Some homes are designed around a colour palette. Others begin with a piece of art. For this 96m² apartment overlooking the Moscow River, it was an oversized blue hippopotamus that set everything in motion.
Designed by interior designer Yulia Kalashnikova, founder of TZ Buro, the apartment belongs to a young woman with a keen interest in fashion and contemporary art. From the outset, she was determined to avoid the predictable. Rather than following a singular design language, she envisioned a home where different eras, styles and influences could exist comfortably side by side. The result is an eclectic yet highly considered interior where Scandinavian restraint meets collectible design, contemporary art and moments of playful irreverence.
At the heart of the project was a desire to create something deeply personal. "She immediately rejected the idea of a typical interior," says Yulia. Instead, the brief called for a space that felt expressive and individual, allowing iconic furniture, vintage finds and carefully chosen artworks to become part of the home's narrative.
The apartment arrived with a standard developer layout, which remained largely unchanged. Rather than undertaking structural alterations, Yulia focused on addressing architectural shortcomings through decorative interventions and material choices. The property's greatest asset – panoramic views across the Moscow skyline and river – became the defining feature of the design. Large expanses of glazing were left unobstructed, framed only by lightweight wool sheers and blackout curtains that allow the homeowner to control light and privacy throughout the day.
Lighting was another priority. Multiple lighting schemes were layered throughout the apartment, with designer fixtures positioned at varying heights to create atmosphere and flexibility. This approach brings warmth and depth to the interior while highlighting the carefully curated collection of furniture and art.
A Material Palette Without Stone
One of the more unusual requests was the complete rejection of natural stone. In its place, Yulia assembled a palette of recycled concrete, timber, glass and metal. The resulting interior feels tactile and contemporary without becoming cold or austere.
Integrated storage solutions help maintain visual calm throughout. In the corridor, for example, built-in cabinetry disappears into the surrounding architecture, allowing attention to fall on a recycled concrete console and carefully selected artworks. The effect is one of effortless order, despite the abundance of objects and furnishings throughout the home.
The living room perfectly captures this balance. A Moncloud sofa by Cassina, upholstered in soft bouclé, sits alongside an E1027 table by Eileen Gray. Nearby, a Soriana armchair adds sculptural presence, while a custom-designed rug anchors the room. Wide window ledges double as informal seating areas, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy the city views.
A Home Designed Around Art
Art is not an afterthought here; it is central to the identity of the apartment.
Together, the homeowner and designer spent months visiting galleries and exhibitions, selecting works that felt personally meaningful rather than simply decorative. The catalyst was Surprise XI by contemporary artist Yana Arbuzova, a large-scale painting depicting a blue hippopotamus from a Kinder Surprise toy. Positioned prominently atop a vintage chest in the living room, the piece introduces humour and nostalgia while immediately drawing the eye.
Elsewhere, paintings by Evgenia Bardina inject colour and subtle irony, while works by Katya Alagich and Polina Dolgaya bring quieter, more contemplative moments to the interiors. Throughout the apartment, art acts as both focal point and conversation starter.
Scandinavian Simplicity Meets Collectible Design
While the apartment embraces eclecticism, it remains grounded by Scandinavian principles of functionality, craftsmanship and visual clarity.
In the dining area, chairs by Knoll and NORR11 surround a walnut dining table by More-Moebel. A zebra-print chair introduces an unexpected note of whimsy, while a Flowerpot pendant by &Tradition adds a familiar design classic overhead.
The home office continues the mix of contemporary and collectible pieces. A Ditre Italia sofa is paired with a GAN rug and shelving by New Works, creating a flexible space for work and relaxation.
In the bedroom, a Meridiani bed sits alongside a Knoll Wassily chair, a USM cabinet and shelving by New Works. Above, an Akari paper lantern designed by Isamu Noguchi introduces a soft glow that tempers the room's architectural lines. Together with artworks and layered textiles, the space feels calm, intimate and quietly sophisticated.
Less Is More Meets Less Is Bore
Perhaps the greatest achievement of the project is its ability to reconcile opposing design philosophies. Minimalism and maximalism, order and spontaneity, Scandinavian restraint and artistic exuberance all find common ground within the apartment's walls.
"The client's courage and willingness to combine seemingly incompatible elements made it possible to create a distinctive and individual interior," says Yulia. It is a home where the rational clarity of less is more coexists happily with the playful freedom of less is bore.
And somehow, it all begins with a blue hippopotamus.
Credits
Photography: Mikhail Loskutov
Interior design: TZ Buro
