In this soulful apartment, every object holds a story, from a grandmother’s restored sideboard to vintage cinema chairs and heirloom mosaics.
When a young family of doctors with a small son received the keys to their new apartment, they knew it had to be more than just a practical living space. They imagined a home where every object told a story, where heirlooms, vintage treasures, and contemporary design would coexist harmoniously.
Set within a 90-square-metre apartment, the project offered the architects a near-perfectly square canvas to play with. Within its walls, they created a spacious kitchen and dining area that flows into a formal living room, a separate TV lounge with cinematic acoustics, a serene bedroom with a walk-in closet, a playful nursery, and two refined bathrooms.
A Kitchen for Gatherings
The couple, both passionate about cooking and film, dreamed of a kitchen that could bring people together. That vision came to life in a Nolte Küchen kitchen, complete with a central island and Ethnicraft bar stools. A mirrored backsplash reflects natural light and expands the sense of space, creating a warm, convivial setting for shared meals and conversation.
The Art of Colour and Memory
Choosing the right white became an art form. After testing dozens of paint samples under changing daylight, the family found their perfect tone — a calm, soft white that serves as the foundation of the home’s aesthetic.
In the dining area, a lovingly restored sideboard, a gift from the homeowner’s grandmother, takes pride of place. Made from five different types of wood, it connects generations through craftsmanship and sentiment. A rare botanical mosaic, salvaged from a demolished industrial building, was given new life as wall art in the guest bathroom, layering history into modern design.
Living with Vintage Character
The main living room celebrates the joy of collecting. Its centrepieces include a pair of 1970s Italian cinema armchairs, an expressive painting by Alexander Oligerov titled White Dance, and a richly textured rug from Art de Vivre. These sit alongside a BoConcept dining table, vintage chests and lamps, and a sculptural Farol piece from Portugal; an ensemble that balances refinement with warmth.
The adjoining TV lounge embraces comfort and indulgence. Here, a Belgian sofa, Amanta chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, and a vintage 1970s chest create a sanctuary for film nights. A painting by Natalia Rodionovskaya, A View of Urbino, lends a quietly cinematic atmosphere.
A Bedroom of Calm and Texture
In the bedroom, a custom Lavsit bed with a velvet headboard anchors the space in tactile serenity. Vintage Vistosi lamps cast a soft glow, while a pair of 1960s Italian nightstands bring balance and patina. Another work by Rodionovskaya, Tea, completes the restful composition.
A Nursery of Imagination
The nursery bursts with charm and creativity. Hand-painted palms and monkeys transform the walls into an explorer’s paradise for the couple’s young son. A vibrant yellow IKEA wardrobe, climbing wall, and pieces from Zara Home, Finex, and Dovlet House add layers of playfulness and personality.
Details that Define a Home
The hallway greets guests with terrazzo handcrafted from marble, agate, and green onyx, a statement of artisanal skill. A vintage console and mirror, which famously went astray during delivery before finding their way back weeks later, have become symbols of the home’s guiding philosophy: every piece carries its own story.
In the bathroom, timeless design meets modern comfort with a Roca sink, Villeroy & Boch bathtub, custom vanity, and Mazzega 1946 lighting. On the kitchen table, a reproduction of Pablo Picasso’s 1959 graphic work, a gift from wife to husband, is a nod to the couple’s love of art.
Lighting throughout, from Kelly Wearstler pendants to Arteriors Home and Lamp.e.e ceramics, lends sculptural rhythm and warmth.
A Home Built on Meaning
This interior was not assembled overnight. It evolved slowly, piece by piece, through discovery, restoration, and sentiment. Some items arrived from Europe, others from local vintage showrooms, and a few serendipitously found their way here by chance. Together, they form a home alive with memory: a space where the past and present speak in unison, and where design becomes deeply personal.
Credits:
Designer: Maria Rodionovskaya
Photographer: Sergey Krasyuk
Stylist: Tatiana Gedike
