A fresh take on loft living: Moscow apartment with industrial charm

This striking loft-style apartment belongs to a man whose strong will and disciplined lifestyle are reflected in every detail of its design. When he first approached interior designer Sabina Valieva, he envisioned a classic loft rich in exposed brick and concrete surfaces. Yet, for Sabina, this was an opportunity to push the boundaries. “I wanted to create something more unique while still maintaining the essence of a loft,” she recalls.

The 130-square-meter apartment, bathed in natural light thanks to panoramic windows and 4-meter-high ceilings, is a masterful exercise in balancing raw, industrial materials with bold, artistic flair. Sabina’s aim was not just to design a loft but to translate the decisive, orderly personality of the apartment's owner into every element of the space. To achieve this, she utilized clean geometry, bold shapes, and contrasting color combinations, introducing striking accents in black, yellow, and red, alongside a carefully curated selection of contemporary art.

A seamless layout

The apartment’s layout is equally well-considered, maximizing space and flow across its 130 square meters. The entrance hall merges seamlessly with an open-plan living room and kitchen, creating a large social space that benefits from the lofty ceilings and ample natural light. The master bedroom boasts its own en-suite bathroom, while additional spaces include a home office, a walk-in closet, a guest bathroom, and a laundry room. Sabina was fortunate to begin with an entirely blank slate — an empty, open-plan space without partitions or finishes, offering her total creative freedom in crafting the layout.

Subtle loft elements and thoughtful materiality

Valieva’s design deftly incorporates two of the quintessential materials of loft-style — brick and concrete — without overwhelming the space. A key feature is the subtle brick frieze that runs from the hallway through to the kitchen. Slightly recessed into the wall, the brickwork gives the illusion of having been uncovered from beneath layers of time, adding an element of history to the otherwise modern setting. The concrete ceiling, with its decorative seams, contrasts beautifully with the light walls, adding a sense of depth and movement. The interplay between old and new is further enhanced by soft, integrated lighting that imbues the space with architectural depth and artistic vibrancy.

Monochrome meets vibrancy

The restrained color palette is dominated by a white backdrop that accentuates the graphic black details, creating a crisp, modern foundation. At the client’s request, bright yellow and red accents inject vibrant energy into the space, reflecting the dynamic nature of his lifestyle. This carefully balanced color scheme allows the apartment to feel both minimalist and lively.

For the client, high-quality, comfortable furnishings made from natural materials were imperative. Italian brands such as Boffi were selected for their sleek, sophisticated designs. The kitchen, a standout feature from Boffi, combines a variety of finishes with innovative functionality, reinforcing the apartment’s mix of style and practicality.

One of the apartment’s most unique pieces is a custom-designed shelving unit by Valieva, created specifically for the client’s vinyl record player. The shelving’s metal supports stretch dramatically from floor to ceiling, while walnut veneer finishes add warmth. This design was inspired by the renowned Memphis School, evident in the 45-degree angle of the metal shelves, which lend a playful yet refined touch of vintage nostalgia.

The art of fire and light

One of the project’s most striking elements is the wood-burning fireplace, a feature the client had envisioned from the start. Sabina collaborated with the company Flambi to design a fireplace with an integrated log storage unit, encased in hand-patinated metal by De Castelli. The result is a seamless, sculptural element that serves as the focal point of the living room. To tie the space together, the same patinated metal was used for the TV unit’s countertop, adding a cohesive industrial touch.

In the bathroom, an innovative lighting feature steals the show. Sabina designed an artificial skylight in the ceiling using three integrated Smart Sky lights by Coelux. These lights simulate natural daylight, allowing the intensity and even the appearance of the sun at its zenith to be adjusted. This innovative touch eliminates the need for additional lighting, bringing a serene, daylight-filled ambiance to the bathroom.

Art as a statement

Contemporary art plays a central role in the apartment’s design, reflecting the client’s artistic taste and adding a rich layer of character. Among the standout pieces are metal sculptures by Portuguese artist Roy Matos, inspired by Russian Constructivism, oversized mirrors by French artist Christophe Gagnon, a painting by Yuri Cooper, and sculptures by Tomonari Yoshimoto. These pieces, curated with intention, bring texture, depth, and personality to the apartment, making it feel not just like a living space but like a personal gallery.

The final result is a space that transcends the initial brief of a classic loft. Sabina Valieva's vision evolved through the process, blending raw, industrial elements with advanced design solutions and bold artistic gestures. What emerged is a multidimensional interior that is as functional as it is aesthetically striking — a true reflection of both the client’s personality and the timeless, yet evolving spirit of loft design.

Interior designer Sabina Valieva graduated from the Faculty of Environmental Design at Kosygin University. She then completed a year-long program at The Interior Design Institute in San Francisco, USA. With over 10 years of practice, her portfolio includes 18 completed projects, including several commercial and mostly private residential ones.

“The ideal home is not about what is fashionable this year or what is trending. It is about the person, their values, their comfort, and their philosophy of life. Such an interior becomes timeless, and at the same time, it transforms into a playground where all elements are constantly interacting with the person.”

Interior designer Sabina Valieva

Instagram @ sab.designer 

https://www.sabinavalieva.com

Photo credit Mikhail Loskutov

Instagram @loskutoff

Style by Julia Karpukhina

Instagram @juliakarpukhina