室内展厅丨乌克兰基辅丨Sofiia Hupalovska,Nataliya Stukonog

INSIDE

Interior architects: Sofiia Hupalovska, Nataliya Stukonog

Project Area: 110 sq.m

Project Year: 2024

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Photo credits: Yevhenii Avramenko

ABOUT

The INSIDE showroom is an adult store in Ukraine recognized for its chic and contemporary design that transcends the conventional appearance of intimacy stores. Situated in the heart of Kyiv, INSIDE aims to create an inclusive and visually appealing environment that redefines the typical image of adult shops, prioritizing comfort and sophistication. The project began in February 2024 and was fully renovated in four months.

CONCEPT

The concept behind INSIDE was to create an adult boutique experience that defies the typical, cliché aesthetics associated with such spaces. Instead of the usual neon lights and stereotypical symbols like strawberries, INSIDE was designed to offer a subtle, sophisticated environment. The goal was to foster a sense of comfort and normalcy, reflecting the belief that these intimate experiences are natural and not something to be ashamed of. This approach allows customers to explore the space in a relaxed, unpressured atmosphere that promotes curiosity and openness. The interior showcases a modern and minimalist aesthetic, emphasizing natural materials to cultivate an elegant environment.

FUNCTIONALITY

Since INSIDE is located in a basement without any natural light, the choice was made to incorporate a stretch ceiling with backlighting. This setup provides a soft, even glow that mimics natural daylight. A backlit, diffused ceiling panel achieves this effect by eliminating shadows and gently brightening the interior. This lighting design addresses the lack of windows and natural light, making the underground space feel more open, airy, and inviting. Additionally, this approach enhances the clean, minimalist aesthetic and ensures that every detail and product display is well illuminated, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

The shelving was designed as built-in wall units. This approach was chosen for practical and aesthetic reasons. Firstly, the existing basement walls had significant curvature, which made standard shelving difficult to install seamlessly. By integrating the shelves directly into the new wall structure, the design achieves a cleaner, more streamlined look that works with the natural contours of the space. Secondly, embedding the shelves helped to keep costs within a limited budget, as it minimized the need for additional materials and construction adjustments to accommodate standalone shelving units. This choice not only optimizes space but also reinforces the shop's minimalist and functional aesthetic.

The design of the showroom was created not only to be visually engaging but also to support a functional and thoughtful customer experience. Here’s how each part of the space seems to serve both practical and aesthetic purposes.

Reception Area: The reception desk acts as a central greeting point where staff can interact with visitors upon entry. Positioned against a metallic backdrop, the area is intended to feel both private and welcoming. The use of soft lighting creates an inviting atmosphere right from the start, while the desk itself establishes a clear check-in or information zone without overwhelming the rest of the store. The metallic panels behind the reception may also serve to reflect light evenly, maintaining a well-lit entry space.

Seating Area: The sofa, with its inviting curves and artistic representation of the human form, is designed to make visitors feel comfortable and at ease. This area may allow customers to sit and relax, either while waiting for assistance or while browsing certain items. Additionally, the strategic placement of the “LOVE CARE PLEASURE” messaging on the wall helps reinforce the shop's philosophy, subtly reminding visitors of its inclusive, body-positive, and caring approach.

Product Display and Shelving: The rounded, built-in shelves provide a clean, minimalist backdrop for showcasing products. They create an organized and unobtrusive display area, allowing the products themselves to stand out against the neutral tones. This shelving design ensures easy accessibility and browsing while keeping the space uncluttered and visually appealing. The depth of the shelves and the spacing is specifically planned for product categories, making it easy for customers to navigate different items.​​​​​​​

Central Counter: The rounded counter, located within the main display area, serves as a focal point where staff can assist customers with product inquiries, purchases, or additional information. The soft edges of the counter reduce visual harshness, promoting a feeling of approachability. Its central location might encourage a flow of movement around the space, guiding visitors naturally toward various sections and product displays.

The overall functionality of the space is designed to foster an open, comfortable, and discreet shopping experience.

DESIGN

The design of INSIDE adult store is modern, minimalist, and elegant, with a focus on creating a welcoming and comfortable experience for visitors. The space strikes a balance between sophistication and playfulness, achieved through carefully selected materials, colors, and shapes that feel luxurious yet accessible.

Color Palette: The space predominantly features a neutral color scheme with shades of cream, grey, and metallics. This muted palette lends the shop an upscale, contemporary feel, while also allowing the products to stand out without distraction.

Material Choice: The shop makes extensive use of reflective and metallic materials, especially in wall paneling and accents. These materials not only enhance the modern aesthetic but also reflect light, giving the space a sense of openness and brightness. The metallic finishes, combined with soft fabric elements like the curtain, bring in a sense of contrast — blending hard and soft textures for visual interest.

Furniture and Fixtures: The furniture pieces in the shop are minimalistic with rounded, organic shapes. Most of the items were produced custom by Ukrainian contractors.

Sink area is designed with a simple and functional approach. The basin has a rectangular, blocky shape with a concrete finish, lending a raw, unpolished look that matches the industrial theme.

The fitting room in this design doubles as an open space when not occupied, maximizing functionality in a compact area. The central pouf, creatively shaped to resemble a manhood, adds a playful and bold touch, in line with the shop's theme. The fitting room is surrounded by curtains that can be drawn for privacy. The light wall provides ideal frontal lighting, ensuring clear visibility for customers trying on items. This setup not only offers a unique aesthetic but also serves a practical function.

For the showroom's interior was specially designed metallic holders feature simple geometric shapes. Their sleek lines and minimalist design enhance the space's overall aesthetic, effectively combining functionality with style.

Overall, the interior combines sleek metallic elements with gentle curves and neutral colors, creating a welcoming, non-intimidating space for visitors. This thoughtful design reflects a balance between luxury and comfort, aimed at fostering open-mindedness and exploration.

The success of INSIDE reflects a growing trend in Ukraine towards more open and refined approaches to personal wellness and self-expression.

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THANK YOU!