The showroom’s expansive layout is showcased through a view of blue-tiled wall sections and minimalist garment racks. Traditional dark wood door frames and wall paneling provide a classical anchor to the contemporary sky-blue carpet and tiled pedestals. The atmosphere is professional and gallery-like, focusing on the artistry of the hung garments and the architectural heritage.

Gunia Project’s New Kyiv Flagship Anchors Contemporary Design in Heritage

Words by Yatzer

Kyiv, Ukraine

Occupying the ground floor of a late-19th-century building near Kyiv’s Golden Gate, the new flagship showroom of Ukrainian design and lifestyle brand Gunia Project unfolds as a carefully calibrated dialogue between heritage and modernity. Designed by Temp Project, the space feels resolutely contemporary yet imbued with old-world charm, harmoniously interweaving ornate architectural details with minimalist furnishings and whimsical interventions. More than a design-forward retail interior, the showroom is an evocative reflection of the brand itself, whose contemporary expression is rooted in cultural excavation.

A view through an ornate, classical dark wood doorway reveals a secondary room featuring a minimalist blue banquette and a geometric grey table. A white sculptural horse figurine sits as a centerpiece, embodying the brand’s neo-vernacular philosophy. The play of light and shadow through the doorway creates a cinematic, sophisticated atmosphere.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

The reception area unfolds in layered greens, from glossy tiled walls to matte-painted joinery. Shelved ceramics, a glass-topped table, and a soft orange seat animate the space, while classical ceiling ornamentation anchors the contemporary palette in historical context.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

A view through layered thresholds reveals the showroom’s compositional logic: historic joinery, mirrored planes, and contemporary furnishings aligned in a sequence of measured reveals.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

From ceramics and jewellery to clothing and accessories, while Gunia Project’s offerings may draw from the country’s rich cultural heritage, tradition is never treated as a fixed artefact; instead, it is approached as a living language, one to be reinterpreted rather than reproduced. This same sensibility finds a clear architectural counterpart in the new showroom. Housed in a historic building that once accommodated the Embassy of the Republic of Panama, the space came with a series of protected heritage elements that had to be preserved, including mahogany wall panelling, monumental cabinets, carved doors, and decorative ceilings.

Working with this richly detailed backdrop, the designers introduced deliberately restrained contemporary interventions, using crisp lines, clean geometric forms, and precise detailing to establish a counterpoint that never competes with the existing fabric. The balance is subtle: minimalist display systems hover lightly within the heavy cabinetry, polished aluminium surfaces soften the gravitas of the dark wood, while mirrors multiply perspectives while compensating for the lack of natural light.

  • Framed by deep green portals, the central lounge unfolds as a calibrated balance of softness and structure, where colour and proportion guide movement through the space.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A built-in banquette and circular table form an intimate pause within the showroom’s flow. Soft upholstery, muted tones, and sculptural objects encourage lingering—reinforcing the space’s hybrid identity as both shop and social interior.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A closer view frames the seating vignette as an intimate tableau: plush textures, rounded forms, and carefully placed ceramics invite lingering. The restrained colour palette amplifies light and lends the space a quietly contemplative atmosphere.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

A softly lit seating nook unfolds beneath a tall arched window, where powder-blue joinery, perforated panels, and sculptural tables create a moment of pause. Daylight filters in gently, grounding the interior’s pastel palette in a calm, domestic register.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

A closer view of the reception counter reveals a restrained composition of sage-green surfaces, delicate pendant lighting, and graphic wall art. The interplay of softness and structure reinforces the showroom’s ethos: contemporary clarity gently framed by architectural memory.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

Curved ceiling lines and suspended luminaires trace the building’s original geometry, subtly reasserted through a contemporary architectural language.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • Glossy green ceramic tiles form a tactile backdrop for curated objects and books, their reflective surfaces amplifying light and depth. The shelving composition reads less as retail display than as a carefully composed still life.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • Against a deep green backdrop, display shelves and illustrated details animate the ceramics zone, where craft is staged with graphic clarity.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • The reception counter reads as a sculptural intervention, its monochrome palette and curved geometry lending calm authority to the threshold space.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A softly lit, monochromatic green interior corner of the Gunia Project’s showroom, where a sculptural counter with a ceramic bowl sits beneath a ribbed pendant light, framed by classical wall mouldings and a minimalist wall illustration that subtly bridges folk reference and contemporary design.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A concealed area unfolds beyond the public rooms, its monochromatic green tones and compact proportions offering a moment of spatial retreat.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

