The Intersection of Old and New: A Moscow Apartment Transformation

In the bustling heart of Moscow, a unique residential project is a testament to the harmonious blend of history and contemporary design. This transformative journey led by visionary interior designers showcases the art of fusing tradition with modernity, resulting in an awe-inspiring 50-square-meter apartment.

This petite gem, located on the iconic Garden Ring, offers an intriguing perspective where the views transition from the lively urban energy of the Garden Ring to the serene, historic charm of old Moscow. It’s a mesmerizing convergence of two distinct worlds, flawlessly encapsulated within the confines of this apartment.

The start of a project was marked by a challenge – a standard layout that did not align with the client’s vision. Prioritizing the integration of a beautiful walk-in closet and ample storage, the design team embarked on a mission to curate a space that would seamlessly adapt to the client’s lifestyle. The result? A harmoniously balanced, cozy, and stylish interior.

The project was created for a discerning client – an erudite and talented pastry chef, known for his impeccable precision. He demanded order and cleanliness in his living space, and the design needed to reflect his gentle demeanor while accommodating his unwavering preferences.

The project faced the complexities of city regulations, necessitating meticulous approvals to restore modifications made by previous occupants due to gas-related constraints. The team’s vision to unite the kitchen and living room visually gave birth to a stunning Union glass partition, skillfully merging space and aesthetics.

The primary objective was clear: delineate the master bedroom with its walk-in closet from the kitchen-living area while establishing a seamless cooking environment for the culinary enthusiast. 

High-quality materials were the cornerstone of this project’s success. From Peronda ceramic tiles to warm veneered panels, the craftsmanship was impeccable. However, the pièce de résistance was the exquisite quartzite that graced the kitchen backsplash and countertops, radiating warmth and sophistication.

The color palette emerged during the initial client meeting. Evoking an inviting aura, the design incorporated natural wood tones against pristine white walls, accented with gentle hints of blue undertones. Warm gray quartzite provided a perfect backdrop for splashes of blue and green in textiles and artwork.

Furniture selection felt almost serendipitous, with each piece seemingly falling into place effortlessly. Yet, the search for the perfect round dining table was a challenge that required patience and creativity, eventually resulting in a custom solution that became the centerpiece of the design.

One notable innovation was the creation of a bedroom console, where the team’s ingenuity was put to the test. The challenge lay in concealing metal brackets within the table’s structure to maintain an illusion of weightlessness.

The project’s crowning achievement was the successful realization of the client’s desires, cleverly navigating gas-related restrictions while seamlessly integrating them into the design. The fact that future clients are choosing this project as an inspiration for their own homes is a testament to the comfort and homeliness it exudes.

While no amusing incidents stand out, the project did encounter logistical hurdles due to the global pandemic. However, the ability to execute the project with minimal alterations was a victory in itself, symbolizing the resilience and adaptability of the design team.

Design – RUUMZ (Dina Dymnikova, Dasha Slushaeva)

Photo – Eugeniy Kulibaba

Style – Elena Sereda, Alena Bukanova

The Brands That Shaped the Space

Built-in Furniture and Veneered Panels: HYSP design

Ceramics: Alta Gamma

Entryway Light Fixture: Ambiu

Living Room Sconces: Corbett

Bedroom Sconces: Handle studio

Coffee Tables: Zuiver, BoConcept

Bed: One Mebel

Paintings by Irina Bykova-Goldovskaya, Konstantin Kornakov, and Marina Ikhmalyan.

This Moscow apartment transformation is a true masterpiece, artfully encapsulating the essence of past and present, tradition and innovation, in a compact yet extraordinary living space.