This 80-square-metre flat in Astana was designed for a law professor who came to Kazakhstan to teach at a local university. A new environment, intense academic work and a daily routine full of meetings meant he needed a space where he could unwind after lectures, regain his focus and simply relax. The architects at White Home Interiors responded to this need with a design that combines functionality with timeless elegance. To achieve the desired effect, they chose the mid-century modern style.
Mid-century modern as a language of tranquillity
The designers turned to the mid-century modern aesthetic – a style which, thanks to its simple lines, organic forms and natural materials, creates an atmosphere conducive to concentration. The flat is dominated by warm wood tones, muted colours and furniture with a low, horizontal silhouette. It is an interior that does not impose itself with ornate decoration. Instead, it offers comfort and clarity, so essential for someone who works daily with legal texts and academic analysis.
An important feature is the open shelving – space for books on law, philosophy and history, as well as for the art collection the owner has gathered whilst travelling. Every object here has its own significance, yet none dominates the whole.
Light as a tool for creating atmosphere
Lighting plays a key role in the design. In the living room, the focal point is the iconic Levante lamp by Luceplan, whose soft, diffused light emphasises the calm character of the space. In the bedrooms, the architects have used Marset and Aromas del Campo luminaires to create a multi-layered, atmospheric light – ideal for reading, working or evening relaxation.
Carefully selected lamps not only organise the space but also give it a distinct yet subtle character. This is an example of a deliberate design choice that reinforces the home’s function as a place of regeneration.
A living space
The whole space has been designed to encourage peaceful, everyday activities: a cup of coffee by the window, unhurried reading, a moment of reflection after a busy day. The interior does not seek to impress – its strength lies in its proportions, materials and harmonious layout. It is a home that supports, rather than distracts. For a professor who lives in a world full of arguments, analyses and academic discussions, it has become a place where one can simply be.
design: White Home Interiors
team: Nurlan Tazabekov, Samal Bekbaulova
photography: Mila Lototskaya
styling: Yulia Metzger
Read also: Apartment | Interiors | Kazakhstan | Mid-century modern | Recommended | whiteMAD on Instagram
