A stunning Scandinavian-inspired renovation project in Ukraine |

It’s hard to believe as they look so realistic, but these images are actually computer-generated renderings of a project that’s just getting underway in the Ukrainian city of Lviv. It involves the renovation of an apartment in an architecturally important 18th-century building and is the work of LIS Design Studio, an interiors practice that’s gaining a growing reputation for its minimalist aesthetic and sensitive approach.

Created to showcase the apartment’s beautiful period features while introducing contemporary elements, the scheme brings together warm beiges and browns with clean-lined Scandinavian influences. Limewash paint is used throughout, and the original doors, mouldings and flooring have all been retained.

I love the way internal glazing has been used to divide the space without detracting from the sense of airiness. The slim beige frames work perfectly with the wider colour palette, and the textured glass adds a subtle vintage air; there are curtains to pull across for privacy, too.

Bespoke dark-wood cabinetry, sometimes adorned with brass wall lamps, features throughout the apartment, providing plenty of storage and blending seamlessly with the parquet. It’s echoed in the kitchen, where sleek wooden units and worktops are finished with discreet brass detailing. A dining corner has also been integrated into the space, with a low-hanging ‘Lantern’ pendant light from New Works adding cosiness and definition.

The dark wood continues in the living room, where &Tradition’s ‘Pavilion’ lounge chairs mingle with Northern’s versatile ‘HiFive’ media unit and sculptural ‘Ombre’ table lamp; and in the study, where a wall light has been fixed to a vintage cupboard to mimic the cabinetry of the hallway. But in these rooms it’s enlivened with pops of colour thanks to an indigo-blue ‘Cloud’ sofa, also by &Tradition, and deep burgundy rugs, accessories and shelving.

The bedroom is furnished in lighter tones for a more restful feel. There are softer, more relaxed textures in the rattan bed and playful ‘Little Petra’ armchair, designed by Viggo Boesen all the way back in 1938 and today produced by &Tradition, while the pale grey bedding and upholstery finish things off perfectly. Cleverly, built-in shelving and an architectural ledge are used to create a nightstand and to display a few well-chosen artworks and ceramics.

As for the bathroom, it’s a simple space with minimalist brass fittings and a freestanding white tub. There are hints of on-trend terrazzo in the sink and recess, but they’re done so subtly that there’s little risk of them looking dated as fashions change.