While exploring the Sumy region, volunteers discovered that most characteristic private houses for the region have been preserved in towns with estate development. From the planned list, volunteers explored 18 villages and towns in the Sumy region during expeditions. Typically, the team chose historical district centers and traveled the surrounding areas in search of authentic buildings.

The closer to the border with Russia, and therefore the frontline, the more tension was felt in the mood of the region's residents. However, locals usually allowed photographing their homes but requested not to photograph themselves. The region suffers from regular targeted shelling along the border, so the path often encountered abandoned houses and even entire villages.

The architecture of rural houses in the Sumy region is extremely colorful, with a predominance of shades of blue, green, and dark cherry. Local wooden houses, in particular, stand out with vibrant colors – some walls faded over time, while others are carefully repainted. People also love to decorate their homes: volunteers collected many photos of unique decorative elements, such as voluminous flowers, birds, and intricate carvings. A large number of red brick houses, also adorned with various decorations, usually geometric, are present.

In contrast to other northern border regions explored in the RE:Ukraine Villages project, there are fewer noticeable traces of soviet influence in the Sumy region.