Located in one of four mansion buildings within a residential complex in a historic part of Moscow, this 270 m² apartment belongs to a family with a child. The owners commissioned interior designer Ariana Ahmad to create the interior.
The result is a calm, light-filled space with a strong presence of art. Originally two separate apartments, the layout was completely reimagined. From the entrance hall — adorned with a mosaic by James Hill, a British artist based in Paris — the space flows into the living room, dining area, and fireplace lounge. The private zone, which includes the bedrooms and a study, is tucked away behind a slatted wood partition with a hidden door.
Natural materials are used throughout: herringbone parquet flooring, Breccia di Sicilia marble, textured textiles, and wood. The color palette is neutral, dominated by soft, natural tones. The furniture is a mix of custom-made pieces and items from Italian brands such as Collection Particulier and Christophe Delcourt. There are no flashy design statements — visual interest is created through materials, textures, and thoughtfully curated art.
Art as a Daily Presence
Contemporary art plays a central role in the project. In the living room, ceramic vases by French artist Véronique Ganne — who has been working with ceramics for over 25 years — highlight subtle experiments with monochrome glazes and textured finishes, ranging from matte to glossy to translucent. On the wall hangs a diptych by Daniela Busarello, a Brazilian-born artist based in Paris, whose work is defined by poetic restraint and a quiet inner luminosity.
In the dining room, a painting by Li Chevalier — an artist with a strong presence in the Parisian gallery scene — adds depth. Her work often explores themes of silence, meditation, and labor. In the study, a painting by French artist Paul Bergigne, who was born near Lyon and now lives in the Cévennes, reflects his interest in the organic flow and calmness of natural forms.
Photography also plays an important role in the interior. The bathroom features black-and-white prints by Masao Yamamoto, a Japanese photographer known for his delicate visual "haiku" exploring themes of fragility and stillness. His works are held in the collections of the International Center of Photography in New York, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
A Space Designed for Living
“I wanted to create a subtle, refined interior with strong art,” says the designer, “and a home you don’t want to leave.” There are no loud decorative elements, but every detail has been carefully considered — from concealed storage to lighting and acoustic solutions. Rather than bold gestures, the design relies on a clear spatial logic and overall comfort.
The atmosphere of calm is enhanced by soft natural light, functional zoning, and materials with tactile depth. Elements such as window shutters, hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, and a unified tonal palette contribute to the apartment’s cohesive and livable feel.
This project demonstrates how architectural restraint, family needs, and the owners’ passion for collecting art can be seamlessly integrated into a single, coherent living space.
