Top 10 Ukraine: Architectural Masterpieces and Construction Innovations in the Beauty Industry 2026

Introduction: Evolution of the Architectural Landscape and the Role of Design in Ukraine’s Beauty Industry

Over the past decade, Ukraine’s beauty and wellness services sector has undergone a radical transformation, evolving from a purely utilitarian service sphere into one of the most dynamic drivers of architectural innovation and interior design in Eastern Europe. If in the early 2000s, the main criteria for a successful establishment were its location and basic service offerings, by 2025, architectural concept, engineering excellence, and visual uniqueness have become fundamental business assets that directly impact capitalization and customer loyalty. Commercial space architecture in Ukraine today is a complex synthesis of aesthetics, ergonomics, consumption psychology, and high-tech construction solutions.

A modern beauty salon in Ukraine is a multifunctional space where cutting-edge medical technologies, the art of atmosphere creation, and rigorous engineering requirements intersect. Architects and designers working in this segment face non-trivial challenges: integrating complex engineering networks (ventilation, specialized lighting with high color rendering index, water treatment systems) into refined, often minimalist interior solutions. The importance of this aspect cannot be overestimated: according to industry analytical reports, over 70% of premium and business segment clients choose an establishment based on first visual impression and the atmosphere created by the architectural environment. This phenomenon has been termed “experience economy,” where design serves as the primary marketing tool.

Innovative construction materials play a special role in this evolutionary process. The use of durable, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically flexible solutions, such as metal ceiling and facade systems, allows for creating spaces that meet the strictest sanitary and hygienic standards without any compromise on visual quality. In this context, domestic manufacturers, particularly the “Mehbud” factory, become strategic partners of leading architectural bureaus, offering customized solutions for implementing the boldest ideas—from complex parametric facades to ceilings that imitate natural textures or create futuristic geometric patterns.

This analytical report offers an in-depth analysis of the top 10 beauty industry facilities in Ukraine that demonstrate the highest level of architecture, design, and construction technologies as of 2025. We will examine in detail how leading Ukrainian studios—balbek bureau, Bogdanova Bureau, Sivak & Partners, YOD Group, and others—transform concrete boxes of new buildings and historic buildings with heritage status into true oases of aesthetics. Special emphasis will be placed on how Mehbud products can be integrated into these concepts, elevating them to a new level of functionality, fire safety, and durability.

Methodology and Architectural Evaluation Criteria

To form an objective and professional rating, comprehensive research was conducted based on in-depth analysis of open data, portfolios of leading Ukrainian architectural bureaus, publications in authoritative world industry publications (ArchDaily, Dezeen, Archilovers), and technical specifications of completed projects. The analysis covers the entire geography of Ukraine, with special focus on key metropolitan areas: Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro, where the concentration of innovative solutions is highest.

Key selection and analysis criteria:

1. Architectural value and uniqueness of concept: Not just “beautiful renovation” is evaluated, but the presence of a global architectural idea, work with volume and space, preservation of historical context (for renovation projects), and boldness of form-making solutions.
2. Innovation of construction solutions: Use of non-standard materials, complex structural joints, implementation of the latest installation and finishing technologies.
3. Functionality and engineering excellence: Compliance of the facility with specific industry standards (ventilation, air exchange rates, lighting standards CRI > 90), ergonomics of master workplaces, and client flow zoning.
4. Aesthetics, design, and emotional impact: Stylistic integrity, masterful work with color palette, textures, and lighting scenarios.
5. Contribution to architectural landscape development: Impact of a specific project on forming new design standards in Ukraine and recognition by the international community (awards, publications).

Main Content – Company Rating: Architectural Profiles and Analysis

#1 – Say No Mo (Kyiv)

Architectural bureau: balbek bureau

Location: Esplanadna St., Kyiv

Year of completion: 2020 (design relevance confirmed in 2025)

Architectural Profile and Concept

Say No Mo is not just a beauty salon, it’s an architectural manifesto against gender stereotypes and traditional “salon” gloss. The concept, developed by Slava Balbek’s team, is based on brutalist aesthetics, softened by smooth bionic lines and exquisite golden accents. The 200 m² space is located on the ground floor of a historic building in Kyiv’s historic center. The 4-meter ceiling height allowed architects to work freely with vertical volume, creating monumental forms.

The central architectural element of the interior is a “broken” concrete arch (cast-in-situ concrete arch), which serves as a powerful metaphor for breaking stereotypes in the beauty industry. This structure is a unique engineering product: it weighs hundreds of kilograms and required complex load calculations on the floor slab. Its creation process took over four months of manual work by sculptors and builders who cast and assembled segments directly on site, achieving the effect of natural fracture.

