Minimalist Apartment in Moscow Blends Warmth and Precision

  • Project: Minimalist Apartment in Moscow
  • Architect: Jeanne Denisheva
  • Location: Russia, Moscow
  • Year: 2024
  • Area: 110 m2
  • Photography: Michael Chekalov

In the heart of Moscow, this 110-square-meter apartment was envisioned as a sanctuary for a young couple seeking the perfect balance of functionality, simplicity, and warmth. The project, designed by architect and interior designer Jeanne Denisheva, is a masterclass in urban minimalism—a restrained design language infused with subtle material richness and modern comfort.

A Functional Layout Rooted in Light and Logic

Originally delivered as an open-plan shell, the apartment was reorganized with intention. The layout now features two clear zones:

  • Public space: A cohesive studio-style area with a welcoming entrance, built-in wardrobe, guest bathroom, and a fluid kitchen–dining–living room setup.

  • Private space: A serene master bedroom with an en-suite, plus a versatile home office that can evolve into a nursery.

A custom Rimadesio sliding partition—a standout architectural feature—creates a soft yet defined separation between these two zones. Seamlessly integrated into the entrance wardrobe, it illustrates the project’s seamless balance of form and function.

Materials That Elevate Without Cluttering

The palette is carefully curated. Subdued grey hues meet warm wooden finishes, lightly textured plaster walls, and monochrome textiles. By limiting the variety of materials and finishes, the interior feels harmonious and cohesive.

Design decisions followed a “less is more” philosophy. A single tile collection is used across all bathrooms. Fixtures are kept consistent. Custom-built elements—from the kitchen to wardrobes—were crafted by a single manufacturer, ensuring a unified aesthetic and technical consistency throughout.

The engineered wood flooring was precisely matched with the wood veneer on the built-in furniture to establish a continuous, visually calm narrative across the entire apartment.

Minimalism as Precision, Not Simplicity

While the apartment may appear effortless in its elegance, the project demanded precision at every level:

  • Flush floor-to-ceiling doors

  • Recessed baseboards

  • Perfectly aligned tiles

  • Invisible ventilation grilles

Every detail was meticulously planned and executed to align with the original design visualizations—demonstrating how disciplined minimalism can achieve remarkable emotional impact.

Design Philosophy: Lasting Clarity and Comfort

According to Denisheva, an effective interior must begin with a strong architectural core—one that feels complete on its own but also provides a canvas for evolving personal layers over time.

This minimalist apartment in Moscow exemplifies that ethos. The result is a timeless, warm, and flexible living space that evolves with its owners, offering enduring comfort without ever sacrificing aesthetic integrity.

Contemporary kitchen and dining space with natural wood finishes and soft neutral tones.

Photography © Michael Chekalov

Round wood dining table and upholstered chairs in a modern kitchen with natural lighting.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Open kitchen with oak cabinetry, soft lighting, and elegant modern dining furniture.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Kitchen island with black fixtures and wooden bar stools in a soft minimalist setting.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Seamless kitchen cabinetry with built-in appliances and clean linear lighting.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
View of bar seating and neutral-toned cabinetry with vertical grain wood panels.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Elegant bar counter design with two dark wooden stools and clean-lined faucet fixtures.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Dining area with modern pendant lighting and cozy upholstered seating by the window.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Cozy living corner with panoramic windows, soft seating, and built-in shelving.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Floating bathroom vanity with under-lighting and dark tile backdrop for a sleek, minimalist effect.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Modern bathtub set against dark concrete-look tiles in a minimalist bathroom interior.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Close-up of a modern rectangular sink with integrated lighting and textured ceramic decor.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Minimalist bathroom sink with LED backlight and built-in storage in neutral-toned walls.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Contemporary bedroom with wood floating nightstand, pendant lamp, and soft neutral bedding.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Minimalist bedroom design featuring a pendant lamp and headboard integrated with wall paneling.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Cozy modern suite with view of bathroom entrance and wood floor continuity.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Elegant modern bedroom with warm neutral palette, floor-length curtains, and minimal bedding.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Floating wooden vanity in bedroom with sculptural vases and built-in storage wall.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Minimalist bedroom design featuring a built-in oak vanity and soft neutral tones.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Elegant modern bedroom with a calming neutral palette and natural wood accents.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Soft bedding in shades of gray and taupe enhances the serene bedroom setting.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Contemporary pendant light hanging over a wooden bedside table with modern books.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Symmetrical modern bed layout with a floating nightstand and pendant lighting.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Textured ceramic vase and minimalist decor complement the low-profile bed design.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Floating oak desk in a bedroom space with view of a walk-in glass wardrobe.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Artfully styled oak desk reflected in a tall floor mirror with natural lighting.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Warm neutral color scheme in a cozy and minimalist bedroom interior design.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Contemporary shower space with dark matte tiles and minimal fixtures.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
White vessel sink on a dark stone vanity top with soft lighting.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Minimalist bathroom corner with a walk-in glass shower and rainhead.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Sleek double vanity with underlit mirrors and vessel sinks.
Photography © Michael Chekalov
Architectural floor plan of the Kriliya apartment layout in Moscow.
Photography © Michael Chekalov

Posted by Jeanne Denisheva

Zhanna Denisheva is a Russian architect and interior designer based in Moscow, celebrated for her refined minimalist approach and exceptional attention to detail. Her work blends architectural clarity with warmth, resulting in living spaces that are both highly functional and visually harmonious. Design Philosophy Denisheva follows the principle of "less is more," working with a restrained palette of materials—most often soft greys, greige tones, and natural textures such as wood and textiles. Her interiors are characterized by clean lines, concealed doors, and custom details that demand precision and craftsmanship. She often creates spaces that feel serene and cohesive, emphasizing order, light, and balance.