Refined Riverfront Elegance with a Touch of the Unexpected

In Astana, a serene riverside apartment blends heritage motifs and modern design for a family home full of surprises

In a sun-drenched apartment overlooking the riverbanks of Astana, interior designer Aisha Adilshiyeva has crafted more than just a home - she’s shaped a narrative. One of fluid elegance, unexpected detail, and cultural resonance. This 265-square-meter, five-bedroom family retreat glows with serenity, yet delights at every turn with carefully layered surprises.

Discovered via Instagram even before the apartment was secured, Adilshiyeva of IDA Design Mates began her collaboration with the homeowners - parents to three energetic sons - through warm, imaginative conversations. That early connection gave way to a highly personal vision: a refined sanctuary rooted in local heritage but effortlessly contemporary.

A Dialogue Between Light, Space, and Surface

Bathed in natural light and framed by panoramic river views, the apartment uses mirrored surfaces and shimmering finishes to echo the surrounding landscape. “We wanted the river to feel as though it was being reflected inside the home,” says Adilshiyeva. The result is a space that breathes - airy, elegant, and immersive.

Graceful arches and soft curves, introduced to accommodate an awkward load-bearing column, now define the apartment’s spatial rhythm. Framing views from the hallway to the living room, the arched passages create visual harmony and depth.

Ornamentation Reimagined

A standout feature of this home is its asymmetrical ceiling moldings and ornamental wall motifs, created after two months of intensive design work. Inspired by centuries of decorative art, these floral and geometric patterns feel at once timeless and freshly original. “We aimed for originality, avoiding repetition, and wanted these details to captivate and hold attention with their uniqueness.” explains Adilshiyeva.

The aesthetic throughout is soft yet bold. White walls serve as a clean canvas, with pastel furniture and vibrant accents - particularly the show-stopping red mosaic fireplace by artist Art Oskolok, featuring Kazakhstani blue buntings and blooming poppies. Set within a colorful arched frame, the fireplace anchors the living space like a theatrical centerpiece, a nod to both cultural identity and warmth.

Craft Meets Comfort

Statement pieces abound: Frank Gehry’s sculptural Wiggle Chair greets guests at the entrance, while the iconic Etcetera lounge chair invites repose in the living room. Custom-designed shelving and handcrafted cabinetry sit seamlessly among international design icons from &tradition, Roche Bobois, Twils, and Norr11.

A standout feature of this home is its asymmetrical ceiling moldings and ornamental wall motifs, Image: A standout feature of this home is its asymmetrical ceiling moldings and ornamental wall motifs, Image: Damir Otegen

Layered materials - wood, marble, metal, and plaster - build a tactile, textural experience that balances softness with strength. Each element was chosen for longevity and resonance, from hand-carved wood furniture to stone and mirrored surfaces that amplify the apartment’s light.

Lighting as Art

Lighting takes center stage as both function and statement. The Flou suspension by Roche Bobois, the only light source in the living room, casts a mesmerizing glow, while the parabolic chandelier above the dining table offers a sculptural counterpoint. Other fixtures by Ingo Maurer, Visual Comfort, and New Works continue this theme, doubling as light and artwork.

Another Dining Area in the Kitchen, Image: Damir Otegen

Cultural Touches with Meaning

This home doesn’t just nod to Kazakhstan - it weaves local culture into the fabric of its design. The most intimate expression of this is the Shanyrak carving (a traditional Kazakh symbol of family and protection) featured on a custom furniture piece.