Soft lighting, round shape and neutral colors create a welcoming atmosphere inside it sex shop in Kyiv By Ukrainian designers Sofia Hupalovska and Natalia Stuknog, with playful details including a phallic pouf.
hupalovska And Stuknogwho worked together in architecture and interior studios Balbek Bureau Before setting up her own firm in 2021, Hupalowska wanted to create an inclusive and inviting interior that would be a departure from the gaudy style of most adult stores.
“The concept behind Inside was to create a sex shop experience that challenges the typical, clichéd aesthetics associated with such venues,” Hupalowska explained.
“Instead of the usual neon lights and stereotypical symbols like strawberries, the inside was designed to provide a subtle, sophisticated atmosphere.”
To achieve this objective, the designers used a muted palette that included cream and gray colors that allowed the products to stand out.
The metallic finish helps illuminate the space by reflecting light, contributing to the modern aesthetic. These surfaces, used primarily for wall paneling and accents, also contrast with softer details such as curtains and upholstered furniture.
The shop is set in a basement without any natural light, so the designers decided to incorporate a backlit ceiling panel that provides a soft, uniform glow similar to daylight.
Visitors are welcomed by a reception desk, set against a metallic backdrop to create a bright and inviting space with a semi-private feel.
In the reception area, a curved sofa is decorated with a stylish outline of a female body. Here, customers can relax while browsing products or waiting for assistance.
The main retail space offers a simple and neutral setting to present products on built-in shelves. A central counter with rounded edges provides a surface for staff to assist customers with product inquiries.
“The soft edges of the counter reduce visual harshness, promoting a sense of accessibility,” says Hupalowska.
“Its central location can encourage a flow of movement around the space, which will naturally guide visitors to different sections and product demonstrations.”
The shelves were designed to deal with another problem arising from the store’s basement setting. The existing walls lacked straight surfaces, making it complicated to install standalone shelving units, so built-in storage provided a practical and more streamlined solution.
Integrated shelves contribute to the clean look of the interior, with the curved edges at the top echoing the motif used throughout the space.
The shop’s furniture and fixtures were mostly custom-built by Ukrainian contractors, with many pieces designed using round, organic shapes. Examples include a playful pouf in the fitting room that resembles a penis.
The fitting room also has curtains that can be drawn for privacy and a curved light wall that provides even lighting for customers trying on items.
A sink in the main display area was designed as a monolithic element with a concrete finish that complements the raw, industrial theme of the shop, along with exposed pipes and ducting.
Overall, the store interior seeks to balance functionality and minimalist aesthetics with a soft touch to contribute to a discreet and enjoyable shopping experience.
“The space strikes a balance between sophistication and playfulness, which is achieved through carefully selected materials, colors and shapes that feel luxurious and accessible,” said Hupalowska.
During her time at the Kyiv-based Baalbek Bureau, Huplovska worked on projects An interior for a gender-neutral salon and cocktail bar With solid surfaces and gold accents.
The studio’s other projects include A modern restaurant incorporating classic Ukrainian style And A house that reinterprets the traditional log cabin Using stainless steel and concrete.
Photography is by Yevheni Avramenko.
