Small apartment makes big statement with cobalt curtains

Walls are irrelevant in this bold apartment in Kyiv, Ukraine. Local studio Ater Architects renovated the small residence for a young couple, transforming its boxy, cramped layout into something much more open and flexible thanks a resourceful use of curtains.

The architects knocked down most of the walls in the apartment and replaced them with a series of striking cobalt curtains that pull double duty as space divider and decor.

In the living room, the monochromatic color palette of white, gray, and black is interrupted by the rich backdrop of blue and a blush pink couch; cordoned off is a separate office area where the owner can mix electronic music.

Alexey Yanchenkov

The kitchen features built-in white oak veneer cabinetry, a sharp contrast to a black and pink backsplash. The bedroom is separated from the rest of the apartment by an actual wall, but even there, a blue curtain is a prominent feature. It provides a glamorous backdrop for a walk-in closet that’s lined with mirrors and some enviable built-in storage.

Alexey Yanchenkov

Alexey Yanchenkov