An interior that truly reflects the character of its creators, their lifestyle, and professional philosophy comes to life in the apartment designed by Moscow-based designers Tatiana Alenina and Vladimir Krasilnikov. Located on the embankment of the Moscow River, this 111 m² space realizes their vision for a free-flowing layout without boundaries, yet with carefully planned functional elements.
“When we opened the door and saw this space, we knew we had found what we needed,” the designers share. “We were captivated by the volume, the sense of perspective, and the view from the windows, which together created a sense of vastness.” These words perfectly convey the apartment's atmosphere — a space filled with air and light, inviting you to explore its endless horizons.
Architectural concept and layout
The apartment’s geometry forms a rectangle with floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides. A quarter of the space is allocated to functional zones: the entrance area, two bathrooms, a laundry room, and a walk-in closet. The remaining space features an open common area and the bedroom. The standout feature of the layout is the circular flow, allowing for seamless movement from the living room to the dining and kitchen areas, then to the bedroom, and back through the main bathroom. This design enhances the apartment’s sense of unity. The living area, combined with the kitchen and dining room, occupies 56 m² and serves as the apartment's central zone. The bedroom is separated by pivot doors, which, even when closed, maintain an airy and cohesive atmosphere.
The black-toned interior
One of the key elements of the design is the use of black, which adds a monolithic and sculptural quality to the interior. “In our black-toned apartment, you realize that space can captivate you. It's like gazing at the starry night sky, mesmerizing with its infinity,” says Tatiana. Here, black is not just a background but an active participant in the design, accentuating details and inviting exploration of every texture and object.
The designers used natural materials — wood, metal, ceramics, leather, suede, linen, and cashmere — to establish a tactile harmony and elevate the monochromatic palette.
Culinary space and collectible design
For Tatiana and Vladimir, the kitchen is more than just a place for cooking; it is a space for socializing. They often entertain guests, which is why the kitchen features a three-meter table by Desalto and a matching island. Every detail is meticulously planned to ensure a seamless culinary experience, while every object provides a tactile sensation.
The apartment is not only functional but also filled with collectible design pieces that reflect the owners' personal tastes. These include objects made from salt conglomerate by Roxana Lahiji and volcanic ceramics by Niclas Wolf. The designers also collaborated with Sergey Kartashov’s woodworking studio to create bespoke works, such as the “Oars” art objects on columns in the living room and “Unity,” a large, multi-textured piece made from thermally treated oak.
Art as part of the interior
Tatiana and Vladimir paid special attention to their art collection, which not only adorns their home but also reflects their worldview. Among the pieces is Vitaly Pushnitsky’s painting Workshop, symbolizing the beginning of something significant, and Kirill Chelushkin’s artwork featuring a submarine, which adds a sense of mystery to the dark interior. Alexander Morozov’s painting Trams brings powerful energy to the space, mirroring the sight of evening river traffic on the Moscow River.
“Balancing art and design is important to us. We wanted our home to be more than just a living space; it had to be a gallery that speaks to who we are,” the designers note.
Tatiana Alenina and Vladimir Krasilnikov's apartment project is a testament to how architecture and interior design can reflect the creators' personalities. Every detail is thoughtfully considered, every texture and material tells the story of the people who live in this space. “Our recipe for creating an interior, which we developed over time, is good architecture infused with air, scale, and complexity, complemented by collectible design objects and contemporary art," the homeowners conclude.
