Photo: Varvara Toplennikova.

Photo: Varvara Toplennikova.

Photo: Varvara Toplennikova.

Photo: Varvara Toplennikova.

Photo: Varvara Toplennikova.

Photo: Varvara Toplennikova.

Photo: Varvara Toplennikova.

In a new residential development, a 350-square-metre apartment unfolds as an exploration of cross-cultural design dialogue. Created by Art Bureau 1/1 (Oneoverone), designers Lena Solovyeva and Ilya Klimov, this acts as a functional family home and a nuanced reflection of its owner’s Franco-Russian heritage.

“In today’s ever-changing world, people increasingly desire their own place of peace and calm,” share Solovyeva and Klimov. “A home becomes a cocoon, a refuge that both calms and energises.”

The brief came from a globally mobile client whose great-grandmother emigrated from Russia in the early 20th century, maintaining strong cultural ties through generations. This heritage formed the conceptual foundation for a space that elegantly weaves together French refinement and Russian cultural touchstones.

The designers tackled the challenge of unifying three separate units into a cohesive whole, crafting a fluid layout that encompasses a generous living room, dining area, kitchen, study with library, and three bedrooms with ensuites. The newly orchestrated sequence of spaces gracefully transitions between private and social zones.

The interior palette draws inspiration from the natural world, particularly Lake Baikal’s ethereal beauty. Creamy vanilla tones merge with silver and icy blue accents, while berry hues add warmth and depth. Natural materials play a starring role, with honey-amber timber and coal-coloured stone creating a sophisticated material dialogue.

“We aimed to convey all of this in the interior, building it around a dialogue between cultures and eras, while crafting a soft, enveloping space that is both elegant and refined,” the designers explain.

The material selection tells a tactile story—veined marble echoing birch bark patterns, sugar-textured natural stone, and amber wood panels create a rich sensory experience. Wool bouclé and coarse weaves add another layer of textural interest, while decorative plaster walls capture an impressionistic sense of movement.

In a nod to early 20th-century interior traditions, poplar and birch root veneers feature prominently. The furniture selection represents a curated mix of international design talent, with pieces by French designers Christophe Delcourt, Pierre Augustin Rose, and Pierre Yovanovitch sitting comfortably alongside works by Russian creators Denis Milovanov and Semyon Lavdansky.

This project is a deeply personal sanctuary that celebrates the enduring connection between history and modernity, and two rich cultural traditions.

Photo: Ilya Klimov.

Photo: Varvara Toplennikova.

Photo: Ilya Klimov.

Photo: Varvara Toplennikova (left). Photo: Ilya Klimov (above).

EDITOR’S NOTE

This project is located in Russia. While we do not condone the war in Ukraine nor agree with the state of Russia’s actions, we do not see any value in punishing individuals for something they have little control over.

Yellowtrace exists to promote good design, new ideas and creative thinking. We believe that good design is for everyone—it comes from all over the world and has the potential to unite us rather than divide us. For this reason, we have decided to continue to share work based on merit rather than location. We will take a similar approach to various global sporting events where Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete while not appearing as representatives of their countries.

While we understand not everyone will agree with our decision, this is what feels right for us. Thank you.

[Images courtesy of Art Bureau 1/1. Photography by Ilya Klimov and Varvara Toplennikova.]