project SAORI

ABOUT PROJECT

We’re pleased to present one of our recently completed projects — a two-level apartment of 200 sq.m, located in the very center of Kyiv. The residence occupies the top floors of a residential complex, offering panoramic views that stretch across the entire city.
From an architectural standpoint, the space had an excellent foundation: high ceilings, a simple and logical layout, and an abundance of natural light. This allowed us to shape the interior not by imposing a concept, but by adapting it to a specific person — their rhythm of life, their tastes, their sense of home.
We named the project Saori, after the Japanese weaving technique that values freedom over symmetry — a method built on intuition, texture, and the natural flow of the material. For us, it wasn’t just an aesthetic reference but a reflection of the entire design process. We didn’t follow a strict blueprint; instead, the interior came together like a woven fabric — one thread, one moment at a time.
Minimal decoration, maximum tactility. Honest materials, simple volumes, and a deep attention to detail — all came together to create a space that feels calm, measured, and filled with light. No noise. No excess. Just essence.

LAYOUT DESIGN

The original layout of the first floor included a large guest room, a compact dining area integrated with the kitchen-living space, and numerous transitional zones with small technical rooms that lacked clear purpose.
We decided to eliminate the separate guest room in favor of expanding the main living area. In its place, we introduced a generous modular sofa with an optional sleeping function. This solution made the first floor more open, cohesive, and intuitive in its flow. The high ceilings further emphasized the sense of volume and lightness.
The second floor was reconfigured into two distinct zones. On the left side, we created a dedicated children’s area with its own bathroom. On the right — the master suite, complete with a full bedroom, spacious walk-in wardrobes, a private bathroom, and a laundry room. This layout established a clear separation between private and shared spaces, while maintaining a sense of balance and continuity throughout the home.

LIVING AREA

The living area was designed as a space for entertaining, relaxing, listening to vinyl records, and reading. Its central feature is a large suspended floor lamp that drops from the ceiling into the heart of the seating arrangement, positioned between the armchairs and the sofa. In the evening, it creates a calm and intimate atmosphere while adding variety to the lighting scenarios, allowing the space to adapt to different moods and functions.
In the living room, the focal point is undoubtedly the sofa. Its size and design allow for flexible arrangement. You can position the backrest to relax while enjoying the view of the fireplace, or arrange it for movie watching. Additionally, the sofa can be moved closer to the dining area to create extra seating around the table.

DINNING AREA

One of the most distinctive areas on the first floor is the dining zone. It’s seamlessly integrated with the kitchen and a small fireplace corner, forming a unified yet visually layered space. At the center stands a custom-made dining table, designed based on our sketches. It’s crafted from MDF and finished with microcement in a shade that echoes the color of the surrounding walls.
Since all key functions coexist within a single open volume, we focused on softening the transitions between them. To achieve this, we used rounded, fluid forms — a recurring motif throughout the project — that bring a sense of calm continuity and subtle spatial separation.
Most of the interior pieces were created by Ukrainian designers and manufacturers. This allowed us to work more precisely with materials and color tones, while remaining flexible in scale and proportions to suit the space.
We approached lighting as a subtle yet expressive accent. Our selection includes fixtures by New Works and Traditional, whose aesthetics complement the overall mood of the interior, adding warmth and visual rhythm without overwhelming the space.

KITCHEN AREA

The main working surface of the kitchen is centered around the island, allowing for direct visual contact with family and guests while cooking. The island itself is built as a load-bearing drywall structure with integrated storage cabinets.
We relocated the primary storage to a hidden pantry situated behind the kitchen cabinetry. Access is provided through one of the enlarged fronts, seamlessly integrated into the overall kitchen design.
The kitchen island follows the overall design language — its soft contours seamlessly integrate into the interior, echoing the rounded columns nearby and the gentle silhouette of the staircase. As a result, it feels less like a separate element and more like a natural extension of the architectural flow.
One of the notable features of the island is its travertine-textured countertop. It is self-supporting and capable of bearing considerable weight, allowing one to lean comfortably even on the narrowest edge without any concern. This detail adds elegance and lightness to the entire construction, emphasizing the minimalist character of the interior.

STAIRСАSE AREA

The staircase undoubtedly became the heart and key feature of the first floor. During the implementation phase, we considered several design options, but ultimately chose a monolithic structure — both the steps and the handrail were cast in concrete as a single form.
What followed was a meticulous process of sanding, shaping with plaster, and finishing with microcement. From the outset, we prioritized durability, selecting a wear-resistant microcement finish that is both moisture-proof and easy to clean — ideal for everyday use in active areas.

GUEST BATHROOM

The guest bathroom is concealed behind a mirrored wall near the entrance. This solution makes it less visible within the open layout of the first floor, enhancing privacy while maintaining the visual integrity of the space.
For the bathroom finishes, we selected moisture-resistant microcement paired with a contrasting deep blue porcelain tile.
Next to the entrance to the guest bathroom, we added a small architectural element that softens the abrupt transition between the mirrored surface and the wall. It also helps visually conceal the door, making the space feel more refined.
Opposite the guest bathroom is a spacious double wardrobe. From the outside, it appears as a large minimalist unit with compartments for everyday clothing and shoes. Through an enlarged front panel near the entrance, you access the inner section, where an open storage system holds the rest of the belongings.

LAUNDRY ROOM

At the top of the stairs, near the master bedroom, there is a laundry room. In addition to the washer and dryer, it also houses essential technical equipment such as pumps and water heaters.
Since all the main wardrobe spaces are located on the second floor, placing the laundry room nearby made practical sense — keeping it close to the private areas of every family member.

MASTER SUITЕ

This area contains everything the homeowners need: spacious double walk-in closets, a dedicated ironing space on the balcony, and a private bathroom with a double vanity and a shower.
For the finishes, we continued the concept established on the first floor: familiar veneered panels, boucle fabric, and a warm, pleasant decorative plaster.

KIDS ROOM

The first children's room was designed for the client’s eldest daughter. We chose to keep it simple and somewhat restrained, allowing the space to serve as a blank canvas that can be personalized with her belongings and decorative elements.
The second children's room was also designed in a calm palette, consistent with the overall style of the apartment. We added a touch of colorful decor and a subtle accent color to enliven the space.
Originally, this bathroom was not part of the standard layout. However, technically we were able to add it, which greatly improved the overall comfort. Now the girls have their own bathroom, making daily routines more convenient and practical.