Accessories and lifestyle brand Gunia Project has opened a new retail space in Kyiv.
The store occupies a historic building, which once housed the Embassy of the Republic of Panama in Ukraine, resulting in a layered setting where past meets present.
Inside Gunia Project’s Kyiv outpost
The design, led by Anastasiia Tempynska of locally based studio Temp Project, preserves the structure’s authentic character. This includes repurposing original wooden ceilings and wall panels.
The interiors are conceived as a garden walk, unfolding in a palette of sky blue, green, and flower pink. Reflective surfaces—including milky glass, stainless steel, and mirrors—nod to water, while ceramic tiles serve as accents that recognize the material’s importance to Gunia’s work.
A spotlight on Ukrainian craft and history
Historic references are layered throughout. The pairing of chocolate brown and pale blue, for instance, subtly recalls the interiors of Kyiv’s Saint Sophia Cathedral. Materials like wood link to nearby Golden Gate, while carpet grounds the space with warmth and provides protection for the ceramics on display.
Furniture plays a central role in the design as well. Wooden pieces, crafted by local makers, draw inspiration from classic interiors. The use of traditional wood carving techniques—seen in the custom carved table, mirror, and chair—reinforces a deep connection to Ukrainian craft, too.
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