In modern corporate environments, familiar residential elements can actually help foster productivity just as effectively as standard contract furniture, and also serve as a welcoming place for staff, too. For a new project, Between the Walls blended the comforts of home and the functionality of an office. “People no longer want sterile work environments, they crave warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging,” says Victoria Karieva, designer and co-founder of Between the Walls. “From the earliest planning stages we focused on designing a space that doesn’t impose pressure, but instead calms, inspires, and restores inner balance.”

Modern living room with beige sectional sofa, geometric rug, blue and red accents, dining area in the background, and decorative ceiling moldings.

Located in Kyiv, Ukraine, the office, dubbed Mislad, features a dynamic open-plan area near the entrance. The hexagonal-shaped meeting room, complete with glass doors, double layered curtains, and plush carpeting, provides visual softness and acoustic performance.

Modern dining room with a dark table, four white chairs, sculptural pendant lights, a plate of fruit, wall shelves, and a menorah in the background.

Inspired by the building’s historical context, the team invited artist Anastasiia Leliuk to reimagine existing components and craft new ones that call to mind classic detailing. Known for her poetic gestures, the creatures of mythology became a central theme for Leliuk. To give the kitchen section a unique look, she created a large-scale bas-relief. Made of segmented papier-mâché, the piece depicts fantasy beasts.

Modern dining room with a long red table, eight silver chairs, sculptural white pendant lights, wall art, shelves, and large window with blue curtains.

A textured white wall panel with animal and foliage carvings is seen behind a burgundy table with a white plate of grapes and a white chair in the foreground.

Modern kitchenette with gold cabinets, a green marble countertop, glassware on shelves, and a maroon backsplash set against light wood flooring and blue accent wall.

Modern living room with a beige sectional sofa, wall-mounted TV on a wood-paneled wall, glass partition, and a striped rug on tiled flooring. Adjacent office area visible through the glass.

Modern living room with a brown sectional sofa, a geometric rug, a wall-mounted TV, wood paneling, and large glass doors opening to a bright dining area.

There are four work areas, each with its own distinct atmosphere. In the room closest to a neighboring synagogue, for example, a warm yellow echoes the tone found on the house of worship’s facade. The director’s office is in a more secluded part of the space, and serves as a minimalist canvas for eclectic touches. Dark blue Donald Judd-style shelves are mounted on the wall, next to an upcycled armchair with leather upholstery.

Modern office space with two chairs and a small table positioned by a large arched window, featuring hanging paper lanterns and light green carpet.

A glass table with a modern chessboard set up for play, featuring silver and beige pieces, surrounded by two upholstered chairs on a green floor.

A hallway with blue walls, built-in shelves, patterned wood flooring, glass office partitions on the right, and a red door at the end.

Modern conference room with six office chairs around a rectangular table, large windows with curtains, pendant lights, and glass sliding doors.

A modern hallway with blue walls, built-in shelves, glass doors on the left, wood flooring, and a view into a living area with wooden furniture.

Pistachio and eucalyptus green tints are paired with blues and earthy neutrals for a soothing effect, while burgundy and black hues add structure and intensity. The material palette has a mix of metal, marble, and glass that lends just enough sheen. Sustainability and reuse play a central role via preserved brick and wood that help keep the character of the setting.

A modern conference room with maroon chairs, a long white table, two gold-framed mirrors, large window with beige curtains, and a magazine on the table.

A conference room with red chairs, a white table, a closed laptop, and a gold-framed mirror reflecting the room and itself multiple times.

A conference room with a white table, six maroon chairs, a gold-framed mirror, a small lamp, and a large wooden cabinet against a white wall.

With a balance of art and storytelling, an effortless fluidity is achieved, which enriches the employees’ experience every day. “Our approach results in a space that feels both inviting and professional, modern yet emotionally resonant,” Karieva notes.

Minimalist office with a purple desk, white chairs, two pendant lights, framed wall art, and a window with blinds letting in natural light.

A modern office with a black table, two red chairs, a patterned rug, a chandelier, and a large window letting in natural light.

A small bathroom with white marble floor and walls, a wall-mounted toilet, a white sink, a soap dispenser, and a gold-framed mirror on a reddish-brown painted wall.

A woman is reflected in a tall, ornate gold-framed mirror mounted on a red wall.

A man and woman talk in a modern kitchen; the woman sits on a counter while the man stands, both facing each other. The kitchen features red, gold, and marble accents.

Between the Walls

To learn more about the Mislad office and Between the Walls, please visit betweenthewalls.com.ua.

Photography by Andriy Bezuglov.

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.