Kyiv Home Tour: Remodeled 100 Year Old Flat in Ukraine. 🇺🇦

I wanted to show you around my neighborhood in the city center of Kyiv, Ukraine and the final result of my apartment's renovation. This apartment is over 100 years old and was built during the Pre-Revolutionary Tsarist Empire. Today it sits in a cultural heritage building in the center of the capital. The full renovation took over 1 year and in total cost around $200,000.
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Ask anything in the comments below!

[@rikverlinden1169]

Great job brother, you deserve this.. i hope you soon find a good ukraining woman and stay safe ! Greetingz from belgium

[@veex48]

Love, love, love your apartment, Johnny!❤

[@JohnnyFD]

Thanks! Me too. =)

[@AccordingtoWarren]

I visited Kyiv in 2019, its a beautiful city, with amazing people. I hope your home is safe.

[@GiannisVeronis]

Johny i found you through Mr Balds channel and not regretting digging you. What you are doing now in Ukraine is so humane and heart warming. The word of course sees all that and gets inspired by you. All the other comments spoke about your amazing appartment and all the rest to come soon to your way ;) as you attract what you are always and I see the heart you putted in this..i could continue writting so much more but i will just end this comment by wishing an amazing life there amongst the people you consider your friends and community and for sure you have a greek friend in Portugal to hang out with if you ever decide to visit

[@JohnnyFD]

Thank you!

[@wendywilson4527]

Love your apartment. Us Brits have a love of renovated older buildings. Real jealous of those ceilings as must have been built for the rich to be so ornate and keeping the walls white helps make them pop. You look so happy and at home. Really wishing you all the best and that you can soon plan for the future without this dreadful war hanging over your head. You are right that some people have lost everything and I love that you never forget that.

[@JohnnyFD]

Thank you!

[@varmooo]

Beautiful renovation. Its simple, but still classy. I know you're happy and can entertain and welcome your friends there . Slava Ukraine!!

[@camillemousse]

Excellent work....very good taste. Love the distressed wood doors, exposed brick walls, particularly the bedroom brick color. Chevron wood floors gorgeous. Interesting textures both fabric and hard surfaces. Happy for you....hoping all will be safe and the war ends soon. Peace. Beautiful people in both countries and throughout our world. We need peace. From US.

[@JohnnyFD]

Thanks for the compliment! It's the same reasons why I like the design as well.

[@legalitetongue3276]

What a posh apartment! The bricks are classy. Well done!

[@Bobwa2008]

Don’t paint those doors they look amazing with the distressed look, they also complement the brick. The small couch in the kitchen is a great idea and looks great in that colour. Your designer did an amazing job 🤩

[@JohnnyFD]

Thanks! It took me a while to be okay with the unfinished look, but it's really grown on me and I love it. now.

[@Mugarod]

Dude I can't believe you live on my old street Baseynaya. The Maydan Plaza used to be an old apartment building in 90s and there used to be a school next to it that was moved closer to the stadium school 78. The middle of Baseynaya street had more of a park area and less traffic. The rest of the area next to school was an old unfinished hospital till they converted everything into that Arena City or Maidan plaza, not sure what it's called exactly. But I love watching your videos for nostalgia since you basically in the same streets I grew up in, they just look different now but also you good blogger. I also do muay thai but not on professional level like you. Thank you for what you do. I live in America now and I miss Ukraine dearly. I appreciate seeing it again from your eyes

[@JohnnyFD]

Wow that’s cool to hear the history of the street. It’s a small world. I do wish there was a park here still though.

[@Glenn-F-Rice]

​@@JohnnyFDpeople around the world arent that different. Why our governments cant get along burns me up

[@steven9541]

Johnny I really like your condo. The brick walls and unfinished doors, brilliant. I'm sure it's not for everyone but it's your home and taste and that's what matters. I love it.

