Allusion to Classicism 公寓丨乌克兰丨ArchObraz Interiors

The Allusion to Classicism apartment is set in a Neoclassical 20th-century apartment in Dnipro, Ukraine, renovated by local studio ArchObraz Interiors. The project, designed in 2024, features an interior drawn from childhood memories, combining historic elements and a touch of humor.

The apartment is located in a building constructed in the first half of the 20th century in the Neoclassical style but recently received a modern and ironic update. During a previous renovation at the beginning of the 21st century, the apartment’s decorative features were destroyed and its floorplan reorganised. ArchObraz was informed by the apartment’s classical architecture for its renovation.

“The new design of the space restores the history of this apartment at the level of memories and associations,” the studio said. “It was inspired by warm childhood memories spent in a similarly styled building.” ArchObraz described the renovation as a “modern, ironic interpretation of historical design” informed by childhood nostalgia.

At the heart of the apartment is a near-endless corridor. Its warm-toned wooden walls are nearly doubled in length by the presence of mirrors. “The almost endless corridor from the entrance is made even longer with mirrors,” it said. A traditionally large parquetry floor was replaced by what ArchObraz described as “herringbone” parquet.

Along the cool tones of the striking cobalt blue bathroom are gigantic tiles that have a marble-chip appearance. In the bedroom and lounge, curtain instead of glass panelling offers a more see-through wardrobe. Meanwhile, the window feature for seating pulls in the view from the outside. “The windowsill designed for seating, a curtain in the open wardrobe instead of glass, a giant ceiling rosette, and chairs reminiscent of school cafeteria furniture—all these elements create a distinctive bouquet of childhood impressions,” the studio said.

“The spirit of the past, a touch of romance, and humor support a small modern Ukrainian family unafraid to invest in their future in their native city, Dnipro.”