PAPAYA Brand Showroom by Between The Walls – A Dialogue Between History and Contemporary Design

Embracing History: The Foundation of Design

The PAPAYA Brand Showroom, designed by Between The Walls, redefines the concept of retail interiors in Kyiv. Housed in the former Koshchovni Rachi store, the space preserves authentic elements, including shell rock walls and anodized aluminum display cases, creating a bridge between the past and present. Rather than erasing history, the architects restored, highlighted, and celebrated it.

Fragments of shell rock were complemented with natural stone from the Rivne region, historically brought to the area during the Soviet era. This combination reinforces material authenticity, historical depth, and a tactile connection to nature.

Materiality and Spatial Experience

The interior employs a harmonious blend of natural materials and geometric forms. Polished concrete floors provide a sense of stability and monolithicity, while ceiling light panels deliver soft, diffused illumination, enhancing material textures without unnecessary emphasis. The result is a light-filled, calm environment where walls and floors dissolve into a serene spatial composition.

Custom-designed matte metal clothes rails echo the curves of the building’s arches, merging sculptural form with functionality. Inspired by Richard Serra’s monumental works, their wave-like forms suggest natural formations, connecting to the marine origins of microcement, which includes sand and small shells, reinforcing the showroom’s organic narrative.

Curated Fittings and Intimate Spaces

A dedicated area with deep green velvet curtains houses the fitting rooms, creating a sense of intimacy and privacy. Full-length mirrors draw attention to the wearer, while a Dedar-upholstered sofa and Vitra floor lamp by Isamu Noguchi introduce warm, natural tones, echoing the interior’s material palette. Every detail balances comfort, aesthetics, and human scale, emphasizing emotional engagement over visual spectacle.

Art as the Heart of the Showroom

The central piece of the showroom is a sculpture by Tamara Turlyun, crafted from paper and metal wire. Designed specifically for this space, the sculpture shapes movement, attention, and mood, transforming the showroom from a mere retail space into an emotional, tactile experience. Turlyun’s work explores care, love, and personal history, reflecting the narratives of women in her family and emphasizing the showroom’s human-centered design philosophy.

A Sensitive and Timeless Retail Space

The PAPAYA Brand Showroom demonstrates how interior design can honor history while remaining contemporary. Its approach prioritizes feeling, reflection, and tactility over spectacle. Through thoughtful materiality, subtle lighting, and sculptural interventions, the showroom tells a gentle, honest, and immersive story, redefining the experience of retail architecture.

All Photographs are works of Andriy Bezuglov