[@kathleenr4817]

Johnny, I recently subscribed to your channel after watching one of Mercado Media's GMK show where you were a guest. First, thank you for your support of Ukraine on so many different levels. You do have a heart of gold. Also, your apartment remodel looks fantastic! I do like the modern twist with some of the classic characteristic of your space. It looks very comfy and relaxed. Your designed did a magnificent job! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@JohnnyFD]

Welcome aboard and thanks! I'm glad you like the design. =)

[@suzannemoore4519]

Love love your apartment! The brick, the doors, the furnishings , your paintings all just lovely! Wondered tho in the kitchen- where do you store pots and pans and plates bowls and silverware? Maybe you eat all meals out? Thanks for the tour!

[@JohnnyFD]

Thanks Suzanne! I keep everything in the lower drawers and cabinets. Silverware is in a pull out drawer under the burner. I've never had a problem not having enough storage for items. My small pantry cabinet gets full of food quickly but it just reminds me not to over buy.

[@kevinmasuda5989]

I went to Puzata Hata in Kharkiv in the summer of 2021, I loved the food. Kinda wish they opened one up in some of the Ukrainian areas of US cities.

[@charlottethien3749]

Johnny FD, Great work by the volunteers for those needing day to day needs . Thank you ❣️

[@yorkiemom7858]

The exposed brick and unfinished wood looks great. It gives character to the place. I love it when restoration is done and yet upgraded. The white paint was a great choice! The ceilings are beautiful. I just built a new home but you have me already wanting to make some adjustments! 😂😂. It looks beautiful and the booth idea was definitely the best choice!

[@helloiamjoshie]

You did a wonderful job! I love it. Peace to you and all of Ukraine.

[@granthamwizard4590]

Amazing work on the flat! Looking forward to seeing more. Stay safe and keep up the great work in Ukraine.

[@Vicky-bi2so]

I looooove how it turned out! ❤ actually I’m kinda jealous also, you got this place at a very good price point, location is great 👍🏻 super happy for you

[@Vicky-bi2so]

You are such a kind soul. Thank you for all that you are doing for Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@typhoontim125]

You have it lovely. Great tour! The details at the end of video were the icing on the cake.

[@prashanthp5448]

There’s a beautifully serene vibe to the entire apartment. A meditative haven.

[@dandurban9123]

I feel for you Johnny; so happy for you too that you were able to buy your first apartment under such trying times in Ukraine. Enjoy! home sweet home.

[@howdan1985]

Congratulations on your stunning home Johnny - absolutely love the way you've designed it, quite the transformation from when you first viewed that apartment! Really like the sleek, luxurious, modern style that you've implemented in a very sympathetic way (keeping and enhancing some of the traditional features whilst modernising it as well). 5* my friend, wishing you well to live in it and enjoy it to the full.

[@Kymberlee_W]

Hey Johnny, here I am, commenting on another old video. lol Anyway, hope you're well and on your way to warmer climes for the holidays. I wanted to tell you that I was a bit dismayed to see those wires out in the open on your walls rather than being run inside of conduit, but I also understand different countries and their building stuff is different than the states. That realization came to me after seeing what passes for insulation in Australia and it's sure AF not a roll of pink insulation a panther could be proud of 😆😆 Your use of space is excellent. I LOVE the doors; they look naturally pickled. I wonder if you know any handymen who could construct you a hall bench with storage under the seat and pegs for handbags - imagine Amish furniture or Martha Stewart's country house mudroom. I'm also super impressed with the kitchen backsplash, it's gorgeous and I love it. The colour is incredible and on my screen, it looks like a soft gold or brass, and I, too, love your table and sofa. Who knew that a sofa at the table would be so cool? I'm also a little sad we haven't seen much of your friend, Kachka, she seems so sweet. Please tell her hello and happy Christmas when you speak to her. Have lots of fun on your travels and I look forward to seeing your next video.

