In modern corporate environments, familiar residential elements can actually help foster productivity just as effectively as standard contract furniture, and also serve as a welcoming place for staff, too. For a new project, Between the Walls blended the comforts of home and the functionality of an office. “People no longer want sterile work environments, they crave warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging,” says Victoria Karieva, designer and co-founder of Between the Walls. “From the earliest planning stages we focused on designing a space that doesn’t impose pressure, but instead calms, inspires, and restores inner balance.”
Located in Kyiv, Ukraine, the office, dubbed Mislad, features a dynamic open-plan area near the entrance. The hexagonal-shaped meeting room, complete with glass doors, double layered curtains, and plush carpeting, provides visual softness and acoustic performance.
Inspired by the building’s historical context, the team invited artist Anastasiia Leliuk to reimagine existing components and craft new ones that call to mind classic detailing. Known for her poetic gestures, the creatures of mythology became a central theme for Leliuk. To give the kitchen section a unique look, she created a large-scale bas-relief. Made of segmented papier-mâché, the piece depicts fantasy beasts.
There are four work areas, each with its own distinct atmosphere. In the room closest to a neighboring synagogue, for example, a warm yellow echoes the tone found on the house of worship’s facade. The director’s office is in a more secluded part of the space, and serves as a minimalist canvas for eclectic touches. Dark blue Donald Judd-style shelves are mounted on the wall, next to an upcycled armchair with leather upholstery.
Pistachio and eucalyptus green tints are paired with blues and earthy neutrals for a soothing effect, while burgundy and black hues add structure and intensity. The material palette has a mix of metal, marble, and glass that lends just enough sheen. Sustainability and reuse play a central role via preserved brick and wood that help keep the character of the setting.
With a balance of art and storytelling, an effortless fluidity is achieved, which enriches the employees’ experience every day. “Our approach results in a space that feels both inviting and professional, modern yet emotionally resonant,” Karieva notes.
To learn more about the Mislad office and Between the Walls, please visit betweenthewalls.com.ua.
Photography by Andriy Bezuglov.