Materials Used and Design Solutions

The interior is built on a play of contrasts: cold, rough concrete and polished stainless steel enter into dialogue with warm golden panels coated with titanium nitride. The panels have a complex radius shape that wraps around walls and load-bearing columns, creating the effect of “liquid gold” flowing down the walls. This solution is not only highly artistic but also extremely functional: metal with such coating is hygienic, resistant to chemical reagents and mechanical damage, making it ideal for high-traffic areas with sanitary requirements. The floor is made of poured polished concrete, emphasizing the overall industrial chic and ensuring ease of cleaning.

Engineering Systems and Microclimate

Special attention in the project was given to ventilation and air conditioning systems. Considering the establishment’s specifics, which combines nail bar and cocktail bar functions, the ventilation system is designed for enhanced air exchange to effectively remove chemical odors from cosmetic products without mixing them with beverage aromas. The engineering solution involved leaving air ducts exposed (exposed ductwork), consistent with loft aesthetics. All communications were carefully routed and painted white, becoming an organic part of the ceiling’s visual code.

Awards and Recognition

The project received the highest recognition on the international stage, winning the prestigious Hospitality Design Award (New York) in the Wellness & Wellbeing category, beating competitors from London and Chicago. The interior was also honored with the Best of Year Awards from Interior Design magazine.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Say No Mo

Concept description: To enhance the “technological luxury” effect in the reception and nail bar area, the “Mehbud” factory proposes integrating cube-shaped suspended ceiling (Cube-shaped rail) in “Mirror Gold” or “Brushed Steel” finish. Such a ceiling system would allow hiding massive communications while maintaining easy access for maintenance (critical for commercial facilities), and the clear rail geometry would emphasize spatial rhythm, echoing the vertical lines of golden wall panels. Using perforated rails with acoustic inserts would additionally improve sound comfort in a room with many hard surfaces, effectively dampening reverberation noise from hair dryers and conversations.

1. Visualization 1: Rail ceiling with brushed metal texture smoothly integrating into concrete vaults, creating a visual transition from rough texture to technological perfection.
2. Visualization 2: Fragment of golden Mehbud rail attachment to the “broken” concrete arch, where metal emphasizes the irregularity of concrete edges.
3. Visualization 3: Hidden ventilation diagram of the space through inter-rail space of the ceiling, demonstrating the engineering elegance of the solution.

#2 – 365 Studio (Kyiv)

Architectural bureau: Bogdanova Bureau

Location: Kyiv center, new building

Architectural Profile

365 Studio occupies two levels in an elite club-type new building. The main challenge for chief architect Olga Bogdanova was combining strict requirements of the network’s corporate brand book (emphasis on environmental friendliness, mandatory use of green and white colors, live plants) with the desire to create a unique, non-canonical architectural object. Space planning required radical structural interventions: to unite two floors, an opening was cut in the monolithic floor slab, requiring development of a reinforcement project for the building’s load-bearing structures with metal clamps.

Construction Achievements and Materials

The absolute dominant of the interior is the staircase with massive green steel railings. This is a true work of engineering art and metalworking. The railings were made from 10mm sheet metal. The technological process was extremely complex: sheets were cut and bent at production, while welding of the structure occurred directly on site. A special lifting mechanism was developed and installed inside the premises to mount heavy elements. Final processing of welding seams was performed using automotive production technology (grinding, putty, painting), achieving perfect seamless smoothness and structure monolithicity.

Design Features and Ergonomics

The interior is saturated with natural materials and live plants, consistent with the global trend of biophilic design. The rounded forms of staircase railings set the dynamics for the entire space, finding response in radius walls and mirror shapes. Special attention is given to ergonomics: manicure tables are equipped with built-in dust collectors, and pedicure chairs are designed based on full-size mockup testing to ensure maximum comfort for client and master.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for 365 Studio

Concept description: Considering the strong emphasis on environmental friendliness and natural textures, the space would significantly benefit from using metal ceiling panels “Blinds” or “Cube-shaped rail” from Mehbud with high-quality “wood-look” sublimation (for example, “Light Oak” or “Walnut”) combined with local inserts of corporate green color (RAL 6005).

Metal ceiling with wood imitation is a more environmentally friendly, fire-safe (non-combustible class NG), and hygienic solution than natural wood, especially in public spaces with high humidity. It doesn’t require regular treatment with chemicals against pests or fungus, doesn’t deform from humidity (critical for hair washing areas), and provides easy access to air conditioning systems. Such a solution would support the interior’s natural theme while adding technological sophistication.

