In the heart of Kyiv, Ukraine, amidst the backdrop of ongoing challenges, a new flagship showroom for fashion retailer One by One stands as a beacon of hope and creativity. Designed by the acclaimed architecture and interior design studio Between the Walls (BTW), this space serves as a sanctuary of joy and lightness, drawing inspiration from the universal allure of water. With its architectural design intertwined with themes of purification, reflection, and delight, it aims to offer visitors a brief escape from reality through its innovative interactive design.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Victoria Karieva
Interior Design Studio: Between the Walls (BTW)
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Project Type: Flagship Showroom
Client: One by One
At the core of this showroom’s design philosophy is the imaginative use of water as a motif to evoke memories and connections shared by people, particularly those sentimental, carefree days spent poolside in summer. Victoria Karieva, the project’s lead designer and BTW’s co-founder, reflects on this concept as a deeply personal response to the discomforting emotions brought on by Ukraine’s current socio-political situation. This interactive and playful environment is crafted to provide a momentary reprieve, a place where visitors can experience an infusion of joy and whimsy amid daily hardships.
Upon entering the approximately 2,100-square-foot showroom, guests are immediately enveloped in a signature aquatic atmosphere. The design begins with the main showroom floor, featuring tastefully arranged large display niches. The space seamlessly flows into a dressing room area lined with private changing booths, reminiscent of high fashion salons where shopping traditionally intertwines with social engagement. This mix of retail display and interactive spaces encourages shareable moments suitable for social media, further extending the showroom’s reach in today’s digital landscape.
The showroom’s floor plan optimally employs ambient lighting to amplify its underwater oasis theme without harsh glares. A recreational-style ball pit, imbued with cerulean spheres sitting against striking white tiles with red grout, marks the central hub for interactive photo opportunities. Nearby, custom 3D-printed pendant lights hover above, casting a gentle glow on this playful scene. Furthermore, meticulously crafted niches in the walls invite visitors to explore and engage with the space’s vibrant aesthetics, characterized by distinctive blue hues first seen in the spheres.
Throughout, a minimalist design language creates an expansive, immersive environment. Larger scale tiles and carefully orchestrated wall treatments guide the eye upwards, contributing to the perception of open space. The décor echoes aquatic elements, with stainless steel rods mirroring public pool designs, and furnishings that reflect the underlying grid of grout lines. Every piece of furniture has been custom-designed by BTW and locally fabricated to align seamlessly with the showroom’s fluid concept, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian creativity.
This flagship project not only serves as a retail space but also as a testament to the perseverance and innovation of the Ukrainian spirit during trying times. Karieva shares that client reactions to the showroom have been overwhelmingly positive, marked by a collective desire to “keep moving forward” despite adversity. By fostering a forward-thinking approach, the collaboration between businesses and creatives in Ukraine exemplifies a commitment to pushing through challenges with excellence and innovation. To explore more about BTW’s ground-breaking work, one can visit their portfolio online.