Colour and materiality also play a crucial role in bridging the property’s historic character with the scheme’s modern sensibility. Drawing from pastoral and folk references intrinsic to Gunia’s visual language, a dreamy palette of forest and sage greens, powdery blues, pale pinks, and muted beige washes gently across tiled walls, upholstered seating, and built-in plinths. These hues, meant to temper the weight of mahogany with an almost garden-like freshness, produces an effect that is neither nostalgic nor starkly modern, but quietly atmospheric, immersing visitors in a space that feels at once intimate and composed.

Ceramics, central to Gunia Project’s identity, extend beyond the role of exhibited objects to become an architectural material in their own right. Glossy, hand-laid tiles clad walls and counters, introducing a tactile rhythm that contrasts with the smoothness of metal and glass used elsewhere. Carpeted floors further soften the experience, absorbing sound and grounding the visitor in a sense of domestic intimacy, while fabric-clad light fittings, including contemporary pendants, add a gentle sculptural presence overhead.

Furniture and bespoke elements continue the conversation between old and new. Custom-designed wooden pieces reference traditional Ukrainian carving through simplified silhouettes, while contemporary works by local studios subtly anchor the interior in today’s design landscape. Even the mirrors participate in this dialogue: ranging from frameless minimal designs to pieces with ornate or whimsically carved frames, offering visitors Instagram-ready vantage points without tipping into spectacle.

A moment of transition: richly carved timber doors meet deep green walls, with shelves displaying Gunia Project’s ceramics like quiet punctuation marks. The contrast between historic woodwork and contemporary colour heightens the sense of layered time.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

The ceramics hall unfolds as a scenographic ensemble: pastel plinths, mirrored planes, and soft seating set against restored wood panelling. Objects are staged with museological restraint, allowing form, narrative, and craft to take centre stage.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

Hand-painted plates are presented within custom vitrines that echo classical proportions while remaining distinctly modern. The restrained palette and precise spacing invite slow looking, reinforcing the showroom’s gallery-like sensibility

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

Ceramic motifs—mythical figures, folkloric scenes, and graphic ornament—come into sharp focus against a neutral backdrop. The display foregrounds storytelling as much as craftsmanship, aligning with the brand’s narrative-driven approach.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

A closer view reveals the dialogue between contemporary display elements and the building’s original architectural shell. Ornate timber details frame the ceramics, underscoring the project’s careful balance between preservation and reinterpretation.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • In the clothing area, crisp white walls and restored doorframes create a calm counterpoint to the richness elsewhere. A minimalist rail and reflective surfaces lend the space a quiet elegance, allowing garments to breathe.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • Within the jewellery area, curved mirrors, glass-topped counters, and upholstered stools establish a refined, almost boudoir-like setting. Reflections multiply views while soft lighting and pale finishes keep the mood hushed and precise.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • Details of jewellery rest atop hand-worked textiles beneath a glass surface, their fine craftsmanship foregrounded through restrained presentation. The interplay of transparency and tactility reinforces the showroom’s slow, attentive rhythm.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A frontal composition reveals the jewellery display as a study in balance: sculptural ceramic figures, delicate adornments, and asymmetrical mirrors set against crisp cabinetry, blurring the line between retail fixture and curated still life.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A diagonal perspective emphasises the repetition of display columns and the measured geometry of the room. Polished surfaces, soft carpeting, and controlled lighting create a composed backdrop for intimate encounters with the pieces.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • The jewellery hall unfolds as a luminous sequence of mirrored vitrines and deep green cabinetry. Linear lighting heightens verticality, while reflections extend the space, lending the room a gallery-like sense of depth and continuity.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

Framed by dark wood architecture, the central showroom space unfolds under a large, halo-like circular light fixture. A curved brushed-metal screen divides a plush seating area from a pale blue tiled monolith. The scene is anchored by a sculptural wooden chair, while colorful folk-inspired scarves are displayed like fine art within classical wall niches.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

