For Olena Korzh, cofounder of Bordo Design, crafting her own family home in Kyiv wasn’t simply a design exercise it was a deeply personal exploration of restraint, meaning, and emotional resonance. Eschewing color bursts and decorative flourishes, Korzh chose instead to build visual intrigue through texture and form. The result is a minimalist sanctuary where each surface and object carries quiet significance.
“I intentionally avoided anything superfluous,” Korzh reflects. “I wanted every piece to have not only a function, but emotional weight something that matters.”
This ethos is evident throughout the apartment, which is notably spare in storage but rich in considered detail.
At the heart of the space are the sculptural, embossed wall panels soft, wave-like forms that ripple gently across otherwise minimalist backdrops. Their presence, Korzh explains, is a counterpoint to the rigid geometries often found in modern interiors. “I was craving softness and movement something alive. The walls bring an organic calm, echoing the natural world in a way that feels instinctive, not forced.”
This philosophy of conscious consumption guided every design decision. Materials were selected with intention; furnishings are multifunctional, understated, and often vintage.
“This approach made my home feel not only visually harmonious, but authentically mine,” Korzh shares. “There’s nothing extra only what truly belongs.”
A muted palette of warm beiges grounds the space, lending a sense of openness and light. Delicate accents brushed gold finishes, soft velvet textures layer in subtle warmth. “Beige became my color not because it’s neutral, but because it soothes,” she explains. “It doesn’t overwhelm. It gives space to breathe.”
Among the few standout furnishings is a green velvet sofa, positioned like an anchor within the main living space. It’s Korzh’s favorite element a tactile, emotional centerpiece. “It’s more than a seat,” she says. “It invites pause. I find myself drawn to it not just to sit, but to be still, to exhale. That’s the power of a truly meaningful object.”
In Korzh’s Kyiv apartment, beauty lies in the intention behind every curve, texture, and hue. It’s a space where design doesn’t just serve it resonates. A quiet, sculptural home that, like nature itself, asks for nothing and gives everything.
By Olena Korzh, cofounder of Bordo Design
