- Interior
Men Bureau is an architecture and interior design studio based in Kyiv. Their timeless designs are stripped of all excess and thus focus on the essentials. This results in neutral and aesthetic spaces that emphasise textures, light and constructive details. We would now like to show you around one of their projects.
JP Residence was designed for a family of two, for whom it was the first home after a long period living in a rented apartment. Their house needed to exude tranquillity and a cosy feeling and would be a fusion of international design with the unique aesthetics of Japan. 
International design with the unique aesthetics of Japan.
Because the client likes a simple and natural atmosphere, the studio chose warm-coloured wood and plaster as the common theme of the house. These materials reflect the client's natural and minimalist preferences and his need for durability and functionality. Round shapes and arcs were intended to evoke a sense of smoothness, and rounded corners provided visual comfort in the interior.
The house is composed of a living room, kitchen, home office, bedroom and two bathrooms. Simple and mostly natural materials were chosen for the kitchen, such as cherry wood for the kitchen and bookcases and Boticcino marble, while steel brings a nice touch to the whole. The furniture, too, reflects simplicity and imperfection, such as the Lámina pendant lamp by Santa & Cole and the Monarch Shiitake Dining Table by Crate and Barrel. 
In the living room, a Belle Reeve sofa by De La Espada adorns the minimalist space, beautifully combining traditional craftsmanship and a timeless aesthetic. The seating modules can be combined with various armrest and table options, breaking up the symmetry of the sofa. The Hotaru Buoy pendant lamp by twentytwentyone reflects the client's love of traditional Japanese lamps.
In the bedroom, it was important that natural light could penetrate the room from all sides. This is possible thanks to the glass walls that surround the room like a 'box'. The walls are covered with automatic blinds that increase privacy. 
The home office is a technically equipped space with large windows and comfortable furniture, and the library provides a quiet place to relax and read. The home also contains a collection of custom-made pieces by Men Bureau. One of these is the ceiling-mounted bookcase in the library, which is made without screws or bolts. Instead, the cabinet is assembled from wooden posts and marble surfaces that fit together easily.
In the bathroom, instead of muted tones, as in the rest of the house, a grey terrazzo was chosen, which makes the bathroom a unique space in the house. The textures show the personality and lifestyle of the residents.
Images courtesy of Men Bureau