1.

Spatial Constraints

The mezzanine level significantly lowered the ground-floor ceiling height. To eliminate the sense of confinement and visually expand the space, we finished the ceiling with mirror-effect panels. To optimize staff workflow, we recessed the service area by 150 mm, ensuring ergonomic efficiency without requiring floor-level changes for guests.

2.

Lighting

To maintain a sense of openness on the second level, we kept the ceiling completely clean, free of fixtures and exposed utilities. Instead, we integrated warm lighting directly into the walls and furniture, creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere reminiscent of being at home.

Entrance Zone

Guests are greeted by an arcade machine at the entrance — a playful nod to childhood nostalgia. Tucked behind it is a retail zone. We repurposed an old window opening to create this area, transforming the wall niche into a dedicated display rack for branded merchandise.

The Bar

The bar design draws inspiration from the materials of the Motherland Monument and Kyiv’s industrial landscape. The metal's coldness is balanced by natural wood veneers and a bold, warm red hue, which serves as the space’s primary accent. The industrial vibe is punctuated by a LED strip displaying the slogan, "PEOPLE MAKE THIS PLACE." This phrase, which emerged during client brainstorming sessions, has since become the establishment's manifesto.

Seating Area

With armchair seating reminiscent of stadium bleachers, metal stairs, and a curated vinyl collection from the HOOD team, the atmosphere feels both familiar and authentic. The urban aesthetic is rounded out by original graffiti murals by Serhiy and Vitaliy Krekha.

Main Hall

The heart of the second level is a red communal table designed for large groups, illuminated by a massive feature lamp. Nearby, we created a lounge zone featuring a sofa, an ironic leopard-print rug, and a projector for movie nights.

The level is accented by Vladyslav Strielkov’s posters featuring illustrations of iconic music tracks. We also designed a dedicated "Instagrammable" zone: a metal wall featuring an amorphous mirror alongside a mirror styled after the classic "Paint" software interface. This solution not only corrects the room's geometry but also fills the space with nostalgic artifacts that transport visitors back to their childhood.

Custom Benches

The custom bench seating allowed us to solve two architectural challenges simultaneously: mitigating the room's complex geometry and optimizing capacity. The side bench conceals the wall unit’s structural defects, doubling as a wardrobe and drawer storage, while the bench lining the window creates an ergonomic, comfortable nook for guests to relax.