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A Moscow Apartment Where Classical Detail Meets Modern Life

This Moscow pied-à-terre balances classical architecture with contemporary design for a family always on the move

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By Olivia Vergunst  | January 9, 2026 | House Tours

Set in the heart of Moscow, this luminous 228m² apartment belongs to a well-travelled family who divide their time between several countries. For now, the home functions as a refined pied-à-terre, though it has been designed with the foresight to become a primary residence in the future — calm, flexible and quietly elegant.

The project marked the designer’s first collaboration with the clients, one defined by rare alignment. A shared aesthetic vision allowed the process to unfold with ease, resulting in an interior that feels assured rather than overworked. While the initial brief called for contemporary minimalism with extensive wood finishes, the classical architecture of the building — particularly its generous ceiling height and traditional window rhythm — required a more nuanced approach.

A solid wood dining table with rounded edges anchors the space, balancing refinement with warmth and everyday ease

Rather than force a strict minimalist language, classical elements were introduced to create harmony. Custom mouldings, architectural depth and balanced proportions soften the modern framework, allowing old and new to coexist naturally.

The layout takes full advantage of the apartment’s scale and light. With ceilings soaring above 3.5 metres, the right side of the home is dedicated to a generous kitchen–living area of over 100m² — a configuration that mirrors the clients’ experience of living in a large house. Sliding partitions allow this space to be opened or closed as needed, without sacrificing daylight.

Bouclé seating, layered finishes and filtered light create a living room that feels soft, spacious and inviting

Shared functions occupy the central zone: a walk-in entrance closet, guest bathroom, utility room and discreet pantry. The left side of the apartment is reserved for private living, with two bedrooms — including one designed specifically to evolve with the clients’ younger daughter — each paired with its own walk-in closet and bathroom.

A palette of light beige, creamy tones and natural wood underpins the interior, creating a distinctly European feel. Yet beneath the surface lies a subtle nod to Asian aesthetics, woven in through atmosphere rather than overt reference — a sensibility reflected in material choices, lighting and restraint.

Mirrored surfaces and custom storage brighten the hallway, creating a light-filled and welcoming transition space

Furniture selections reinforce softness and tactility. In the living room, a Flexform sofa and B&B Italia armchairs are upholstered in bouclé, lending visual lightness despite their generous scale. A full-height TV cabinet integrates storage behind tinted glass, veneer and ceramic panels, while sunset light filtered through blinds animates the space with shifting shadows.

The kitchen centres around a ceramic island with seating for four, connected to a concealed working zone hidden behind Rientrante sliding doors. Beyond this lies a compact yet highly functional pantry, housing additional refrigeration, wine storage and dry goods.

The kitchen centres on a ceramic island, with concealed work zones and a light palette enhancing clarity and flow

In the private quarters, the master suite unfolds as a sequence of calm transitions. A walk-in closet connects bedroom and bathroom, where a freestanding bathtub takes pride of place, visible from the sleeping area. Elevated on a podium and softly lit in the evening, this zone creates a sense of retreat and ritual.

Decorative details add quiet character throughout. Vibia pendant lights in the master bedroom hang like woven panels, diffusing light and subtly echoing Eastern influences. In the daughter’s room, flexibility is key: lighter furniture, illuminated shelving and a layout designed to adapt as she grows.

The main bedroom layers tactile textiles and soft lighting, with subtle Eastern notes adding depth and serenity

Throughout the apartment, classical mouldings provide continuity. These are not applied decoration, but carefully crafted architectural elements that give the interior depth and composure. The result is a home that feels serene, tactile and timeless — a thoughtful balance of classical foundation and contemporary living.

Textured porcelain stoneware walls pair with a sculptural sink, creating a refined bathroom defined by tone and tactility

Credits

Interior designer: Inna Myers, Instagram: @innamyers_design

Images: Sergey Ananiev, Instagram: @sergeyananiev

Styling: Ekaterina Naumova, Instagram: @_naumovakaterina_