HE.D Group designs Love by the Moon boutique in Kyiv with hand-painted fabrics and custom timber joinery

Ukrainian architecture and interiors studio HE.D Group has transformed a former pair of grocery stores into Love by the Moon, a womenswear boutique in Kyiv defined by hand-painted fabrics, custom timber joinery, and a sense of openness enhanced by tall ceilings and large windows.

The design concept emphasized lightness, transparency, tactility, and individuality, creating a boutique interior where materials and artisanal craftsmanship play a central role in shaping the spatial and sensory experience.

From Grocery Stores to Boutique

The site once housed two small, partitioned grocery stores. Despite its crowded interior, the space was distinguished by high ceilings and large front windows, which inspired the idea of maximizing openness. The former unsightly vestibule was removed and replaced with bold red French doors edged with glossy bobbles, inviting passersby inside.

Interior Layout

Love by the Moon now consists of a singular, open-plan boutique with creamy white walls and chevron flooring. At the center, a fluted timber service desk sits proudly, supported by four chunky legs. Behind it, a heavy brown curtain conceals the brand’s office at the rear.

A seating area adjacent to the desk features plush brown velvet armchairs, a pair of oval coffee tables, and a whimsical wavy-stemmed floor lamp. Above, three large pleated lanterns softly illuminate the space, highlighting HE.D Group’s focus on creating intimacy through texture and detail.

Use of Fabric and Craft

Much of the boutique’s furniture and surfaces incorporate hand-painted floral fabrics, commissioned specifically for the project. These appear across the cushions, divider screens, and folding doors of the changing rooms. The fabrics help establish a unique and personal visual identity that blends art and fashion.

Design Element	Material / Craft	Effect
Service Desk	Fluted timber, crafted by local artisans	Anchors the space, tactile centerpiece
Hand-painted Fabrics	Custom textiles with floral motifs	Unique visual identity, artistic resonance
Changing Rooms	Paper flower lights, bobbin mirrors	Playful, intimate fitting environment
Red French Doors	Glossy bobble-edged detailing	Inviting, striking street presence

Changing Rooms and Details

Inside the changing cubicles, flower-like paper lights and timber bobbin mirrors add charm and warmth. Wooden bobbin detailing continues throughout, including in the boutique’s bathroom. Nearly all timber elements were fabricated by local artisans, ensuring exact matches of tone and texture.

Craftsmanship and Atmosphere

By emphasizing tactility and emotional resonance, HE.D Group created a space where textiles and woodwork define both character and comfort. Every element — from the lanterns to the painted fabrics — contributes to a sense of refinement and individuality.

The boutique is not merely a retail environment but a sensory experience, where artisanal craft and bespoke design echo the values of the brand.

Architectural Analysis

The transformation of two grocery stores into a boutique underscores the potential of adaptive reuse. The project balances historical spatial features (high ceilings, street-facing windows) with new elements such as bespoke joinery and fabric design.

The result is a carefully orchestrated environment that is simultaneously open, warm, and distinctive. While ornamental, the design remains accessible and rooted in local artisanal traditions.

Significance

Love by the Moon represents a model of craft-based retail design, where handwork and individuality replace generic interiors. By collaborating with local artisans, HE.D Group showcased the power of place-based design in creating commercial environments with cultural and emotional depth.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This boutique illustrates how fashion and architecture intersect when materiality is given center stage. The use of hand-painted fabrics and custom timber joinery elevates the project from a shop fit-out into a crafted experience. For ArchUp, it stands as a reminder of the value of artisanal detail in shaping contemporary retail.

Conclusion

Love by the Moon by HE.D Group transforms an ordinary Kyiv storefront into a boutique defined by artistry, tactility, and openness. With its playful fabrics, bespoke carpentry, and welcoming layout, the project demonstrates how design can embody both brand identity and local culture.

It is a case study in adaptive reuse, artisanal craft, and experiential retail, offering lessons for architects and designers worldwide.

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