Right from the get-go, architects Maryna Grechko & Sergey Makhno found common ground with their client over a deep admiration for Ukrainian materials, furniture and designer objects. The homeowner knew exactly the mood that she wanted to create for her 255 square metre, one floor home in Kyiv. The Ukrainian clay and ceramics swiftly told the earthy colour story, and created a whimsically playful sense of scale. Huge sculptures have populated the rooms with peculiar wildlife and wondrous tactility, whilst enormous pendant lights hover like extraordinary stone rain clouds. Get ready to discover unique delights around every turn in this inspiring home design; a collaborative artisan masterpiece.
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We begin this unique home tour by taking in the terrace, a shaded spot with a blissful backdrop of landscaped greenery. An outdoor L-shaped sofa hugs the border of the terrace, creating a cosy lounge feel around a large low-level coffee table.
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Two woven rattan poufs stretch out the seating plan around a focal piece of sculptural wall art. A comfortable reading chair and a small wooden side table face into the arrangement.
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A modern outdoor fireplace burns beneath the unusual artwork, set on a long hearth that stores the wood pile at one end.
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A TV set rests against the wall of the house, making use of the free space between two windows.
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Behind the outdoor lounge, a timber platform warms the terrace both by texture and tone.
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Inside the luxurious living room, massive black and white pendant lights float in a cloud-like cluster above the layout, as if an indoor storm were brewing. A huge TV and an equally large fireplace complete for star status down at floor level. Two lounge chairs pull up close and snug with the black fireplace, where they can benefit fully from the heat of the open flame. LED ribbons outline vast wooden wall panels, adding their own glow to the room.
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Behind the lounge area, one cloud-like clay pendant has made its way into a luxurious dining room design. Recessed spotlights provide a more practical supply of light around the perimeter of the setting. Traditional Ukrainian clay walls bring a warmth and deep texture to the space.
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The enormous dining room pendant light stretches almost the entire length of the impressive ten seat modern dining set. The table and chairs stand in soft neutral colours that blend gently with the tranquil, natural decor palette.
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A whimsical ceramic statue stands guard in front of doors that lead into the kitchen, whilst a second set of doors lead to the grand home entryway. Shelves on either side display a collection of smaller works of art and a selection of books.
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The slatted dining room doors allow a glimpse into the spectacular kitchen area, even when they are fully closed. Once open, the wide double doorway brings all of the living spaces together as one massive entertaining space. The unity of colour and traditional Ukranian materials make the whole floor plan flow seamlessly and with grace.
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This row of unique kitchen pendant lights descends upon not one but four separate kitchen islands. The equally sized, equally spaced volumes create a stepping stone effect down the length of the long room. Wood and white cabinets rise alongside them, adding copious amounts of food and cooking equipment storage, and housing two ovens.
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The hob is situated just opposite the ovens on its own kitchen island, whilst the other three island countertops are kept clear for prep. Open kitchen shelves create a practical and lightly decorative element at either side of the double door entryway to the room. This arrangement allows line of sight to travel all the way through them and the slatted wall into the neighbouring dining room.
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Clay walls give the luxury kitchen a tactile earthy vibe that beautifully counteracts the crisp white cabinets and countertops. A well situated picture window brings a garden view to the kitchen sink.
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It is another kitchen window and glass door that connect with the terrace, which allows refreshments to flow directly from the fridge to the outdoor lounge.
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Artisan magic drips from every aspect of the utterly extraordinary home entryway. Oversized pendant lights are sculpted into organic forms that seem not of this world. 3D clay tiles give rise to a towering focal wall that rises and rules the two story stairwell.
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Among the tiles, a custom cut mirror reflects the large ceramic figure that waits diligently by the foot of the staircase. The mirror’s reflection creates a perfect picture of pure whimsey, like the cover of a giant storybook.
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Curved balustrades outline the sweeping staircase design with a twist of natural timber.
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Circular artwork rises over the clay clad treads like a full moon.
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The clay statues that appear all around the home bring character and unique personalities…
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… With different facial features and expressions.
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Each piece is expertly crafted with engaging detail.
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Two levels of windows bring a cascade of natural sunlight into the hallway of the home.
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Artisan craftsmanship spills over into the glorious bathroom design. 3D clay tiles cover the walls of this small space like the fossilised scales of a colossal reptile. The snake skin-like pattern is shed at one side of the room to give way to a terrazzo treatment that’s coloured to complement the fiery orange hue of a unique bathroom sink.
