Small Kyiv Apartment Expansion: Loft Addition and Clever Open-Plan Design

Creating genuine new space in a compact urban apartment can feel like a design miracle, but thoughtful architecture and smart detailing make it achievable. A recent renovation in Kyiv, carried out by the design studio Martin’s, transformed a dated 47-square-meter flat into a home that effectively functions as a 60-square-meter interior. This is not about optical tricks like paint and mirrors; it’s about real spatial gain achieved through reconfiguration, built elements and a restrained, functional aesthetic.

Custom wooden addition inside the Kiev apartment with loft bedroom and workspace — Custom wooden addition inside the Kyiv apartment with two sleeping areas and a new loft level

The most striking intervention is a bespoke wooden volume placed at the far end of an open-plan living area. This built-in unit contains a loft bedroom and a compact workspace, creating a functional second level within the apartment’s double-height volume. By consolidating circulation and removing non-essential partitions, the design opens the living room, kitchen and dining area into one generous, continuous space that benefits from large arched windows and abundant daylight.

Bespoke wooden unit with sleeping areas and walk-in closet — Bespoke wooden unit inside the apartment has two sleeping areas and a walk-in closet

Material choices emphasize contrast and warmth. One side of the new interior retains exposed brick, which adds texture and a sense of history, while sleek, polished white finishes on opposite walls keep the scheme bright and contemporary. The wooden loft volume acts as a focal point, providing a tactile counterpoint to the brick and painted surfaces and introducing storage, sleeping and dressing zones within a compact footprint.

Double-height apartment with loft sleeping areas — Creating additional space in the double-height apartment with well-placed sleeping areas

Interior décor follows a minimal, functional approach that complements the architectural interventions. A compact sofa anchors the living area, while a round dining table with wooden chairs offers convivial seating without overcrowding the plan. A single-wall kitchen provides the necessary amenities while preserving circulation and visual openness. A large mirror positioned near the entrance amplifies light and makes the entry feel more expansive, while carefully selected lighting highlights key volumes and creates a welcoming atmosphere throughout.

Minimal living area in an open plan apartment — Decorating the compact living area in an open-plan apartment without excess decor

Exposed brick walls and arched windows — Exposed brick walls and arched window bring timeless charm to the modern apartment

Storage is integrated into the architecture rather than treated as an afterthought. The wooden stair to the loft conceals drawers and shelves, while the bespoke unit includes a walk-in wardrobe with wood-clad walls and targeted lighting that make dressing both practical and pleasant. These built-in solutions reduce the need for additional furniture and preserve floor area for daily living.

Walk-in wardrobe with wooden walls and lighting — Lighting and wooden walls give the walk-in wardrobe a modern, refined feel

Loft level bedroom and work area — Loft-level bedroom and work area with a simple, minimal aesthetic

Small touches reinforce the overall feeling of spaciousness: the loft keeps private programs elevated and out of the main living flow, the continuous floor plane and consistent finishes reduce visual clutter, and generous windows bring daylight deep into the plan. Even the apartment’s tiny balcony is treated as a usable extension of the living space—sufficient for two and designed to feel intimate yet open.

Mirror at the entry hallway — A large mirror in the hallway enhances light and makes the entry feel more spacious

This renovation demonstrates how a carefully considered intervention — a single custom-built volume combined with an open-plan layout, integrated storage and a restrained material palette — can dramatically increase usability and perceived size in a compact urban home. The project, photographed by Igor Karpenko, is a practical inspiration for anyone seeking to maximize both comfort and functionality in limited square footage.