[@JohnnyFD]

Thanks! My builder asked if I wanted to use exposed conduit along the brick but it was an unnecessary extra cost. A custom mudroom would be really nice, but the bench and purse hooks on the brick wall do the same job for a lot less money. If I didn't have the coat closet I would do it for the storage, so it's a good idea. I was against the idea of a couch in the kitchen at first, but my designer convinced me of it, and now I love it. Happy holidays and thanks for the nice comment and thoughtful tips.

[@thedappercook]

$200,000 is an absolute steal. Incredible. Here in Melbourne you need $1.5 million for the same thing.

[@thedappercook]

@@AusValue you clearly don't live in Melbourne Australia bro. I kid you not you will not find an apartment centrally for $200,000 or even $400,000 this is un heard of. Not an exaggeration at all, especially when you haven't purchased Australian property!

[@ladysparkymartin]

I think it’s gorgeous! You deserve it and earned it with your kindness and generosity. I hope it’s your sanctuary.

[@JohnnyFD]

Thank you!

[@steven9541]

1st episode of Ukraine Cribs....love it

[@moodymango8855]

Beautiful renovation and utilization of such a magnificent space. Enjoy it in health and peace.

[@anonymous_okie3817]

Gorgeous!!!! Love that you kept the original architectural details. I think the exposed brick and the fancy ceiling actually goes really well together with how you decorated.

[@JohnnyFD]

Thank you so much!

[@bimmjim]

I built my own place. I made a heating system that works if the power goes off in the winter. This is my priority.

[@ericlindenmuth7517]

Your apartment is awesome!!! Your designers did a great job! Love the mix of old and new. Stay safe! Cheers from Los Angeles...

[@danocnl]

Loving the flooring. The apartment is looking awesome!

[@JohnnyFD]

Thank you!!

[@JohnDoe-xi1qk]

Haven't these people suffered enough? Having to endure this guy also, must be really hard 😂

[@tonioarceamorrortu9223]

Cool apartment 👍

[@williamlightfoot5425]

Johnny you have a wonderful home. Don't have any regrets of it being your home.

[@rebeccanewson981]

Everything looks amazing. Such a massive change from when you bought it. We lived on Shota Rustaveli so it’s so nice to see the neighbourhood. I wondered if you would buy heaters for each room so it’s great to see you have heating for winter time

[@JohnnyFD]

Thanks! There’s central heating, but the mini splits also function as heaters.

[@BohdanLevchuk]

Nice apartment! Man, when you get a wife or a girlfriend that guest room will become a new closet, believe me 😂 That one wardrobe furniture will be enough just for summer dresses 😅

[@juiced9432]

I genuinely love your apartment. 10/10. I stayed in that area of Kyiv too - absolute winner! Can't believe you can just take a stroll outside to Gulliver.

[@bryancole842]

Really nice Johnny - definitely a labor of love. Be safe.

[@marlysthoreen4363]

Very tasteful apartment. You have excellent taste.

[@JohnnyFD]

Thank you. =)

[@dani_g]

The "unfinished" wood & brick looks amazing! 🙌🏼 I would move in tomorrow! ☺️😍

[@tysbohi8202]

Сам нещодавно зіткнувся з капітальним ремонтом і чудово розумію наскільки морально/матеріально цей процес виснажує. Радий, що для тебе це вже в минулому. Бажаю успіхів.

[@SammyB-Habebe]

I love the apartment what a beautiful design and cool atmosphere! Well done Johnny! I wish you all the best buddy! Great video! so happy for you ✌️

[@joanneq4554]

Your apartment is absolutely amazing you have great taste! I love the naturalness of the woods, and exposing the awesome bricks and their history. And it’s so functional and comfortable. Wishing you many, many happy days there!

[@vinnie_me7800]

The apartment looks great and your neighbourhood is awesome. I see why you chose that area to call home.

