Lviv Apartment That Embodies the Essence of Modern Minimalism

In Lviv, Ukraine, the KM Home is an apartment that spans just over 1,000 square feet and is the private residence of designer Karina Mayer and architect Danylo Koshulynskyy, co-founders of the acclaimed interior studio KOSHULYNSKYY & MAYER. Rejecting the conventional developer’s layout, Mayer and Koshulynskyy embarked on a transformative journey to create a home tailored to their lifestyle. The original plan, which included a combined kitchen and living area and three cramped bedrooms, gave way to a more thoughtful configuration. The couple introduced two spacious bedrooms, dual dressing rooms, a practical laundry space, and two elegantly designed bathrooms. This layout not only optimizes space but also enhances daily living with an emphasis on comfort and efficiency.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, marble floor, an oval dining table, and mismatched chairs. A minimalistic design with a countertop featuring a built-in stove and a range hood above.

From the moment one enters the home, art takes center stage. The entrance is graced by “Renaissance,” an evocative piece by Ukrainian artist Andriy Voznytsky, crafted from coal. This striking artwork is highlighted by strategically placed ceiling lights, creating a dynamic interplay of shadows and textures. Another captivating piece, “PORTAL” by Lesya Panchyshyn, adorns the living area, illuminated thoughtfully to accentuate its vibrant details.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, white countertop, and appliances. A cutting board with vegetables and a stovetop are on the island. Brown wall panels with integrated lighting are shown.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a sink, and a floating countertop. A balanced stone supports the countertop, with assorted fruits and vegetables on top. Marble floor visible.

The absence of corridors is a deliberate choice, eliminating unnecessary spaces and fostering a natural flow throughout the apartment. “Another common challenge for those aspiring to create a truly modern home is the presence of unnecessary corridors, which often serve little purpose other than to collect decorative clutter and subtract valuable space from the main living areas. That’s why we eliminated all the corridors,” says Mayer.

Modern kitchen and living area with light wood cabinets, marble floor, and large windows. Features a central island, dining chairs, and artwork on the wall.

The open-plan living room and kitchen serve as the heart of the home, designed to encourage both relaxation and social interaction. The kitchen exudes understated elegance with sleek eucalyptus wood panels, integrated Miele appliances, and a Calacatta marble dining table that effortlessly extends to accommodate more guests. A strategically placed block of marble supports the countertop giving it the illusion of floating while offering an unexpected design detail.

Modern living room with light beige sofas, a round coffee table, and a large abstract painting. Marble floor, large windows with sheer curtains, and a dog resting on one of the sofas.

Modern living room with a marble floor, white sofa, round coffee table, and large windows. A colorful abstract painting is on the wall, and city skyline is visible outside.

Modern living room with large windows, light walls, a plush sectional sofa, and a round marble coffee table. Sunlight streams in, highlighting the minimalist decor and wooden accents.

The use of ceramic tiles throughout simplifies maintenance and supports underfloor heating, eliminating the need for traditional radiators. Eucalyptus veneer adds warmth and texture, seamlessly blending with the minimalist decor. Notably, Mayer’s decision to forgo curtains in the living room allows the natural landscape outside to become a living artwork, framed by uniquely angled windowsills.

Narrow hallway with marble floor, black textured wall art, and a turquoise vase with dried branches. Bright natural light enters from a room at the end of the hall.

A bedroom corner with a wooden sideboard holding framed photos and a vase of red flowers. Beige curtains, a bed, and a door are visible. Light creates shadows on the wall.

Modern bedroom with a neatly made bed, light beige bedding, and decorative pillows. Sheer curtains hang above, with sunlight streaming in. A book and vase with dried flowers are on the bedside tables.

The primary bedroom is a serene retreat, complete with an en-suite bathroom and a private dressing room. The bathroom, reminiscent of luxury hotel suites, features glass partitions that balance privacy with openness. Highlights include a Rosso Imperiale marble sink and sophisticated fixtures from Hansgrohe and Catalano, while the guest bathroom showcases an illuminated Patagonia marble washbasin, adding a touch of refined glamour.

Cat pawing at a glass of water on a bedside table next to an open book, with a bed in the background.

A minimalist bedroom with a large window, a bed with beige bedding, a wooden nightstand with an open book and glass of water, and marble flooring. Black-and-white photos hang on the wall.

Modern bathroom with glass doors, marble walls, and floor. A toilet is visible on the left, and a planter with green foliage is on the right.

Luxurious bathroom with marble walls, a lighted onyx sink, oval mirror, and vertical light fixtures. Glass shower on the left with a dark wood accent wall framing the wash area.

Illuminated marble sink with a chrome faucet and soap dispenser, set against a marbled wall.

A multifunctional room, which Mayer refers to as “the room of uncertain function,” currently serves as Koshulynskyy’s office but is designed to adapt easily into a nursery or additional living space as needed. This flexibility reflects the couple’s foresight in creating a home that evolves with them.

Luxurious walk-in closet with marble floor, featuring shelves of shoes and bags, clothing racks with coats and dresses, a full-length mirror, and a folded chair.

Completed in just six and a half months, KM Home embodies the essence of modern minimalism, where every element serves a purpose, and every detail contributes to a cohesive environment that’s “for the soul.”

Bathroom with white and black marble walls and floor, a wooden vanity with a dark marble countertop, large mirror, and frosted glass doors.

Woman with long red hair sitting on a white couch, wearing a white top and green pants, next to a gray cat. Behind her, a large abstract painting with blue and beige tones is on the wall.

Karina Mayer, founder and designer of KOSHULYNSKYY & MAYER

For more information, visit kmdesignlab.com.

Photography by Andriy Bezuglov.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.