moscow, RUSSIA

Apartment with an Antique Staircase

A fully reconstructed apartment featuring restored architectural elements

Area: 360 m²
Designers: Margo Kashina, Natasha Kovaleva
Architect: Tanya Butrinova

Project Description

This two-story apartment in central Moscow underwent a complete structural and aesthetic transformation, from the reconstruction of ceilings and attic spaces to the full furnishing, equipment installation, and restoration of historical architectural elements.
The original space was in a state of severe disrepair, requiring a year-long process of reconstruction and permit approvals. However, the result was extraordinary: a double-height living room with 7-meter ceilings, a preserved antique staircase, and historical brickwork that now defines the character of the home.

Design Concept & Approach

The core idea was to seamlessly blend antique architectural features—such as a fireplace portal, the original staircase, and 19th-century cement flooring—with modern design, lighting, and contemporary art. The goal was to create an atmosphere that felt as though it belonged to a late 19th-century apartment, yet was thoughtfully curated with modern design icons.
The large expanses of walls and high ceilings provided a perfect gallery-like setting for the client’s collection of contemporary art, transforming the home into a living exhibition space.

Project Areas

First Floor Layout

Antique Cement Tile Flooring

The cement tiles, sourced from Belgium, date back to the same period as the building’s construction.
Each tile was meticulously cleaned, transported to Moscow, and relaid in new patterns that help define different zones within the apartment.

Entrance Hall

The walls are clad in wooden paneling with hidden storage and a concealed wardrobe.

Living Room as a Grand Focal Point

Two nearly 2-meter-tall chandeliers from Dutch brand Quasar enhance the dramatic height of the space.

The seating arrangement features:

Baxter modular sofas
Felt-upholstered Gervasoni armchairs designed by Patricia Urquiola
The fireplace area retains an antique portal, paying homage to its historical significance—even though the chimney could not be restored.

Custom Italian Kitchen

Designed exclusively for the project and produced in Italy according to our sketches.

First Floor Layout

Second Floor: Private Areas

A glass-balustraded mezzanine balcony connects the children’s bedrooms and the master suite while serving as an additional living and workspace.

Piano nook: A grand piano sits on the balcony lounge, where the homeowner plays music.
Children’s study area: A row of workstations provides a structured learning environment.

Master Suite

A moody, atmospheric palette with deep dark tones creates a sophisticated, intimate retreat.
The room’s singular round window, a unique architectural feature of the building’s facade, became a focal point—left untreated by textiles to highlight its original form.
Instead of curtains, wooden shutters were installed on all windows, reinforcing the historical integrity of the space.
Dressing Room & Master Bath
Designed as a cohesive block, unified by wood-paneled walls for a seamless transition between spaces.

Teen’s Bedroom

Each child’s bedroom features custom-designed mural art by Natalie-Kate Pangilinan—whimsical hand-painted compositions filled with fantastical characters and intricate details.

Two distinct storybook-like themes were created, perfectly matching the personalities of the young residents.
The paintings invite endless storytelling, encouraging the children to discover new details and invent their own narratives.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

RESULTS

This project successfully restored the apartment’s historical character while introducing modern elements in a harmonious, curated way. The result is a refined yet deeply personal home, where antique architecture and contemporary design coexist in a thoughtfully balanced composition.

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