[@cscms28]

Love the exposed brick, great color, nice and light as opposed to red or brown, perfect with the ceilings and moldings. especially love the stone lintel above the living room door. wish there was a way to eliminate those dark electric wires everywhere, distracting and a bit sloppy in an otherwise clean and upscale finish. just my opin. but, do really like the space and job well done.

[@JohnnyFD]

Thank you very much!

[@jameshongcal]

Nice apt! Your sound levels are really variable, might want to equalize volume across clips.

[@goodsoup6162]

It is quite possible to drink tap water in Kyiv, it is completely safe and clean enough. The problem is mineralization and hardness, which makes it completely tasteless for tea and coffee. Instead of the way of supplying crystal clear but expensive water as in EU cityes, the way has been chosen to supply a lot of cheap and safe water, but it is much cheaper and more efficient to clean it for the taste of drinking already at home with small filters of reverse osmosis.

[@JohnnyFD]

Good info. I read something similar and personally use a Brita Pitcher type filter for coffee and tea, and a built in 3-stage filter for drinking water.

[@joycewilcher8007]

Absolutely leave the floors, door and brick walls as is!!!! My favorite parts

[@JohnnyFD]

Thanks! That's the plan!

[@living-wellon-less5669]

Your apartment looks really good, I would finish the balcony with a ledge wide enough to sit plates along the bottom of the windows with some stools, a Hibachi at one end and a small fridge and TV at the other end with a good vent fan so I could grill shrimp, smoke cigars and sip homemade vodka in comfort

[@darkbrother8516]

Hard to believe that only a few hours drive away from there, people are starving and sleeping in their basements without running water, gas, or electricity under shelling and explosions.

[@JohnnyFD]

Yes I know. ☹️

[@lyndaboca8111]

The apartment is gorgeous - love the floors and ceilings..lol...stay safe and sending love & peace xoxo

[@Igdrasilas1]

Honey... that closet in your bedroom... please don't tell your future girlfriend that there's planty of space in there, she will not understand it :DD Other than that - really great makeover. Super cozy, light, original. I do love it. Great job!

[@lindadorman2869]

Congratulations on your first apartment - you did a great renovation job!

[@deb3742]

How about upgrading that microphone next?

[@coriolan1963]

Beautiful and classy! Congratulations!

[@JW-cx8tg]

Your apartment looks awesome. I think it will be a great investment in the long run. I would love to buy a place in Ukraine as well as I think the country has a bright future after this war. It has a large pool of smart, educated, young population and filled with ambition to grow.

[@almightytwee1188]

Oh my God, dude I’ve walked past your house probably like a dozen times I was there for like a week this summer waiting for paperwork to go through and I would go to the ATB inside the Gulliver Plaza for breakfast and lunch Is crazy to see this because I found your channel a few weeks ago because I was looking to buy an apartment Maybe I’ll see you around the neighborhood. I find something I like or we can go to Arsenal get some of those fine ass ribs 😂😂😂

[@geoffcasias9367]

Renovation looks awesome. I got an espresso machine recently and figured out a great ratio that taste like Philz. Having a kitchen scale will be very useful. Begin with a double shot, weigh out 20g of very finely ground beans and press with medium pressure to try to keep the beans level. Use a full size coffee cup. After brewed, at 4 oz of hot water above 180 degrees, add 50 grams of heavy cream and finish with optional sweetener of your choice and should taste like Philz. Can also ice the same recipe, add at end after cream.

[@LeifHagen]

Love your Kyiv apartment! Great door (don't paint them!) - high ceilings and those cool exposed brick walls - very nice! Fun to discover your KZbin channel!

[@JohnnyFD]

Thanks so much!

