This 101-square-metre flat in Astana, designed by Diana Karimova, is an example of an interior where colour, light and the owners’ personalities come together to form a cohesive whole. From the outset, the designer knew that the result would be a space with a distinctive, almost cinematic character – the inspiration came from a conversation with the owner, an elegant woman whose interests proved to be as varied as they were inspiring: fashion, boxing, skiing, travel and… crime novels. It was this last element that proved particularly appealing to the architect. As a result, the interior exudes an aura of mystery, a play of illusions and a distinctive colour palette, which the designer describes as ‘lunar’.
The colour choices were made in winter, when snow lay outside the window and the owners were dreaming of warm tones. Karimova looked at the neighbouring buildings and saw a colour scheme in them that she brought into the interior. The walls in the living areas transition from cream to mustard, as if reflecting the moonlight. The study is dominated by a shade of sky, and in the bedroom, a painting by Adil Aubekerov hangs above the headboard, evoking the full moon. It is this artist’s works that have become the key colour accents throughout the flat.
English flair
The functional layout has remained almost unchanged, yet the designer has clearly separated the public and private areas. The former comprises the living room, kitchen with dining area, study and guest toilet. The latter includes a section of the hallway serving as a walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom and a bedroom with a balcony. The living room, which receives the most light thanks to its tall yet narrow windows, has been softened by curtains and pelmets, giving it an English feel. The diffused light highlights the presence of Aubekerov’s paintings, arranged so that they serve as focal points in every space.
The story of the table
The kitchen walls are load-bearing, so it was not possible to enlarge the room. However, the owners needed a large table – gatherings with a larger group are important to them. The designer therefore divided the space into a working area and a dining area, placing the table by the window. The island, distinguished by its colour, houses a hob, allowing dishes to be served straight from the heat. Hanging above the table is a portrait of a man, which engages in a dialogue with the depiction of a woman and a girl on the opposite wall, creating a playful commentary on family dynamics.
A study full of clues
The study is characterised by a controlled artistic disorder: art books sit alongside crime novels and fashion magazines. On the wall hangs a painting with a pacifist message, executed in a bold style – a sign that the residents have a sense of humour and a sense of perspective. The doors in the living area are fitted with transom windows to provide additional light for the hallway and entrance. The mirrors in the hall have irregular shapes, which soften the retro atmosphere and introduce a sense of lightness.
Private area
The passage from the hall to the bedroom leads through a walk-in wardrobe connected to the bathroom. This arrangement is particularly convenient for the owner, who is very knowledgeable about fashion and regularly hosts home fashion shows for her friends. The walk-in wardrobe features a folding ironing board, and the whole space is adorned with wallpaper featuring delicate clouds – a motif repeated on the curtains concealing the clothes.
The bathroom features lamps familiar from the film *Office Romance*, which the owners traditionally watch on New Year’s Eve. An ornament in the shape of a Kazakh tulip has been placed above the bath. The designer wanted this part of the flat to feel softer and more feminine, which is evident in the details, the lighting and the choice of materials.
The strength of this design lies in its atmosphere: warm, slightly mysterious, built from colours, light and art. This is a flat that does not pretend to be a film set, but naturally draws on cinematic associations. The result is a space that reflects the owners’ temperament, whilst remaining harmonious and functional.
design: Diana Karimova @designer_kaa
photos: Roman Yakunin @romeindaworld
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