He decided to live in one of the modern apartment buildings in Astana. The professor, a law lecturer, invited a duo of architects to design the interior of his flat. Nurlan Tazabekov and Samal Bekbaulova created an interior that is a subtle tribute to their client’s intellectual life. It is a space that offers tranquillity and a sense of harmony.
The 80 sq m flat was conceived as a place where the mind can freely rest from lectures, seminars and constant contact with new people. When he arrived in Kazakhstan, the professor needed not only a flat, but above all a safe haven where he could find peace and regeneration.
The designers opted for a mid-century modern aesthetic – a style that promotes concentration thanks to its simplicity, organic lines and natural materials. Warm wood tones, soft, unobtrusive colours and low-profile furniture that does not overwhelm the space dominate here. Open shelves are filled with books on law and philosophy, and the walls are hung with paintings collected by the professor during his travels around the world. Each of them brings a piece of personal history to the interior.
Light as a tool for creating mood
Lighting plays a special role in the design. The living room features the iconic Levante chandelier by Luceplan, which, thanks to its form, introduces a soft, diffused glow to the interior. The bedrooms feature Marset and Aromas del Campo fixtures, creating a multi-layered composition of light – from delicate, conducive to rest, to more expressive, ideal for evening reading.
The whole interior has been designed to support the professor’s daily rituals: morning coffee by the window, leisurely reading, working on scientific texts or simply enjoying the silence.
Astana – a city of change
Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is one of the most dynamically developing cities in Central Asia. Located on the Ishim River, it serves as the political and administrative centre of the country. Its modern history began in 1997, when the capital was moved here from Almaty. Since then, the city has undergone a spectacular metamorphosis, becoming a place where futuristic architecture meets traditional elements of Kazakh culture.
According to data from 2025, Astana has a population of over 1.6 million and is one of the country’s most important economic centres. Its urban space is distinguished by wide boulevards, monumental public buildings and bold urban designs. Among the most recognisable buildings are the Bayterek Tower, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and the futuristic Khan Shatyr centre. It is in this environment – modern, cosmopolitan and full of contrasts – that the professor’s flat was created. Its intimate character provides an interesting counterpoint to the monumental scale of the city.
The interior as a personal oasis
The design by Tazabekova and Bekbaulova is not merely an aesthetic realisation. It is a thoughtful response to the needs of a person who lives in a world of intense intellectual work. Every element, from the furniture to the paintings to the lighting, has been chosen to support concentration, calm and a sense of rootedness in a new place.
design: White HomeInteriors
photos: MilaLototskaya
styling: YuliaMetzger
Read also: Apartment | Interiors | Kazakhstan | Vintage | Furniture | Mid-century modern |whiteMAD on Instagram