[@inunez8678]

That looks awesome. I normally stayed at the Dnipro Hotel by the Euro Soccer monument. I love Ukraine! Hey, I want to reach out to you via email or text? How can I do that? I am retiring next summer and am looking to do some traveling and I know much has changed since my last trip in 2017. Please let me know how I can get a hold of you. Thanks

[@JohnnyFD]

Hi, you can ask anything here in comments. If have a lot of questions and want to phone consult you can sign up here: www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnyfd

[@living-wellon-less5669]

I roast and grind and blend my own coffee, I am not an expert but I know a lot more than the average coffee drinker and I have gone through countless coffee makers, espresso makers, siphon coffee makers and unless you spend over $1500 you will never find a GOOD espresso maker! BUT the best coffee maker I have found for under $100 ( I have 2 I got used for under $50) is the Sboly Single Serve Coffee Maker with Milk Frother for K-Cup and Ground Coffee Cappuccino Machine Latte Maker Bundle! It will make up to 16 ounces at a time and it makes the best coffee with ground or K-cup!

[@amp394]

Looks amazingly cosy Johnny!

[@jyee2217]

If all out war forget electricity but you have a nice cozy place. Nice remodel.

[@kimharding2246]

Your apartment is beautiful. I pray you and your property stays safe in Kiev.

[@JohnnyFD]

Thank you!

[@kimharding2246]

@@JohnnyFD I was writing the comment as I was watching, but you answered my question about your property in Kharkiv. God, I pray everyday all this ends soon. 🙏

[@ktr119]

The apartment looks amazing, Johnny! Wish you to have peaceful and comfortable life there!

[@oleterje7209]

Do you have a wireless mic you can use? Its really hard to hear you sometimes in the videos, and the sound of you goes up abd down now when you move. But good and interesting video 😊

[@erenareynolds6692]

Your apartment is soooo classy…everything is well thought out and executed to a T❤️❤️❤️

[@olehtomilov2909]

Realy cool renovation, Johny! I like your appartament. Greetings from Lviv! :-)

[@JohnnyFD]

Glad you like it!

[@zin.nesis1]

Chonka restaurant 😅 But actually it’s Chaika, if similar to russian it should be “a place to have tea” (chai). Like pizza and pizzeria. Exposed brick is great, in general, but we can see the soviet time building methods which are not as appealing. My opinion ofcourse. In general - great renovation!

[@bonnieikamas1201]

Grateful for your sharing of your life and your experiences! To me, your new home is absolutely perfect! Best wishes; looking forward to your new posts!😻

[@Lucky14970]

I can only assume that the light background music that Johnny added into the video also plays in his head every time he walks through his front doorway.

[@JohnnyFD]

How'd you know!

[@Lucky14970]

@@JohnnyFD I think I'm starting to get a grip in regards to noticing some of your tendencies. I mean, for all it's worth, I do live in SF and I see some parallels here and there :)

[@lorirodger]

It looks beautiful Johnny. The white walls and the exposed brick makes the rooms look so much larger! Leaving the doors the way they are it's a good idea as well. It's gorgeous!

[@JohnnyFD]

Thanks so much!

[@marieblawat5093]

Sooo beautiful. It fits you very well too. I really do wonder what the value dollar amount is today? I understand it could all appreciate again in future .

[@kentishtowncomputer]

200.000 usd for the renovation or total flat price after renovation?

[@newAMDman]

God job! For $200k in Bay Area you can get just trailer house

[@OlOlgaGo]

Your apartment looks great. Love eclectic design.❤

[@Kim-J312]

Love the exposed brick. Need some big tall cool paintings . Nice glass doors

[@charleshadley8604]

Ok just a note, Get a Burr Grinder for your coffee beans. With that steel blade coffee grinder your most likely burning the coffee grinding it to expresso powder.

[@dancoffey3552]

Making your own espresso has a big learning curve. I recommend the La Marzocco Micra.

[@JohnnyFD]

I can buy a lot cups of coffee for $3,900. 😂

[@cecilialibago8449]

i was fascinated with Ukraine's beauty all because of your channel..good to know that your apartment is untouched by the war..

