Project
Modern apartment with blue and terracotta accents
Location
Moscow, Russia (ulitsa Vavilova, residential complex Vavilov Dom)
Project stage
Construction
Photo/visualization
Olga Kulichihina
The design of the apartment in a business-class residential complex was conceived as a cohesive, clean, and contemporary environment, where architecture, color, and objects function as a unified system. The main goal was to create an interior that feels both calm and expressive—minimalist, yet rich in details and subtle nuances that shape the character of the space.
At the core of the interior is the contrast between two key tones: a warm terracotta and a muted, cool blue. These colors serve as the primary compositional tool. Terracotta defines denser, more grounded volumes, adding depth and emotional warmth, while blue acts as a visual counterbalance, lightening the space and bringing in a sense of airiness. The rest of the palette is intentionally neutral—white walls, soft beige textures, and light flooring create a backdrop that allows the color accents to appear precise and refined.
The layout includes an entryway, a bathroom, a separate WC, a kitchen, a living room, and a bedroom. Despite its relatively compact size, the apartment feels logical and open, without visual clutter. This is achieved through built-in solutions, well-considered storage, and the deliberate elimination of unnecessary elements.
The entryway becomes the first—and one of the most expressive—spaces in the apartment. The main focal point here is a built-in wardrobe in a rich terracotta tone, perceived not as a separate piece of furniture but as an integral part of the architecture. Its monolithic volume establishes a strong visual anchor and sets the tone for the entire interior.
Also placed here is a work by contemporary artist Sasha Katinauskiene, which reinforces the color concept and becomes an important part of the overall composition. The artwork does not function as an isolated element; instead, it extends the architectural volume, supporting the color of the terracotta block and adding an additional layer of artistic expression to the space.
The kitchen is designed to be extremely pared-back and composed as a single, unified volume. The cabinetry is finished in a muted blue tone, creating a contrast with the warm accents of the entryway while adding a sense of lightness to the space. All appliances are fully integrated, allowing the lines to remain clean and continuous.
The backsplash is made of stainless steel, introducing a subtle industrial accent. The material also interacts with light through reflection, visually expanding the space and adding a sense of depth.
The living room continues the idea of a neutral and calm backdrop. The key intention here was to preserve a sense of airiness and visual quiet. Upholstered furniture, textiles, and light-toned materials support the overall concept without drawing attention to themselves.
Accents are kept to a minimum to maintain the integrity of the space and avoid unnecessary visual clutter.
The bedroom, in contrast, becomes a more intimate and softly defined space. A warmer, more subdued palette is used here, with textiles playing a key role in shaping the atmosphere. The space feels more private and enclosed, designed primarily for rest.
A central focal point is a work by Inna Sumina featuring a floral motif. It adds a layer of delicate emotionality to the interior while continuing the project’s use of contemporary art as an integral part of the design language.
The bathroom is designed in a light palette, with an emphasis on simple forms and tactile materials. A minimal number of elements, combined with a careful approach to lighting, creates a sense of clarity and cohesion. The space feels calm and well-balanced, continuing the overall aesthetic of the apartment.
Across the entire project, special attention is given to materiality. Matte surfaces, textiles, painted cabinetry, and stainless steel create a balance between warm and cool, softness and restraint. Each material is selected not as an isolated feature, but as part of a cohesive system, working in dialogue with the other elements of the interior.