In the Nauryzbay district of the Kazakh city of Almaty, within the Tau Samal housing estate, a house has been built that defies the definition of a classic family home. It is a space designed not around trends or a single aesthetic style, but around the everyday lives of its inhabitants. The design by NESSO INTERIORS demonstrates that a contemporary home can be functional, emotional and deeply personal all at once.
The 400-square-metre house was created by converting an existing single-storey building. However, the addition of a further storey was merely the starting point. The key was to create a new spatial logic – fluid, intuitive and in tune with the rhythm of life of a family of five and their pets.
The project was led by designers Tansholpan Kenessova and Indira Aidarbekova, who set themselves the goal of creating an interior in which different needs and individual lifestyles could coexist without conflict.
“In this project, we didn’t want to rely on any one specific style or visual reference. The most important thing was to listen to the family – their daily life, habits and way of living. We wanted to create a space that is neither static nor stylised, but one that lives alongside its inhabitants,” says Tansholpan Kenessova.
Right from the entrance, the eye is drawn to the vivid red door, which serves as a strong compositional accent. This colour also subtly recurs in other parts of the house, breaking up the calm base of natural wood, light walls and soft fabrics. The glazed swing doors in the entrance area let light into the depths of the house, creating a sense of openness and lightness.
The ground floor as a meeting space
The layout of the ground floor is based on a system of interconnected spaces linked by a circular corridor. This allows the household to move freely around the interior, whilst the boundaries between the different functions remain fluid.
The heart of the home is the open-plan living area comprising the kitchen, dining room and living room. The kitchen has been designed to suit the owner’s daily habits – the sink is positioned by the window, and most of the storage units are concealed behind minimalist fronts. There is also a discreetly hidden pantry here.
A striking compositional element is the extractor hood finished with hand-made tiles crafted by Kazakh ceramists from the Faski studio. The shades of deep burgundy and rich blue were created through experimentation with available glazes, giving this detail a unique character.
The kitchen island naturally brings the household together and transforms the kitchen into the hub of daily interaction. Open shelves displaying ceramics, books and plants lend the interior warmth and authenticity.
The living room and dining area are separated by architectural portals that organise the space without detracting from its cohesion. The lounge area is dominated by a calm colour palette, soft lighting and natural materials.
A monumental tapestry by the Liba brothers plays a special role here, blending harmoniously with the interior’s colour scheme. Art does not serve a purely decorative function in this home – it is an integral part of the residents’ daily lives.
An interior built on memories
The owner of the house is an artist, which is why her paintings naturally permeate the interior, engaging in a dialogue with objects brought back from her travels and restored vintage pieces. The house does not give the impression of a ‘finished product’ – rather, it is a living organism that matures alongside the family.
The ground floor also houses the owner’s private studio. The space for work and creativity is situated by a large window providing natural light. The easel, paintings, frames and art supplies have become part of the décor, creating the atmosphere of a creative studio.
The interior also subtly tells the story of the homeowner – a cycling enthusiast. The collection of medals from competitions has been displayed in a natural and unforced manner, becoming a personal detail woven into the architecture of the home.
The private area on the ground floor has been designed as a tranquil master suite. It comprises a bedroom, a walk-through dressing room and a private bathroom. Subdued colours, soft fabrics and the delicate geometry of the walls create an atmosphere of tranquillity and comfort.
The first floor designed for the children
The second floor is entirely dedicated to the children. Each room reflects the personality of its occupant, whilst maintaining consistency with the rest of the house.
The eldest son’s room reflects his dynamic interests – from collecting trainers and figurines to developing his own clothing brand and playing the guitar. The interior has a more distinctive character, with darker accents and open display units.
The eldest daughter’s room is inspired by the world of fashion and beauty. It features a dedicated make-up area and extensive storage systems. A neutral colour scheme with green accents creates a calm backdrop for daily rituals and experimenting with style.
The youngest daughter’s room has the most artistic character. Light wood, warm beiges and a hand-painted watercolour portrait above the bed create an incredibly personal atmosphere. Next to a large desk full of crayons, brushes and sketchbooks is a hanging cocoon chair – a place to rest, listen to music and play the harmonica.
A home designed with pets in mind
From the outset, the project aimed to create a space that was friendly to all members of the household – including the pets. Solutions for the cat, dog and parrot have been integrated into the architecture in an almost invisible way.
For the cat, a system of walkways, shelves and hidden resting places built into the walls and furniture has been designed. The dog’s bed has been placed near the shared living area, ensuring the pet remains part of family life.
Special attention was also paid to the parrot’s space. The cage was positioned near a natural light source, whilst being protected from draughts and excessive noise. The whole arrangement was treated as an integral part of the interior design.
Maintaining visual order was also important – bowls, accessories and food supplies were concealed within the built-in furniture, ensuring the interior remained harmonious and peaceful.
Functionality hidden in the details
One of the most practical solutions used in the home is the integrated laundry chute. It has been concealed within the built-in cupboards on the first floor and connected directly to the laundry room on the ground floor, which significantly improves the family’s daily routine.
The designers also ensured the discreet integration of the air-conditioning system in the communal areas. Despite structural constraints, they managed to conceal the ductwork without having to lower the ceiling height.
This project demonstrates that a contemporary home need not be merely an aesthetic object. It can become a space that meets everyday needs, preserves memories and evolves alongside its inhabitants. In this project by NESSO INTERIORS, architecture does not dominate life – it becomes its natural extension.
Project: Tansholpan Kenessova Indira Aidarbekova – NESSO INTERIORS
Photography: Roman Yakunin, Sofiya Klyonova
Style: Aizhan Abdullina
See also: Architecture | Kitchen | Bathroom | Interiors | Kazakhstan
