- Interior
The peaceful Vidradnyi district, located in Kiev, Ukraine's capital, is one of the city's greenest areas. Although it rarely attracts tourists, it is loved among locals for its abundance of so-called ‘Stalinka’ buildings. These residential structures date back to the Soviet era and were built during Joseph Stalin's reign, roughly from the late 1930s to the early 1950s.
Stalinkas are distinguished by their neoclassical architecture, often characterised by columns, pediments and decorative stucco. They are built with high-quality materials such as brick or stone, and their thick walls offer excellent sound and heat insulation. The usually high ceilings, which vary between three and four metres, contribute to a sense of space and comfort. Today, these Stalinist buildings are popular for their durability, superior building quality and convenient locations in the city. When work began on designing a flat in one of these iconic Stalinkas, a clear vision was paramount: this space would represent a deeper connection to time, nature and the impermanence of life. The design focused on harmony, tranquillity and respect for the passage of time. Instead of striving for perfection, it embraced the beauty of flaws, both in the occupants and in the space itself. In other words, wabi-sabi was central. 
The parquet, which was already 70 years old and bore the marks of decades of use, was not replaced, but lovingly restored. Thus, history was preserved and the wood was able to continue its journey. Modern, practical solutions were combined with the timeless philosophy of wabi-sabi, in which every element in a room is enriched by the visible patterns that time has left behind. The interior design used natural materials and a calm colour palette to create a sense of calm and serenity. Wooden window shutters let in soft natural light, adding to the serene atmosphere. The living space was designed with flexibility in mind, the sofa area can easily be transformed into a home cinema or a cosy reading corner, depending on the needs of the moment.
Today, these Stalinist buildings are popular for their durability, superior construction quality and convenient locations in the city
In the kitchen, a dedicated tea-making area was created behind a curtain, complete with its own filter, for a ritualistic and soothing experience. The kitchen and tea room were made of plywood and travertine, with the kitchen island, with its irregular shape, handmade from oak by local artisans. This type of wood is abundant and affordable in Ukraine. The walls of the flat were finished with DETALE CPH coatings, which added texture and depth to the space. Lighting was carefully chosen from collections by FRAMA CPH and Lumina, and complemented with vintage Ukrainian glass-blown fixtures that added a touch of nostalgic charm. The dining table, bench and bar stools were in-house designs, harmoniously combined with vintage Thonet dining chairs, leading to a unique blend of old and new, practical and historic. Work on this project was driven by a passion for creating understated, peaceful beauty, focusing on simplicity, spatial harmony and an overall sense of calm. 
The inspiration drawn from wabi-sabi, the acceptance of the passage of time and the changes it brings, closely aligned with the Buddhist doctrine of impermanence (anitya). The Japanese term celebrates the beauty of ageing and wear, be it old wooden furniture, ceramics with cracks or fabrics that have faded over time. These changes give objects a unique look and a rich sense of history. Embracing impermanence means living in the moment and fully appreciating the beauty of today, knowing that tomorrow everything could be different.
Images courtesy of MUSO
Design by MUSO, Mariia Selezenieva and Anastasiia Vasylyna
Text by Celien Hemelaer