- Project: East West Apartment
- Architect: Loft Buro
- Location: Ukraine, Kyiv
- Year: 2023
- Area: 188 m2
- Photography: Andrey Avdeenko
A Modern Colonial Loft in the Heart of Kyiv
The East West Apartment by Loft Buro redefines the idea of urban sophistication. Located high above Kyiv’s skyline, this 188 m² residence blends the elegance of European architectural order with the warmth and eclectic energy of Eastern influences. The result is what the studio describes as a “colonial loft” — a home layered with memory, craftsmanship, and travel-inspired soul.
Loft Buro’s founder, Oleg Volosovskyi, envisioned the project as a retreat from the cold modernism dominating city interiors. Instead of glass and concrete minimalism, East West Apartment feels tactile, soulful, and deeply personal — a space where culture and comfort coexist.
Concept: When East Meets West
The design concept emerges from contrast and harmony. “East” brings color, pattern, and handcrafted detail; “West” provides structure, proportion, and calm. Together they create a narrative interior — one that feels collected over time rather than staged for a photograph.
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West: architectural panels, arches, classical symmetry, natural parquet, sculptural lighting.
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East: aged brass, carved wood, terracotta, textured fabrics, and vintage doors from Asia.
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Loft: large, open spaces with exposed structure and a free-flowing layout.
This union of opposites — refined versus raw, calm versus expressive — defines the project’s timeless charm.
Interior Layout and Flow
The apartment unfolds across a linear plan, divided between public and private zones. The living and dining areas occupy the façade, with panoramic views of Kyiv’s right bank. Here, color and texture dominate: brick-red and teal tones, carved timber, and an eclectic mix of modern and antique furniture.
The kitchen continues Loft Buro’s hallmark approach — not hidden but celebrated. The island serves as both workspace and social hub, surrounded by art, ceramics, and soft lighting that turns function into ritual.
The private quarters are calmer, defined by warmer neutrals and tactile finishes. In the master bedroom, vintage wooden columns frame the window, transforming the panoramic view into a scene of stillness and reflection.
Material Palette: Textures That Tell a Story
Materiality carries emotion here. Loft Buro chose finishes that evoke history and authenticity rather than perfection.
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Walls: lime plaster and hand-finished paint with soft gradients.
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Floors: natural oak parquet, hand-laid in classic patterns.
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Accents: aged metals, rattan, stone, and ceramic tiles with irregular edges.
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Furnishings: handmade and vintage pieces collected from markets and local craftspeople.
The palette’s earthiness contrasts the urban panorama outside, creating warmth and grounding within a high-rise setting.
Lighting and Atmosphere
Light is used as both mood and architecture. A mix of sculptural fixtures and diffused sources softens the strong geometry of the rooms. Each area features multiple light layers — glowing niches, wall sconces, and low-level lamps — allowing the atmosphere to shift with the time of day.
As sunlight moves through the apartment, the interplay of reflection and shadow adds depth, enriching every surface and texture.
Emotional Architecture and Loft Buro’s Philosophy
Loft Buro has built a distinct identity around what it calls “emotional architecture.” Their projects — from restaurants to private homes — prioritize atmosphere, storytelling, and sensory richness over visual trends.
In East West Apartment, this philosophy is fully realized. The home is not designed to impress at first glance, but to reveal itself gradually: a collection of contrasts that feels deeply human, layered, and enduring.
Drawings