1. Visualization 1: Ceiling with light wood texture in the waiting area, smoothly transitioning into green metal lamellae above the retail zone, creating a “tree crown” effect.
2. Visualization 2: Detail of Noom pendant light fixtures mounting directly to Mehbud ceiling load-bearing profiles, demonstrating lighting integration.

#3 – 13 Laser Clinic (Kyiv)

Architectural bureau: Temp Project (Anastasia Tempynska)

Location: Kyiv, center

Architectural Profile

This clinic’s design is an embodiment of futurism and medical sterility, reinterpreted through the prism of contemporary art. Located on the ground floor of a modern residential complex, the space was transformed from a typical “beton box” into an environment reminiscent of science fiction film interiors. Architect Anastasia Tempynska built the concept on contrast of tactile sensations: deliberately rough wall textures (decorative plaster resembling pumice, therapeutic mud) are opposed to perfectly smooth, cold surfaces of metal, glass, and neon.

Design Solutions and Materials

The main interior idea is “laser technology perfection.” Asymmetric mirrors have a laser-cut shape; walls made of glass blocks refer to laboratory flasks and test tubes; neon inscriptions serve as a metaphor for laser beams. The color palette is restrained—monochrome gray and white, diluted with “surgical” accents of pink and sky-blue. Exposed engineering communications under the ceiling enhance the feeling of being inside a complex mechanism or spacecraft.

Engineering Systems

The decision to leave communications exposed required impeccable quality of ventilation and air conditioning system installation. All air ducts, cable trays, and pipes were mounted with jewelry precision and painted in a single color with the ceiling to avoid visual chaos, but rather emphasize the technogenic aesthetics of the space.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for 13 Laser Clinic

Concept description: To maximize the futuristic and sterile concept, the ideal technological addition would be cassette metal ceiling (Clip-in system) from Mehbud in mirror aluminum or polished stainless steel.

The Clip-in system with hidden suspension system ensures surface hermiticity, allowing its use in spaces with heightened cleanliness requirements (Medical Grade). The smooth metal surface is easily disinfected, doesn’t accumulate dust and bacteria. The mirror effect visually doubles the room height and reflects neon element light, creating an infinite space effect. Additionally, using facade metal cassettes with “brushed metal” effect for interior column cladding would add monolithic quality to the object.

1. Visualization 1: Sterile procedure room with mirror Clip-in cassette ceiling reflecting medical equipment and adding depth.
2. Visualization 2: Reception area columns clad with smooth Mehbud metal panels contrasting with soft furniture texture.

#4 – G.Bar Brave (Kyiv)

Architect: Olga Taranova

Location: Kyiv, “Arsenal” factory (historic fortress)

Architectural Profile

This facility is an exemplary case of careful heritage revitalization and its adaptation for modern commercial function. The 110 m² salon is located in the “Arsenal” factory building, erected in 1764 as part of the Kyiv Fortress. The architect faced a complex task: harmoniously fitting modern beauty space functionality into an interior with authentic brick vaults that have national architectural monument status, without violating heritage protection legislation.

Construction Achievements

Restoration work involved careful cleaning, strengthening, and preserving authentic brick masonry. To visually expand the space and give it “freshness,” the brick was painted white. New structural elements (zoning partitions, furniture groups) were integrated delicately, without cutting into historic walls. Massive decorative arches in deep blue were introduced into the interior, repeating the geometry of historic vaults, creating visual dialogue between the 18th and 21st centuries. Bright neons and modern furniture contrast with antiquity, emphasizing the boldness (“Brave”) of the concept.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for G.Bar Brave

Concept description: In historic spaces with vaulted ceilings, acoustic problems often arise (“barrel” effect) and hidden placement of modern ventilation. An elegant solution from “Mehbud” factory is using suspended ceiling “Grigliate” (Grigliato) or pyramidal grid in “Graphite” color or corporate deep blue.

Partial, fragmentary covering of vaults (for example, in technical zones, bathrooms, or above washbasins) with transparent grid ceiling would allow invisibly placing climate control systems, fire safety sensors, and acoustic mats behind the grid. At the same time, Grigliato’s visual permeability wouldn’t obstruct the view of historic masonry, preserving volume and airiness of the space.

1. Visualization 1: Waiting area under historic vault, where modern track lighting is integrated into light suspended Grigliato structure from Mehbud.
2. Visualization 2: Texture contrast: white antique brick and deep blue metal ceiling grid in the pedicure area.

