Neoclasic-style apartment for a family in Moscow

Classic interiors always retain their relevance, which is why the owners of a 188-square-meter apartment in Moscow chose this style. Designed by Lesya Pechenkina of Simple Interiors, the project reflects the family’s love for travel, particularly in France and America.

The original space had no partitions, so the layout was created from scratch to ensure an abundance of natural light. The apartment now includes three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, a home office, and a spacious common area for family relaxation and entertaining guests. The grand hall leads to the living room, dining area, and kitchen, unified into one open-plan space. A piano, a personal passion of the owner, is prominently placed, while auxiliary rooms such as a guest bathroom, laundry, and shared wardrobe are discreetly tucked away, with the home office accessible from the kitchen.

The core of the design is a sophisticated mix of French and American styles. The French influence is evident in the moldings, parquet floors laid in a "French herringbone" pattern, high paneled doors, and vintage furniture. Symmetry and axis-based composition emphasize the elegance of the space. The American style shines through in the open plan, large furniture pieces, and a focus on durable materials.

"I wanted to maintain lightness and create a neutral background where the furniture, lighting, and decor could take center stage. I chose a base palette of creamy pastels, enhanced with contrasting moldings and bold accents of terracotta, blue, graphite, and brass in the hardware and lighting," explains Pechenkina.

The home’s key areas are designed with symmetry and focal points in mind. The entrance hall is adorned with a large mirror and a striking console made of resin from Phillips Collection, shaped like a tree trunk and covered in silver leaf. In the living room, a curved accent wall and a semicircular arrangement of sofas create a balanced composition, further complemented by a round rug and a 19th-century fireplace.

In the dining area, a stunning marble fireplace from 1840-1860, imported from France, serves as the centerpiece. The kitchen stands out with its Blue Roma marble backsplash, and the upper cabinets were intentionally omitted to maintain an airy feel. "We deliberately avoided upper cabinets to preserve the lightness and draw attention to the stone," notes Pechenkina.

The children's rooms reflect their personalities and interests. For the eldest daughter, who loves cinema and acting, a mural depicting the Paramount Theatre in Manhattan adorns one wall, while a custom shelf shaped like a film reel adds to the room’s character. The room is equipped with lighting resembling studio spotlights and a backdrop that can be lowered from the ceiling for video shoots. Above the bed, a poster from "Stranger Things," a favorite show, features iconic scenes.

The younger daughter’s room, meanwhile, combines neutral tones with warm caramel and graphite accents. The headboard, designed to resemble a chocolate bar, adds a playful touch, while a poster of Florida with coordinates marks her birthplace. The bathroom is whimsical, with nature-themed murals, palace-like floors, and doors that reference "Alice in Wonderland."

The final touch is custom furniture designed by Simple Interiors. Each item, along with some decorative lighting, was custom-made, layering shapes and colors to enhance the neutral backdrop. Wooden and stone elements, along with vibrant accents, create depth in the space. Although the apartment is classically styled, it is also technologically advanced, with a Smart Home system providing modern functionality.

Both the space and the story of this home were built from the ground up, giving the designer complete creative freedom. This allowed each element to find its place, from bold architectural decisions to refined decorative details.

Interior designer Lesya Pechenkina, estudio Simple Interiors6

https://simple-interiors.com/

Instagram @lesya.pechenkina, @simple.interiors.bureau

Photo credit by Damir Otegen

Instagram @damir_otegen

Style by Nelly Muratova

Instagram @nemuratova_