- Interior
The Ukrainian architectural studio of Sergey Makhno completely transformed this apartment according to the Japanese way of life and aesthetics wabi-sabi. Here imperfection and the transience of beauty is not seen as something negative, but as something that needs to be embraced and can contribute to the creation of something beautiful and timeless.
For these spaces (an apartment that is part of a larger family residence) the architect Sergey Makhno was inspired by wabi-sabi, the world view that should make life lighter by accepting imperfections. Makhno, however, went about it in his own way and created an environment in which you can above all live a simple, conscious, harmonious life. He merged emptiness and comfort, nature and technology. 
‘When you accept things as they are and do not try to improve them, there is more time left to just enjoy these things,’ explains the Ukrainian architect. What's more, for him wabi-sabi is about the things that really matter. So the general layout of this apartment was kept as simple as possible so that all attention is focused on the most important things. The living room hides a kitchen and the bedroom hides a wardrobe. 
Embrace transience by focusing on the beauty of nature
Imperfections are pretty much what nature is made of. Embracing transience is therefore reflected in this project by bringing the outdoor environment inside. Walls and ceilings made of clay, wooden wall cladding, recovered old tree trunks as coffee tables and, of course, the large windows provide an unseen connection with nature that also creates a very relaxing atmosphere. ‘The whole space is like a canvas for the most talented artist — life,’ we hear at the architectural firm. Sergey Makhno was also inspired by nature for one last striking element that we would like to highlight: the ceramic lighting element above the dining table in the form of storm clouds. Unique and inspiring! 
Photography © Serhii Kadulin