On the 31st floor of Moscow’s Crystal residential complex, a 51-square-metre apartment offers a sophisticated interpretation of New York style. Designed by interior designer Daria Susekova of Susekova Interior Design, the home pairs a dark monochromatic palette with classical architectural detailing, bespoke joinery and carefully curated art. The result is an urban retreat that feels both polished and personal, balancing the drama of a metropolitan interior with the comforts of home.
The project grew from a long-standing relationship between Susekova and her client, who works in public relations and has a keen interest in art and interiors. Having previously designed an apartment for her near Moscow’s Patriarch’s Ponds, Susekova was invited back to create a home for her son. The brief was clear: evoke the atmosphere of New York through dark tones and contemporary functionality, softened by classical details.
The apartment’s elevated position is central to its appeal. Panoramic windows frame sweeping views of the Moscow River, Zhivopisny Bridge and the surrounding city, bringing changing skies, sunrises and sunsets into the everyday experience of the interior. Unusually high ceilings, measuring approximately 3.6 metres, further enhance the sense of volume. Originally intended for penthouses, the building’s 31st floor offered the designer an opportunity to create a compact home that feels generous without losing its intimacy.
The Art of Living in Black and Grey
The palette was established at the outset, with charcoal, black and dark grey setting the tone throughout. Working with such a restrained selection of colours presented a particular challenge: finding shades that would remain harmonious under different lighting conditions while avoiding an atmosphere that felt cold or severe. It was also the first time Susekova had worked with an entirely dark colour scheme.
Rather than relying on colour for contrast, the designer introduced depth through materials and finishes. Matte surfaces sit alongside glossy details, while timber, stone and natural fabrics add warmth and tactile variation. The interplay of textures allows the rooms to shift subtly throughout the day as natural light moves across the interior.
Classical architectural elements bring structure to the contemporary scheme. Custom mouldings, doors and architectural portals were produced to the designer’s drawings, creating a cohesive framework for the furniture, lighting and artwork. Engineered oak flooring adds another layer of material warmth beneath the darker finishes.
Bespoke Design, Metropolitan Character
With limited floor space, considered storage was essential. Custom joinery accommodates clothing, shoes, linen, towels, household equipment and everyday necessities without overwhelming the rooms. A purpose-designed dressing room provides additional organisation, while the bespoke elements ensure that each area responds to the apartment’s proportions.
The client was closely involved in the design process, with decisions about furniture, art and accessories made collaboratively. Visits to showrooms and galleries helped shape an interior that reflects a shared appreciation for design and decorative objects.
In the living and dining areas, sculptural lighting, expressive artworks, books and carefully selected accessories introduce the personality behind the monochromatic scheme. Works by Konstantin “Zmock” Danilov, sourced through Reloft Art Gallery, bring visual interest, while pieces from brands and retailers including Ethnicraft, LeHome and Eichholtz contribute to the layered aesthetic.
This curated mix lends the apartment the New York bohemian spirit at the heart of the brief. It is not simply a dark, contemporary interior, but a home where art and objects soften the architectural formality.
Ultimately, Susekova’s design demonstrates how a compact city apartment can feel distinctive without sacrificing practicality. Through a disciplined palette, tailored storage and a thoughtful balance of classical and contemporary elements, this Moscow home captures the sophistication of metropolitan living while remaining intimate, functional and distinctly individual.
Credits
Interior Design: Daria Susekova, Susekova Interior Design, Instagram: @susekova_design
Photography: Dmitry Livshits, Instagram: @dmitrylivshits_foto
Styling: Yes We May, Instagram: @yes_we_may
PR: PR.INT.IT, Instagram: @pr.int.it