A wide view of the showroom reveals a sophisticated interplay of textures: a coffered dark wood ceiling, blue-tiled surfaces, and a metallic curved wall. The space is curated with artisanal mannequins and vibrant textiles, demonstrating a maximalist approach to heritage within a minimalist architectural framework. The composition feels balanced, airy, and deeply rooted in Ukrainian craft.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

An evocative detail shot features a full-height mirror with a sculptural, oversized beaded frame in matte black. Beside it, a tall lamp shaded in pleated, raw-edged fabric stands on a white plinth. The reflection offers a glimpse of the warm, wood-clad interior and a metallic room divider, capturing the showroom’s tactile, neo-vernacular elegance.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

A high-angle detail shot focuses on a dark wood chair featuring intricate, folk-inspired carvings and a scalloped silhouette. It sits atop a neutral circular rug, juxtaposed against a curved, minimalist sofa and a low pedestal table. The soft, diffused lighting emphasizes the rich grain of the wood and the serene, Zen-like atmosphere.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

The spatial organisation provides a reinforcement to the sense of considered flow. At the heart of the showroom lies a reception-cum-lounge around which three distinct zones dedicated to ceramics, jewellery, and clothing are arranged, each with its own mood yet unified by material continuity. Animated by a forest-green ceramic wall, the lounge also incorporates a children’s corner and a softly articulated green-painted alcove housing the checkout counter.

The ceramics hall is anchored by a central constellation of display plinths integrated with a built-in sofa, encouraging visitors to engage with the pieces at a slower pace. The clothing hall, the largest of the three, is likewise centred around a seating area, this time delineated by a circular carpet motif and crowned by a bespoke illuminated disc. From here, a discreet passage concealed within one of the original cabinets leads to a private fitting room, a small but telling architectural gesture that transforms preservation into spatial surprise.

Through its measured interplay of material, colour, and form, Gunia Project’s showroom thoughtfully balances contemporary clarity with historic ornamentation. The result is a space that resolutely mirrors the brand’s own philosophy, one that is deeply grounded and quietly progressive, but confident enough to let past and present coexist without any hierarchy.

This perspective emphasizes the contrast between industrial and organic materials. A sleek, wavy metallic partition curves behind a neutral-toned banquette, set against the warmth of ornate dark wood paneling. In the foreground, the glossy surface of a blue-tiled table showcases artisanal ceramics, illustrating the project’s signature blend of neo-vernacular and modern design.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

A monumental black mirror with a rhythmic, beaded frame reflects a tiled display table and embroidered dress beyond. The mirror acts as both functional object and sculptural accent, amplifying spatial depth while bridging whimsical craft references with minimalist architectural order.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

A pale blue tiled display island and backdrop introduce a crisp minimalist counterpoint to the showroom’s dark mahogany panelling and coffered ceiling. Slim metal rails suspend embroidered garments, while curved ceiling tracks and soft daylight create a measured, gallery-like calm rooted in neo-vernacular restraint.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

The showroom’s expansive layout is showcased through a view of blue-tiled wall sections and minimalist garment racks. Traditional dark wood door frames and wall paneling provide a classical anchor to the contemporary sky-blue carpet and tiled pedestals. The atmosphere is professional and gallery-like, focusing on the artistry of the hung garments and the architectural heritage.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A vertical composition highlights a pale blue tiled display table resting on a tactile, cylindrical base. In the background, a monumental black mirror with a rhythmic, beaded frame reflects the showroom’s neo-vernacular spirit. A pleated paper floor lamp and vibrant blue glassware add artisanal textures, bridging the gap between traditional craft and contemporary minimalism.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A wide view pairs embroidered clothing with a sculptural wooden chair, its carved silhouette referencing vernacular craft. The pale tiled backdrop, cool carpeting, and warm mahogany walls create a layered material dialogue, where folk-inspired objects inhabit a carefully controlled contemporary setting.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A black embroidered dress is framed against warm wood panelling and pale tiled surfaces, suspended on a slender metal rail. The composition highlights Gunia Project’s graphic folk motifs, set in deliberate contrast to the interior’s architectural ornament and restrained contemporary detailing.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • An embroidered black dress stands beside a pale blue tiled island topped with ceramic vessels, foregrounded by a sculptural black mirror frame. The composition layers folk symbolism, artisanal ceramics, and contemporary display systems into a refined neo-vernacular tableau.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • Patterned garments hang before a softly reflective pale blue tiled wall, their tactile textiles echoed by the hand-laid ceramic surface. Warm wooden trim frames the composition, while the muted palette and filtered light lend the scene a quiet, almost domestic intimacy.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • Inside the fitting room, muted beige wall panels, blush-toned curtains, and mirrored surfaces create a hushed, intimate atmosphere. A compact upholstered seat on deep blue plinths adds a playful note, balancing comfort with sculptural precision.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

