Shrine to simplicity
Minimalism prevails in this Kiev apartment, which has been designed to complement the pared-back lines of furniture by Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand
Minimalism prevails in this Kiev apartment, which has been designed to complement the pared-back lines of its furniture
Homes are supposed to serve as sanctuaries from the noise and distractions of modern life. For many of us, however, that din only continues inside, as our carefully curated aesthetics compete with life’s practicalities. Not so in the Beige apartment in Kiev, whose up-and-coming interior architects Evgeniy Bulatnikov and Emil Dervish, both 26 and from Ukraine, have resolved such conflict by eliminating everything other than key decorative features. It is a temple to chic simplicity.
One might assume that the starting point for this home’s look was its classical detailing – the ornate ceiling roses and elegant cornicing – but that’s not the case. Every detail of this project was carefully chosen to fit around original furniture designs by the French/swiss architects and Le Corbusier collaborators, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, which the owners bought from online auctions. ‘The design of the apartment had to highlight these pieces, rather than distract from them,’ explains Bulatnikov. The building’s arched windows are period features dating from the early 1900s, but the cornicing was commissioned by Bulatnikov and Dervish to create what they call a ‘French/parisian style’ – a fitting backdrop for the French mid-century masterpieces, which also prevents the simplicity of the scheme from crossing over into starkness. To ensure the restrained design stayed on track, Bulatnikov and Dervish had one simple rule: ‘No bullshit’, deadpans Bulatnikov.
All functional details, from plumbing to radiators, and personal items are concealed. The effect is that what features do remain appear in sharper focus. Details that would get lost in a busier home now have added drama and significance. A strict ‘greige’ (a muted blend of grey and beige) palette – specifically ‘Smoke’ paint by Flamant – and herringbone oak flooring, its colour muted by a matt lacquer, creates a sense of flow and cohesion between the rooms, with the subdued colours preventing minimalism from taking on a colder edge. This is a flawless home, where you imagine life really could move at a more measured pace. evgeniybulatnikov.com; emildervish.com Kitchen The Corian worksurface, topped with a brass tap by Vola, purposefully blends into the wall, so as not to draw attention from the ‘Library’ table by Pierre Jeanneret and cane office chairs, designed in the 1950s. The delicate brass ‘Calyx’ pendant light by Atelier Areti hangs above the table, while ‘Bob’ wall lights by Michael Anastassiades sit above the cabinetry Detail, above A ‘Habibi’ side table by E15 and ‘Daphine Terra’ floor lamp by Tommaso Cimini for Lumina decorate this calm corner of the open-plan space Stockist details on