THE ART OF LIVING || A Moscow Apartment That Blurs Art, Function, and Everyday Comfort
Some homes are designed to be lived in; others feel like curated galleries of daily life. This 100-square-metre Moscow apartment, designed by Olga Bondarenko, manages to be both.
Created for a young couple seeking serenity without sacrificing style, the interior exudes quiet confidence. At its heart is an open kitchen-living area where muted whites and warm wood tones envelop the space in calm. Subtle architectural gestures define each zone: a floating glass kitchen base adds ethereal lightness, while the focal point—a Ligne Roset textile panel by the Bouroullec brothers—anchors the living area as an art piece in its own right. The effect is a seamless integration of art and function, elevating everyday rituals into aesthetic experiences.
An open-plan living area anchored by a Ligne Roset Bouroullec panel, exuding sculptural minimalism with warm wood accents and muted textiles.
Moving through the apartment, the corridor becomes a design statement rather than a transitional space. A sliding glass door with thin vertical panels creates a graphic rhythm, leading the eye towards Alexey Charugin’s playful painting “Pike-UFO,” inspired by his daughter’s drawings. It’s a quiet nod to the childlike joy that grounds sophisticated interiors in warmth.
The master bedroom continues the gallery-like narrative with a headboard composed of lush green cushions arranged in a geometric pattern against the muted grey plaster walls. Gubi Multi-Lite pendant lamps flank the bed, their movable bases allowing light to adapt from sculptural accent to practical reading illumination. Transparent wardrobes and mirrored surfaces enhance both convenience and visual spaciousness, their clean lines softened by the natural textures of wood flooring and linen textiles.
A serene closet space where one could get ready for the day.
In the kitchen, functional minimalism meets bold punctuation. A striking red faucet accents the streamlined cabinetry and pale stone counters, its curved form introducing an unexpected sculptural note. The neutral backsplash tiles from 41ZERO42 feature subtle textures that catch the light, adding understated richness without interrupting the design’s calm composure.
The bathroom celebrates the beauty of tactile surfaces. Birch bark-inspired tiles echo Russian aesthetics, while the children’s bathroom, designed in anticipation of a future addition to the family, adopts a playful yet restrained Scandinavian sensibility. A cloud-shaped chandelier and whimsical art by Daria Dmitrieva create a joyful sanctuary within the apartment’s serene palette.
Every choice in this home feels deliberate yet effortless, from artful ceramics atop minimalist tables to sculptural wall pieces above the dining set. Bondarenko’s vision proves that when art, function, and comfort converge, a home becomes more than a dwelling—it becomes an evolving gallery of life’s quiet beauty.
Sculptural wall art above the oak dining table blends geometric form with understated colour, enhancing the space’s quiet elegance.
PROJECT DETAILS
Total area: 100 sq.m
Location: SHOME Residential Comlex, Moscow, Russia
Project Author: Olga Bondarenko, designer and founder of AUGUST BURO
Photographer: Evgeny Gnesin
Stylist: Irina Bebeshina
Lighting: Vibia, Gubi
Tiles: Porcelanosa, 41ZERO42, LAMINAM
Furniture: Miniforms, Calligaris, BoConcept