[@pavelushakov6612]

Just keep holding it (apartment) real estate is still the best investment you can make. People will always need a place to live. It will appreciate over the years. If you still decide to sell but can't - then rent it out instead. Cashflow never hurt anyone.

[@XploreWithRoger]

Would be nice to live there as well. Do you know good websites which list apartments in Ukraine?

[@flamingbeaver9414]

Is it a good idea to put the address out there?

[@GlenParker73]

It's your Home my friend you enjoy it. Theres nothing better than having your home the way you want it. 🙂

[@JohnnyFD]

You got that right!

[@drthomason7043]

Be careful if you have your drinks in the freezer, the bottle could crack if the drink freezes All the best Johny, it's a lovely apartment and you are blessed to have it, even though we live in unsettled times, you will always know how resilient and resourceful you are. Manaaki te Atua 💞

[@JohnnyFD]

Vodka doesn't freeze.

[@nancyp2992]

So happy you have a place to call home Johnny, the unpainted doors and the simplicity, uncrowded, beautiful. It's great

[@pezipyy4734]

Nice Job done in apartment and also good support for local people . Great contents and keep making daily life in Kiev for us. I try to check in comments but couldn't find out. I am interested for risky apartment in Kiev. Can you recommend any bank or real estate contact?

[@vera_in_kyiv]

Apartment looks great! Love the exposed brick, the doors and that you left a few of the old school windows, oh and the ceilings of course. Also, having a little couch in the kitchen is super cozy and comfortable. I must tell you though that the tap water, at least in Kyiv, is not only safe to drink, but actually tastes great (I and everyone I know here drink the tap water all the time).

[@DrivingStandards101]

Well done for sure, but not too sure about putting your area map up during a war!!

[@DavidBerquist334]

The outlet looks like German standard but cable is black in Germany it is flat 1.5 mm gage black live blue neutral yellow green ground is it the same in Ukraine

[@TonyGoesGlobal]

Nice renovation. I love these pre-revolutionary buildings.

[@elsestelema6273]

What a beautiful building! Love the apartment very stylish the brick showing great idea not keen on the doors imo spoils the apartment! Also shame the nice painting is in the loo!💕💕💕

[@andibates7086]

Fabulous effect throughout the whole apartment as it's a classic and modern twist mixed together. A very special area to live in KYIV. Great on you. SLAVA UKRAINA 🌻🇺🇦💯

[@BLYMZzz]

sorry bro but is it safe to share your home location ?

[@user-wp4sh5ji2o]

Why not?he has not gold or bag with money at home

[@BLYMZzz]

@@user-wp4sh5ji2o only thing is money do u think?

[@DJ-uk5mm]

Love the semi industrial look we’ll done

[@AnthonyJosh]

I’m currently at that hostel city center in Chișinău I only paid 7 euros 💶 thanks Johnny!

[@DazieMax]

Looks fantastic! Aloha from Maui, Hawaii 🤙🏽🌺🌈

[@JohnnyFD]

Thanks so much!

[@DazieMax]

@@JohnnyFD Your welcome. I love that you mixed vintage with modern. I’m actually now watching your video “I spent a day with the AZOV” and love it! Thank you so much for such insight. Roman is a rockstar! I enjoyed the War Memorial exhibition as well. Great video and fun editing.

[@elsestelema6273]

So many glorious buildings!!

[@DavidBerquist334]

Do they have flea market all year or spring through fall

[@ANDRIY_H]

Dope apartment man. Great location as well.

[@JohnnyFD]

Thanks Andriy 🙏

[@ANDRIY_H]

@@JohnnyFD Recently discovered your channel. Enjoy your content very much. Im originaly from Rivne but now live in States. Hope my home country has been good to you. God Bless. 👋

[@nancyp2992]

Johnny it makes me want to go out and find a place that I can redo. I did this for years, but I've slowed down now though I'm 81, but it's not over til it's over. Love your new place it is great, it's nice to have a home to go home.