#5 – Leo Beauty Club (Kyiv / International Network)

Concept: Luxury & Technology

Location: Kyiv, Warsaw, Dubai (Palm Jumeirah)

Architectural Profile

Leo Beauty Club network represents Ukrainian business on the international stage, positioning itself in the “heavy luxury” segment with emphasis on innovative technologies. Salon interiors (both flagship in Kyiv and new locations in Dubai) are distinguished by emphasized luxury: use of natural marble, brass, gold, velvet, and crystal. Space is organized on the principle of complete privacy for VIP clients, requiring creation of isolated cabinets that shouldn’t look cramped.

Construction and Engineering Solutions

Equipping salons with advanced apparatus cosmetology equipment (Endosphere, Robolex, Hydrofacial) places increased demands on engineering networks: reinforced wiring, voltage stabilizers, and powerful air conditioning systems for heat removal from apparatus. Interiors are also designed considering complex logistics of “parallel services,” when several masters work with one client simultaneously (4 or 6 hands), requiring special chair ergonomics and equipment placement around the client.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Leo Beauty Club

Concept description: To emphasize premium status and create an exclusive visual image, “Mehbud” factory proposes using “Panel Facade” facade systems from composite materials with premium PVDF coating (20+ year color fastness guarantee) in “Black Velvet” or “Gold Metallic” colors for building exteriors.

For interior space zoning (particularly for separating VIP zones), interior partitions based on “Rancho” profile (horizontal lamellae) are ideal. This solution provides visual privacy (blocks outside view) but maintains air circulation and light passage, not creating a “sealed bunker” feeling. Using lamellae with “gold” or “brass” coating would perfectly fit into Art Deco stylistics.

1. Visualization 1: Salon entrance group exterior with black matte ventilated facade and integrated golden lighting.
2. Visualization 2: Interior partition of golden “Rancho” lamellae delicately separating pedicure area from main hall.

#6 – KULT Barbershop (Odesa)

Architectural bureau: Sivak & Partners

Location: Odesa

Architectural Profile

The KULT Barbershop project, realized by Odesa studio Sivak & Partners in a record three months, is a vivid example of minimalism and uncompromising industrial aesthetics. The 100 m² space had a complex “legacy” in the form of old flooring and uneven walls. Architects made a bold decision not to mask these “flaws” with drywall but make them the design foundation. Industry publications characterize the interior style as “industrial sci-fi”—a mixture of industrial workshop and film set about the future.

Materials and Technologies

The main project materials were metal, glass, and special decorative concrete-look plaster. Old wooden floor was leveled and covered with special wear-resistant gray polymer compound. Authentic vaulted ceiling was preserved, adding necessary volume to the small space. Color palette is built exclusively on shades of gray, creating a brutal, restrained, purely “masculine” atmosphere, focusing attention on the haircut process rather than decor.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for KULT

Concept description: KULT’s industrial style is ideally complemented by steel ceiling rails with raw texture or designer “rust-look” coating (Corten steel look) from “Mehbud” factory.

Such a ceiling not only supports the overall “post-apocalypse” style but is also an extremely practical solution for a barbershop: dust is not noticeable on it, it’s easily washed, is non-combustible, and allows freely mounting pendant spotlight fixtures on magnetic tracks at any point in the space. Additionally, using metal wall panels (for example, corrugated profile sheets with designer painting) instead of plaster in active contact areas (near work chairs) would protect walls from mechanical damage by tools and carts.

1. Visualization 1: Ceiling of rusty metal rails through which cold light breaks, creating dramatic shadows.
2. Visualization 2: Work area wall protected by metal panels with “brushed aluminum” texture.

#7 – Deep Bar (Dnipro)

Architectural bureau: YOD Group

Location: Dnipro

Architectural Profile

Deep Bar is a unique hybrid space combining a flower shop, coffee shop, and bar with beauty zone. The establishment’s philosophical concept, developed by renowned YOD Group studio, is based on the metaphor of “roots and growth.” The interior is saturated with natural materials and symbolism: use of recycled oak, installations of natural roots hanging from the ceiling, and overall earth-tone palette.

Construction and Environmental Solutions

The two-level space required complex logistics and zoning. Use of recycled materials (oak boards removed from an old demolished building) emphasizes the global trend toward sustainable development and responsible consumption. The ventilation system is designed with special care so that delicate flower scents from the shop don’t mix with kitchen, hookah, or cosmetic product odors.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Deep Bar

Concept description: To support the eco-theme in areas with high humidity or strict fire safety requirements (for example, kitchen, technical corridors, bathrooms), “Mehbud” factory proposes metal ceilings with “natural wood-look” sublimation technology.

