In one of Astana’s detached housing estates, a house has been built that is difficult to describe solely in terms of aesthetics. Albin Serikbayev’s design tells a story of a change in the rhythm of life, a need for tranquillity, and a gradual shift away from cool minimalism towards an interior that is more emotional, soft and full of colour. The 177 m² house has become a symbolic beginning of a new chapter for its owners.
A house designed to convey emotion
As the designer admits, her first joint project with the clients was a minimalist, monochromatic flat. This time, the direction turned out to be completely different. The owners wanted to create a more personal space – one that would reflect their inner state not only through accessories, but above all through the atmosphere of the entire house.
Colour became the starting point. The inspiration came from small elements found in the household’s everyday life: a pink retro Smeg kettle, ceramics inspired by the Bitossi Home aesthetic, and striking paintings and terracotta accents in the interiors. Green proved to be the natural choice – a colour associated with balance, tranquillity and closeness to nature.
Green as the central theme
The entrance area alone sets the distinct tone of the home. Here, the designer used Gayafores Musa Grey tiles, which lend the space a sense of dynamism and provide a strong compositional accent.
The heart of the home is the open-plan living area comprising the kitchen and living room, separated by a grooved sliding partition. The green kitchen fronts are an extension of the ‘Green House’ concept, yet the interior retains a sense of lightness thanks to the decision not to install full-height wall units. This approach has visually lightened the space and maintained a feeling of spaciousness despite the bold colour scheme.
In the dining room, natural wood is combined with the soft light of the Nabila lamp by Tooy, inspired by 1950s design. The whole creates an atmosphere conducive to peaceful evenings and everyday gatherings around the table.
Functionality hidden in the details
The interior design is based not only on emotion and colour, but also on well-thought-out functional solutions. Particular attention was paid to the staircase area, beneath which a utility space has been cleverly concealed. This area now houses a naturally ventilated litter tray for the pet and a docking station for the cleaning robot. As a result, the practical functions do not disrupt the visual cohesion of the interior.
The guest area is completed by a small bathroom featuring a photo wallpaper depicting a forest landscape. The intimate space and panoramic motif create an atmosphere of tranquillity, almost completely shielding the household from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The residents’ private area
The first floor houses the private areas: the master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, the owner’s study and the children’s room.
The study is decorated in a deep shade of blue, which aids concentration and reduces visual clutter. The character of the interior is emphasised by a reproduction of a Banksy artwork, which serves as a striking focal point of the entire design.
The master bedroom subtly references the soft Provence aesthetic. It features soft forms, light colours and elegant details, including a bed by Dall’Agnese and a Conte Tako dressing table.
The children’s room has a particularly personal character. Originally designed for one child, it was gently adapted to suit two children following the news that the family was expanding. The designer combined grassy green with powder pink, creating a light, subtle and energetic space. A distinctive feature of the interior are the Bonaldo Picabia beds, whose form lends a sense of childlike freedom to the arrangement.
Home as an emotional state
“The Green House” is not merely an aesthetic project. It is an interior built around emotions, daily rituals and the need to find one’s own pace of life. Greenery, natural materials and soft light create an atmosphere of calm which, as the designer emphasises, evokes an inner spring regardless of the season.
Design: Albina Serikbayeva
Photography: Roman Yakunin, Sofiya Klyonova
Interior styling: Aizhan Abdullina
See also: Apartment | Architecture | Kitchen | Flat | Interiors | Kazakhstan
