Stunning Surrealist Kyiv Apartment: Bold Design Meets Lizard Companion!

Positioned atop Kyiv’s right bank along the Dnipro River, this unique 1,141-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment is a marvel of interior design. Crafted by the Ukrainian design firm metric bureau for a creative duo and their pet cat, the Apartment with a Lizard embodies a daring approach to interior aesthetics. “The clients were very open to experimenting,” explains Svitlana Moskalenko, the designer and founder of metric bureau. “Their priority was an emotional impact through striking visuals, contrasting hues, and innovative designs.” One of the occupants, who comes from a fashion background, wanted a home with the vibrancy of a cosmic carnival—bold, unique, and full of character. The other desired a space that offered tranquil spots for introspection. The outcome is a surreal abode that perfectly harmonizes vibrant colors and serene spaces, creating a setting where dramatic scenes blend with practical comfort.

The entrance of the apartment immediately sets a distinctive atmosphere. A monochromatic red hall—encompassing the walls, ceiling, and lighting fixtures—immerses you as if entering a dollhouse chamber. A sliding glass door separates this vibrant welcome from the main living space, which is dominated by a rich, deep green hue. At the heart of this area, a large circular cutout, lined with faux fur, serves both as an eye-catching centerpiece and a cozy nook. This unique feature replaces traditional seating and offers a place to peer out and connect with the cityscape from the 26th floor, all while standing on a balcony that mimics the flow of water with its tile design.

The living room is enhanced with local craftsmanship, featuring a blue L-shaped sofa from SVOYA Studio, a sculptural Woo armchair, and a Pecherytsia coffee table that resembles a mushroom. The backdrop of built-in metal shelves is adorned with Alpi veneer, crafted by the postmodern icon Ettore Sottsass, adding a layer of sophistication to the couple’s eclectic collection of books and artifacts.

Concealed within the walls of the red entryway are metal shelves designed to organize the couple’s footwear neatly. Above these, hidden panels provide seamless access to the apartment’s utility systems.

The kitchen echoes the living room’s theme with its green cabinetry and features a mirrored concrete column that enhances the spatial feel. A red Alpi veneer highlights the upper cabinets, and a playful portrait of a lizard dressed in formal attire, a piece by Ukrainian artist Valery Kuznetsov, oversees the area. The dining section includes a round table surrounded by mismatched red and white chairs, under a charming felt pendant lamp from Danish brand Audo, maintaining a light and playful atmosphere.

The bedroom is a realm of fantasy, centered around a bespoke oversized bed that spans over 75 square feet. It is adorned with Italian wallpaper from Wall&Deco and a mesmerizing, eclipse-themed mirror. The theatricality continues with a fringe-trimmed vanity and lamps, while chain curtains open to reveal a minimalist, all-black dressing area. The bathroom does not shy away from drama either, with its deep cobalt walls contrasted by a bold red sink and shelves, and includes a hidden cabinet for the cat’s litter box.

Moskalenko describes this project as one of the studio’s most audacious undertakings yet, where the clients’ readiness for bold choices fostered a space that is as emotionally resonant as it is functional. It’s a home where every element, from a fur-lined viewing hole to an elegantly attired lizard, narrates a story, merging daily life with an imaginative theatrical backdrop.

The balcony is designed to evoke a swimming pool ambiance, decked with Seletti’s water-patterned floor tiles and black mosaic-tiled walls and stepped benches.

To discover more about the Apartment with a Lizard and metric bureau, visit metricbureau.com.