In the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, not far from Al-Farabi Avenue in Almaty, Kazakhstan, a family home gracefully balances classical elegance with contemporary Scandinavian ease. Bathed in natural light and thoughtfully designed for daily connection, this three-story residence is both a timeless retreat and a lively space for a family of seven - including five young children.
Interior designer Oxana Mazurina, founder of Mazurina Design, was brought into the project by a mutual friend. What began as a collaboration with a young couple expecting their fourth child evolved - after a four-year hiatus and a return from a temporary move to the capital - into a dynamic redesign for a bustling household.
The house’s exterior nods to classic architecture with travertine façades, tiled roofing in a wet-asphalt tone, and elegant neoclassical window frames. Yet, the interiors are fresh, calm, and unpretentious - Scandinavian in palette and spirit. The homeowners wanted something light, cosy, and livable. With kids running barefoot and playing everywhere, everything had to be practical, too.
On the first floor, an open-plan kitchen and living room become the heart of the home. The Swedish-made dining table and breakfast island serve as anchors for family meals and casual gatherings.
Sliding doors open to a sun-kissed terrace - used almost year-round thanks to Almaty’s mild climate.
The living room, designed with a curved, cushioned sofa and a soft carpet, offers a relaxed zone where all five children can play freely. A sculptural fireplace framed by stately oak bookshelves adds warmth and structure.
One of the most meaningful transformations came after the family’s return. “The office on the second floor was transformed into the youngest daughter's bedroom and the guest bedroom on the first floor became a space for the husband's parents”, recalls Oxana. In the staircase, classic balusters were swapped for hand-forged metal rods with custom-bent curves - an elegant modernisation that still respects tradition.
The bedrooms continue the home’s soft, tactile design language. The main suite, shaded in a restful mint green, features a private terrace, marble-accented shower, and tailored wardrobe. Natural parquet floors - used throughout, even in the kitchen - offer comfort for little feet and a warm, inviting undercurrent.
Materiality throughout emphasises family-friendly durability: quartz agglomerate countertops, moisture-resistant painted walls, porcelain stoneware, and Victorian mosaic details from FAP Ceramiche. Wallpapers were skipped in favour of clean, textured surfaces that age gracefully and are easy to maintain.
Despite its classical bones, the house never feels stuffy or overworked. Instead, it’s radiant and responsive. “ I suggested simplifying everything with the help of modern furniture elements and decor,” says Oxana. The result is a home that feels open, harmonious, and above all - lived in.
With brands like &Tradition, Eichholtz, Ferm Living, and 101 Copenhagen layered subtly throughout, the home reflects the family’s evolving taste - a hybrid of European sophistication and Kazakh hospitality, expressed in thoughtful, tactile ways.
For a space that began with neoclassical ambitions and adapted to the chaos of life’s unexpected turns, the result is a triumph: a serene yet spirited home that serves as both a grounding refuge and a joyful gathering place for generations to come.
Credits
Interior design by Mazurinadesign, Instagram: @mazurinadesign
Photosgraphy by Damir Otegen, Instagram: @damir_otegen_
Interior Styling by Aigerim Mamyraliyeva, Instagram: @aigerim.interiorstylist
Production by Karine Monié, Instagram: @karinemonie
