- Project: Beige Apartment
- Architect: Alexander Tischler
- Location: Russia, Yekaterinburg
- Year: 2024
- Area: 79 m2
The Beige apartment in Yekaterinburg by Alexander Tischler, led by designer Karen Karapetian, is a carefully curated 79 m² two-bedroom residence tailored for adaptability, comfort, and timeless appeal. Completed between 2023 and 2024, this project was designed for a couple gifting the apartment to their daughter—seeking a functional and cozy space with room for personal touches in the future.
Located in Yekaterinburg, Russia, this project encapsulates the philosophy of the Alexander Tischler design company: full-cycle interior solutions with custom-made cabinetry, meticulous cost control, and comprehensive project management from concept to execution.
Balancing Form and Function
The apartment had some inherent challenges, such as a load-bearing column near the center and a dark corridor connecting the hallway and private rooms. Through strategic design interventions, including the removal of unnecessary partitions and layout refinements, the team created a brighter, more open flow.
One of the standout features of this renovation is the small but efficient walk-in closet, expanded by eliminating partitions and reworking the layout. The redesign introduced more natural light and a spatial hierarchy that optimizes each area for its intended function.
Material Palette and Custom Details
Neutral tones form the foundation of this apartment, allowing future personalization. The interplay of textures—from wood grains and terrazzo tiles to black accents and clean-lined furniture—strikes a calm, minimalist tone.
The hallway includes two full-height wardrobes. One functions as a visual divider between the kitchen and hall, while the second integrates a smart vacuum charging module. Both pieces are finished with custom-designed “ribbed” handles, injecting subtle rhythm into the design.
Smart Kitchen Solutions
The kitchen makes full use of a pre-existing niche from the developer. Handle-free drawers in the lower cabinets and concealed upper cabinets maintain a sleek profile. Instead of maximizing upper cabinet height, the design preserves an airy openness above the sink. The apron, made from large-format porcelain, extends slightly beyond the cabinetry, visually unifying the kitchen and living areas.
Living Room and Loggia Upgrade
In the living room, a dining table and sofa are aligned to enhance flow. The original loggia setup—with a window sill block and radiator—was replaced with a sliding glass door and a relocated radiator to the side wall. An in-floor convector was added to maintain warmth and prevent condensation on the glass, while maintaining aesthetic coherence.
Despite budget constraints, a fresh air ventilation system was incorporated with discreet ceiling grilles—an investment in the apartment’s long-term livability.
Multi-Functional Guest Room
A secondary room was designed with versatility in mind—suitable as a guest room, home office, or future children’s bedroom. Equipped with a bed, wardrobe, and desk, the space can evolve with the occupant’s needs. The previously intrusive load-bearing column was elegantly hidden behind a compact shelving unit.
Neutral Doors and Thoughtful Transitions
Rather than installing costly hidden doors, the design used wall-painted doors and frames, blending them seamlessly with the surroundings. This keeps the focus on spatial clarity without inflating costs.
Spa-Like Bathroom with Hidden Utilities
The bathroom follows the same neutral aesthetic with concrete-textured porcelain tiles. Smart cabinetry includes a hidden laundry basket and an integrated washing machine behind tall column doors. Two shower curtains—a water-repellent liner and a decorative fabric outer—ensure practicality and visual comfort.
Expanded Walk-In Closet from the Master Bedroom
The master bedroom connects directly to a walk-in closet, separated not by walls, but by a large custom wardrobe that doubles as a design feature. From the bedroom side, the closet appears as minimalist wall panels.
Though simplified to fit the client’s budget, the closet offers ceiling-high storage with deep rods for hanging seasonal wear. Lighting and drawers were excluded, keeping the build economical yet highly functional.