Curved ceiling tracks and spotlights sweep above restored wooden cabinetry, while a polished aluminium partition subtly mediates between lounge and display zones. The interplay of reflective metal, historic joinery, and soft upholstery captures the showroom’s poised negotiation between old and new.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • An upward view of the coffered wooden ceiling highlights its layered mouldings and rhythmic geometry. Bathed in soft, diffuse light, the ceiling’s dark timber tones lend the space a ceremonial calm, anchoring the interior’s modern insertions within an atmosphere of inherited elegance.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A close-up of richly patinated mahogany joinery reveals carved floral motifs, dentil detailing, and rounded medallions. The precise craftsmanship and warm sheen underscore the building’s historic gravitas, forming a tactile counterpoint to the showroom’s restrained contemporary interventions.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • Ornate brass door handles punctuate smooth mahogany panels, their decorative silhouettes recalling early-20th-century craftsmanship. The tight framing emphasises material tactility and proportion, foregrounding the showroom’s reverent approach to preserving original architectural details.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A carved wooden rosette emerges from the wall panelling, its sculptural relief catching the light. The motif’s symmetry and depth speak to the building’s historic character, reinforcing the dialogue between ornamental heritage and the showroom’s pared-back contemporary language.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • Monumental mahogany cabinets frame a discreet opening leading to a softly lit fitting area beyond. To the side, silk scarves are displayed on minimalist shelving, juxtaposing refined modern presentation with the weight and formality of preserved architectural cabinetry.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

A softly curved corridor of blush-pink curtains introduces a tactile transition between zones. The fabric enclosure tempers the architecture’s formality, transforming circulation into an almost theatrical experience of movement and concealment.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

The fitting room is revealed as a cocooned retreat: blush curtains, pale blue walls, and preserved timber wardrobes soften the transition from showroom to private space, transforming a functional moment into one of gentle theatricality.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • Pastel tones and restored woodwork converge in a composed lounge vignette. A sculptural upholstered chair and low aluminium table sit lightly against the weight of historic cabinetry, articulating the project’s dialogue between softness and solidity.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • An ornate white-framed mirror floats against a muted blue wall, its irregular silhouette introducing a playful counterpoint to the room’s architectural order. Reflections reveal softly lit fitting areas beyond.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A closer view of the fitting zone reveals plush rounded seating framed by softly glowing curtains. The subdued palette and tactile surfaces transform a functional space into a cocooned retreat.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • The clothing area is articulated through layers of sheer curtains and circular tracks, dissolving rigid boundaries. Embroidered garments appear intermittently through the fabric, reinforcing a sense of intimacy and discovery.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

  • A quiet seating arrangement unfolds beneath sculptural pendant lighting. Upholstered forms, pale carpeting, and filtered daylight establish a domestic calm, encouraging pause within the showroom’s curated flow.

    Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

A framed niche combines mirrored surfaces with preserved mahogany joinery, creating depth through reflection. Ceramic objects are staged with restraint, allowing material contrast—wood, metal, and clay—to take precedence.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

From the street, the showroom presents itself with quiet assurance: a weighty stone façade softened by crisp white awnings, where glimpses of sculptural objects behind glass hint at a world shaped by craft, symbolism, and considered restraint.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

The window display reads less as retail and more as a curated tableau—plaster forms arranged with museological care, hovering between classical reference and contemporary abstraction, inviting passersby to pause, look closer, and step inside.

Photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.

Gunia Project’s New Kyiv Flagship Anchors Contemporary Design in Heritage