In the city of Oral, Kazakhstan, a secondary-market apartment has been transformed into a sophisticated family home where contemporary classic influences meet expressive colour, curated artwork and everyday functionality. Designed by Nadira Mustafina of Fenty Design Studio, Family Island is a 185-square-metre residence created around the idea that a home should feel both individual and inviting.
Rather than stripping the apartment back to a blank canvas, the design approach focused on enhancing its potential while introducing a stronger sense of identity. The result is a layered interior that balances elegance with comfort — a space shaped by the needs of a family while embracing a more distinctive visual language.
At the heart of the concept is a refined palette of deep burgundy and soft grey tones. These colours create a sense of depth and sophistication throughout the apartment, while carefully selected accents bring energy and personality to each room. The combination feels both dramatic and calming, proving that family-friendly interiors can still embrace bold design choices.
A defining feature of the apartment is the way materials work together to create warmth. Painted surfaces, brass details and natural wood textures introduce a tactile quality, while quartz vinyl flooring provides a practical foundation suited to everyday living. Each element has been considered not only for its appearance but also for how it contributes to the overall atmosphere of the home.
The design reflects a growing movement in residential interiors — spaces that move away from generic perfection and instead celebrate character, comfort and personal expression. Artwork and decorative pieces are carefully positioned throughout the apartment, adding individuality and creating moments of visual interest without overwhelming the space.
One of the key challenges of redesigning a secondary-market property is creating a sense of flow between existing structures and new design elements. For Family Island, the focus was on achieving seamless transitions between functional areas, allowing the apartment to feel cohesive and naturally connected.
Natural light also played an important role in shaping the interior experience. The layout was carefully considered to maximise brightness and enhance the relationship between rooms, ensuring that the darker tones of the palette remained balanced and welcoming.
The apartment’s contemporary classic direction is seen in its ability to combine timeless details with modern living requirements. Brass accents add subtle refinement, while clean lines and practical planning ensure the home remains comfortable for a young family.
Family Island ultimately demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform an existing property into something deeply personal. Through colour, texture and considered detailing, Nadira Mustafina has created a home that feels expressive yet liveable — a place where contemporary style meets the rhythms of family life.
Credits
Design: Nadira Mustafina, Fenty Design Studio
Photography: Marina Korkut