This coating is visually identical to real wood (oak, ash, pine) but applied to metal. Such a ceiling has non-combustible class NG, unlike real wood, and absolutely doesn’t fear moisture or temperature fluctuations. It could be used as a technological background for natural root installations, creating visual depth, ensuring fire safety and easy access to engineering networks.

1. Visualization 1: “Dark oak” ceiling in the bar area imitating wooden beams but hiding ventilation system.

#8 – Salon Odes (Odesa)

Architect: Emil Dervish

Location: Odesa, Marshal Govorov St.

Architectural Profile

The 131 m² salon is an embodiment of Odesa lightness and brightness. Architect Emil Dervish created a breathing space, using not solid walls for zoning but light gray textile drapery. This creates an effect of theatricality, ephemerality, and space mobility. Stylistically, the interior balances between minimalism and asceticism, diluted with refined retro elements (characteristic tiles, mid-century modern style furniture).

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Salon Odes

Concept description: In such an “airy” and light interior, it’s critically important not to burden space with massive structures. White matte micro-perforated cassette ceiling from Mehbud would be an ideal technical solution.

Panel micro-perforation combined with acoustic fleece provides high sound absorption coefficient, which is very important in space with many hard surfaces (floor tiles) to avoid echo effect. Matte surface diffuses light, preventing sharp reflections that can interfere with stylists’ fine work. This is an example of “invisible” architecture that works for comfort.

Statistics and Analytics of Construction Industry in Beauty Sector (2024-2025)

Based on market analysis and data from industry portals, key economic and technical sector indicators can be identified:

Construction Innovations and Technological Requirements 2025

Material Environmental Friendliness and Sustainable Development

The global sustainability trend in 2025 in Ukraine has transformed from a marketing slogan into a real technical requirement. Metal structures (aluminum, galvanized steel), which form the basis of “Mehbud” products, ideally meet this paradigm. Metal is a 100% recyclable material. Unlike some types of plastic, vinyl, or chipboard, metal with polymer coating doesn’t emit volatile organic compounds (VOC) when heated, is hypoallergenic, and doesn’t become an environment for mold growth, which is critically important for medical clinics and beauty salons.

Ventilation, Climate, and Sanitary Standards

According to DBN (State Building Codes) and Ukrainian sanitary rules, beauty salons (especially those providing manicure, pedicure, hair coloring services) must be equipped with powerful supply-exhaust ventilation. Air exchange rate is calculated individually, considering heat generation from equipment, people, and volume of chemical emissions.

Architectural solution: Using suspended rail ceilings (like “Kubota,” “Grigliate,” or plate rails) allows effectively masking bulky air ducts and air conditioner units in the ceiling space. At the same time, due to system openness, no obstacles are created for free air circulation, and access for filter cleaning and system maintenance remains free.

Lighting and Coloristics

For quality work of colorists, makeup artists, and cosmetologists, lighting with color rendering index (CRI/Ra) of at least 90 units is critically necessary. This allows seeing real skin and hair color without distortions.

Architectural solution: “Mehbud” metal ceiling systems have sufficient rigidity for integrating heavy professional track systems, linear LED fixtures, and point light sources. Metal doesn’t deform from fixture heating, ensuring stable ceiling geometry for decades.

Mehbud Solutions Gallery: Business Space Transformation

“Mehbud” factory offers not just construction materials but comprehensive architectural solutions capable of changing client perception of business.

1. Facade systems (Ventilated facades): This is the salon’s “face.” Ventilated facades of steel cassettes or rails provide not only modern visual image (any RAL color, wood/stone textures) but also effective wall thermal insulation. This allows significantly reducing heating costs in winter and air conditioning in summer.
2. “Cube-shaped rail” ceilings: Ideal solution for large hall zoning (open space). Changing rail pitch, height, or color allows visually highlighting zones (reception, washbasins, workplaces) without building walls.
3. “Louver” and “Rancho” fences: Relevant for salons located in private houses or on ground floors with summer terraces. Special lamella geometry ensures client privacy (territory not visible from street) but freely passes sunlight and air inside.

Conclusions

Ukrainian beauty salon architecture in 2025 demonstrates world-class creativity and engineering thought. Market leaders such as Say No Mo, 365 Studio, G.Bar, and other participants in our rating prove by their example that success in the beauty industry is inextricably linked with space quality and client emotional experience. By investing in professional design and quality materials, business owners invest in their brand.

Using modern solutions from Ukrainian manufacturers such as “Mehbud” factory allows architects to implement the most complex projects while ensuring durability, fire safety, environmental friendliness, and compliance with the highest sanitary standards. Metal ceilings and facades have ceased to be an attribute of only industrial facilities, becoming an integral part of refined designer interiors.