A family microcosm. A contemporary home in Almaty

·17 August 2026

In Almaty, in the Nauryzbay district, there is a house that redefines the concept of family living space. Across 400 square metres, the architects from NESSO INTERIORS (Tansholpan Kenessova and Indira Aidarbekova) have created an interior tailored to the residents’ needs. The conversion of the single-storey building into a two-storey one provided an opportunity to design a space that caters to the daily routines of a family of five and their pets. It is a home that lives alongside its inhabitants, responding to their needs, routines and changing activities.

The architects emphasise that listening to the household members’ daily routines, interests and habits was key. Rather than a single style or a distinct aesthetic, real life became the point of reference: its dynamism, diversity and moments of tranquillity. The result is a space that is flexible, fluid and yet cohesive – a home that supports everyday life without imposing a rigid form upon it.

Entrance

Right from the threshold, the door in a vivid red catches the eye – a bold accent that serves as a visual landmark. This colour recurs in various parts of the house, but always in a balanced way, in dialogue with natural wood, soft fabrics and light-coloured walls. Glazed, swing-open partitions in the entrance area allow light to flood into the building, creating a sense of openness. Next to it is a spacious walk-in wardrobe, which helps organise daily life, and a side entrance leading directly to the kitchen – a practical solution that makes it easier to bring in the shopping.

Flow and functionality

The ground floor is organised around a circular corridor that connects all the rooms in an intuitive layout. The living area comprises the kitchen, dining room and lounge. The kitchen has been designed with the housewife’s habits in mind – featuring a sink by the window, concealed storage systems and a larder behind uniform fronts. A striking feature is the extractor hood with a graphic pattern, clad in tiles custom-made by Kazakh potters from Faski. The colour scheme – shades of azure and burgundy – was selected during the design process, in response to the kitchen’s colour palette and the available glazes.

The island brings the space together, becoming a hub for social interaction. Open shelves displaying ceramics, books and plants lend a homely feel. Architectural archways have been incorporated between the living room and the dining room to organise the space without creating rigid divisions. The living room is dominated by soft textures, a neutral-coloured sofa, warm wood and atmospheric lighting. The centrepiece is a monumental artistic textile by the Liba brothers – its colour palette harmonises with the interior, adding depth and individuality.

The house is home to an artist whose works blend naturally into the space. They are accompanied by vintage rugs and items brought back from her travels – these create a personal context, a sense of layering and a feeling that the interior is constantly evolving. The ground floor also houses her studio: a bright space with a large window, equipped with an easel, a desk and a relaxation area. Materials, frames and sketches become part of the décor, fostering a creative atmosphere.

Private area on the ground floor

The private area – comprising a bedroom, a walk-through wardrobe and a private bathroom – is situated in the quieter part of the house. It is a self-contained space, decorated in a soft colour palette, with soothing fabrics and subtle geometric patterns on the walls. Textiles, rugs and decorative details enhance the atmosphere of relaxation. The ground floor also features a laundry room – discreetly concealed, yet conveniently accessible.

The children’s world

The upper floor is dedicated to the children. It comprises three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and a shared playroom. Each room reflects the character of its young occupant – their interests, temperament and how they like to spend their time.

The eldest son’s room is dynamic and personal. The boy is creating his own denim brand, plays the guitar and collects limited-edition trainers and figurines. That is why storage systems with open niches have been designed to showcase his collections. Darker accents and clean lines create a more mature, organised atmosphere.

The eldest daughter is interested in fashion and make-up, which is why her room features a beauty area with appropriate lighting and spacious cupboards. The interior is kept in a neutral colour scheme with green accents. The centrepiece is a bed with a rounded, upholstered headboard, which adds softness and a sense of security.

The youngest daughter is creative and sensitive – she draws, does crafts and plays the harmonica. Her room has been designed as a space that fosters imagination. Light-coloured walls, natural wood and soft fabrics create a calming backdrop. Above the bed hangs a watercolour portrait painted by the girl herself, which defines the character of the room. The desk, with its spacious drawers, serves as both a studio and a place to study. The shelves hold books, art supplies and small objects. The hanging cocoon chair adds a touch of lightness and creates a place to relax, listen to music or play the harmonica.

A home for people and pets

From the outset, the design aimed to strike a balance between the family’s needs and the presence of pets. Discreet routes (shelves and passageways within the built-in units) have been designed for the cat, allowing it to move freely around the house. Its resting areas are concealed in alcoves and soft modules integrated into the interior design. A space has been provided for the dog in the communal area: a comfortable bed has been matched to the living room’s textiles.

All these elements have been designed so as not to disrupt the visual cohesion. Bowls, containers, toys and accessories are concealed or built into the furniture. The home remains tidy, whilst being fully adapted to the life of a large, active family, where everyone has their own space.

design: NESSO INTERIORS (Tansholpan Kenessova, Indira Aidarbekova)

photography: Roman Yakunin, Sofiya Klyonova

styling: Aizhan Abdullina