red cabinet housing the sink, and the same blue grout seen throughout.

closeup angled shot of modern bathroom's red console with round mirror agove

closeup shot of modern bathroom's red console with round mirror agove

view in modern bathroom with white grid tile and blue grout with yellow glass partition

view in modern bathroom with white grid tile and blue grout with yellow glass partition

black and white floor plan of small apartment

Photography by Uliana Vinichuk.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.