Architecture / Ukraine
A living minimalist eatery by Yakusha Studio
Aesthetics of Ordinary
Words by Yakusha Studio
Photography by Yevhcnii Avramenko
Designed in live minimalism, the signature style of Yakusha Studio, a modern eatery features a laconic interior primarily made in natural and recycled materials and enhanced with a living spirit of artisanal objects.
The name “Istetyka” is a portmanteau of the Ukrainian words for eating and aesthetics. The owners sought to change the attitude to ready-to-eat food turning the ordinary into a ritual, so aesthetics of eating was the main message traced in the interior.
“I love the void in the space. When nothing distracts and you can focus on what's truly important. The essence”
Guests are welcomed by a laconic entrance embodied in wood, clay, and unprocessed concrete, original to the building where the eatery is. Connection with the earth and ecological approach is the core of Yakusha Studio’s philosophy. The work says: less means more. Value and valuable things are hidden in the daily routine. Connection with the earth and ecological approach is the basis of Yakusha Studio’s philosophy. So special attention was paid to the materials and their origin.
The main area features spacious round Ztista tables by FAINA served for friendly meetings. The legs of the tables are made from sustainable material based on clay, recycled paper, and other natural components. An artisan applies the living blend on the recycled steel basis and thus, from the hands, a unique, full of living irregularities silhouette comes out. Known as ‚valkuvannia‘, this ancient technique was used by Ukrainians for building walls of a traditional dwelling.
Istetyka by Yakusha
“Each of our projects tells the story. We combine modern materials and
techniques with long- known, passed down from generation to generation.
Clay walls, according to Ukrainian tradition, have very powerful energy,”
Designing the space, the studio adhered to the natural balance. The simple geometric shapes of the seats are gently softened by the rounded lines of the tables and lamps.The coldness of concrete walls and furniture meets the warmth of living clay. Roughness and uneven textures are balanced by the purity and smoothness of steel.
The second zone includes round concrete tables for one or two complemented by simple rectangular poufs made of recycled plastic. The kitchen is separated from the seating area by the toned glass, elegantly framed with a minimalist rack for orders.
Most items of the Istetyka eatery were handmade by local artisans. Artisanal macrame lamps elegantly finish area over dining tables. Accompanied by the rounded steel sconces, they fill the interior with a soothing light after the sunset.
Authentic Kumanec vases with textured surfaces belong to Faina’s collection of furniture and decor, part of Yakusha Studio.