In the picturesque suburbs of Kyiv, a private house has become home to a family of four and their cat. Designed as a family retreat, the project embraces color, texture, and detail to create a layered and expressive living space.
The architects and clients spent considerable time searching for the right solution, from building plots to existing houses. The chosen property stood out for its well-planned layout and potential for transformation. During the very first visit, the concept for the color scheme emerged: cool gray tones paired with the deep wine hue of natural stone and striking accents of Calacatta Viola marble. This marble became the compositional centerpiece of the interior, used for the kitchen island, a bathroom sink, and a minimal fireplace surround in the living room. Copper details and dark finishes complement the palette, adding depth and richness to the atmosphere.
“This was a rare case where the clients wanted a completely new environment, without bringing in furniture or art from their previous home. At the same time, they envisioned an interior with personality – warm, lived-in, and emotionally engaging. Textured thermowood surfaces and a vintage Italian armchair helped achieve this,” explains designer Anastasia Vilchynska, founder of Vilchynska Design Bureau.
The first floor underwent significant changes. The guest bathroom was relocated, making room for two spacious closets. A long entry hall was fitted with a glass partition made of embossed glass, which enhances privacy and protects against drafts in winter. Its geometry is highlighted by a decorative copper composition that combines polished and oxidized finishes. Enlarged doorways add verticality and scale to the space, enhancing its overall aesthetic.
In the kitchen, ceiling beams were introduced for visual zoning. Initially intended as a decorative feature, they were later adapted to discreetly conceal the ventilation system – a solution that proved both practical and harmonious.
On the second floor, a small bathroom adjoining the master bedroom was replaced with a full dressing room, improving functionality.
The design relies on tactile, natural materials: stone, microcement, thermowood, oxidized brass, and natural wallpaper. In the bedroom, textured wall coverings add intimacy, while a soft carpet around the bed enhances warmth and comfort. The core palette – cool gray, deep wine, and copper – ties the interiors together.
One of the biggest technical challenges was finding the right wall color. Seven paint samples were tested before achieving a balanced shade that avoided unwanted purple undertones from outdoor reflections. A similar process unfolded with the parquet flooring, where the final tone was chosen after the seventh attempt.
Despite these challenges, the result feels whole and harmonious, yet alive. Personal belongings blend seamlessly into the design without disrupting its integrity. Repeated materials and accents create continuity between rooms, while the dark-toned bathrooms evoke a sense of calm and retreat. This is a home with character – layered, refined, and deeply inviting.
