- Project: Modern Neoclassical Apartment
- Architect: Alisa Shabelnikova
- Location: Russia, Moscow
- Year: 2024
- Area: 120 m2
- Photography: Sergey Ananiev
A Contemporary Classic on the Shores of Lake Moscow
Overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Moscow, this modern neoclassical apartment designed by Alisa Shabelnikova captures the essence of refined urban living. Created for a young couple seeking both comfort and sophistication, the 120-square-meter residence blends timeless design cues with a light, airy modern sensibility.
The project’s philosophy is simple yet profound — to create a seamless flow of space and emotion, where elegant symmetry, warmth, and natural light define the experience of home.
Design Concept: Refinement Through Simplicity
The apartment was originally a complex puzzle of awkward angles and misplaced functional zones. Shabelnikova approached it with a comprehensive redesign, choosing an enfilade layout that allows one room to lead naturally into the next, promoting spatial rhythm and visual coherence.
Her aim was to craft a home that feels both calming and contemporary, while preserving the quiet elegance that characterizes neoclassical interiors. Through careful attention to proportion, light, and texture, she achieved a design that resonates with understated luxury.
A Grand Entrance & Flowing Enfilade
The spatial sequence begins with a generous hallway, which opens directly into the main living area — a luminous open-plan composition that combines living, dining, and kitchen zones in one cohesive gesture. The view toward the lake establishes an instant connection between interior and exterior, reinforcing the apartment’s sense of openness and serenity.
“Creating a strong first impression was crucial,” explains Shabelnikova. “The hallway and living room had to set the tone for the entire apartment — calm, natural, yet quietly impressive.”
The enfilade arrangement ensures smooth transitions, aligning doorways and sightlines to draw the eye through the apartment, emphasizing light and spaciousness.
Living & Dining: A Palette of Warm Neutrals
The main living space is anchored by soft, warm white walls and dark walnut accents, establishing a palette of harmony and contrast. Natural materials — wood, marble, textured fabrics — add depth and tactility, while slender lighting fixtures and minimal ornamentation enhance the modern neoclassical atmosphere.
The dining area sits adjacent to large windows, inviting daylight deep into the room. A sculptural chandelier punctuates the simplicity, while pale curtains and subtle moldings soften the geometry of the space.
Kitchen Integration & Detailing
The kitchen, partially concealed within the living zone, posed one of the project’s greatest challenges. Large ventilation ducts and plumbing lines disrupted the ceiling plane, but Shabelnikova’s team resolved this by designing custom paneling and built-in cabinetry, concealing infrastructure while maintaining visual balance.
A lowered ceiling section unifies the area, and walnut-veneered panels align seamlessly with the cabinetry, creating a rhythm of tone and texture that reinforces the apartment’s cohesive aesthetic.
Private Quarters: Serenity in Symmetry
The private wing includes a primary bedroom suite with an adjoining bathroom and walk-in closet, alongside a guest room, laundry, and additional dressing area. Built-in wardrobes were color-matched to the walls, minimizing visual clutter and enhancing the sense of calm.
The guest bathroom diverges from the dominant palette, introducing a deep chocolate hue that adds warmth and intimacy without disrupting the overall balance of tones.
Throughout, lighting remains discreet — emphasizing softness rather than drama. This deliberate restraint amplifies the feeling of continuity and relaxation.
Material & Color Harmony
The apartment’s material palette merges tactile elegance with modern restraint:
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Walls: Warm matte white with minimal trim details.
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Floors: Light wood planks extending through living and private zones.
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Accents: Walnut veneer, bronze metal detailing, soft textiles.
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Bathrooms: Contrasting palettes — white marble and chocolate brown stone.
The interplay of light and dark, matte and gloss, warm and cool creates a dynamic yet tranquil environment.
A Unified Vision
“The project was incredibly enjoyable,” recalls Shabelnikova. “The clients were aligned with our vision from the beginning, and every decision — from palette to proportion — flowed naturally. The result was exactly what we imagined together.”
The Modern Neoclassical Apartment stands as a testament to the designer’s belief in purity of form and emotional resonance. Every element, from proportion to palette, contributes to a narrative of balance — between contemporary simplicity and classical grace.
