The design concept combined the aesthetics of the East, European rationality and the spiritual warmth of the family hearth
Designer Irina Tatarnikova transformed the former living room into a “stage” where the story of one family unfolds — weaving together the aesthetics of the East, European restraint, and the gentle warmth of a true home. The redesigned space, reminiscent of a first-class carriage on the legendary Orient Express, became the departure point for a journey through emotion, comfort, and cultural interplay within this interior.
A key stage of the project was the reconfiguration of the layout: the former kitchen gave way to a children’s room, while its new location allowed for the seamless integration of a full kitchen unit into the living area. A sofa bed took on the role of zoning module — becoming the focal point that connects the dining area and the lounge. On one side of the sofa sits a marquetry-inlaid table surrounded by cozy armchairs, while on the other is a lounge area with a biofireplace and television.
The new kitchen, as envisioned by the designer, was built in a single linear composition, framed by tall pantry units on both ends. The kitchen modules were finished in several shades — each color representing a facet of the family’s individuality and vibrant lifestyle.
Opposite the kitchen area, a spacious storage system was installed. The bodies and shelves were made from Lamarty laminated particleboard in the “Odyssey” decor — a rich dark oak with a pronounced wood grain texture. The fronts, finished in the refined “Grey 7810” decor, served as an elegant backdrop to the multicolored kitchen and bright interior accents, enhancing their expressiveness without competing for attention. The combination of glass display doors and solid panels provided a well-balanced mix of open and closed storage.
The floors in the redesigned space were meticulously prepared — first leveled with screed, then reinforced with moisture-resistant SyPly plywood, which created a solid and stable base for the intricate parquet layout. The plywood added the necessary rigidity, moisture resistance, and load distribution — crucial for a multifunctional space that unites kitchen, dining, and living zones. A dark parquet border outlines the space, while the center is adorned with square modular parquet in a chessboard pattern, complemented by a broad engineered wood walkway.
An essential part of the interior composition is the heavy marble tabletop — a cherished family heirloom gifted by relatives from India. On the grey laminated chipboard shelving unit by the TV, meaningful souvenirs found their place. The display cabinets filled up with books and figurines. All of this made the interior not only aesthetically balanced but also vibrant and sincere — a true home-carriage, rushing forward toward new memories.
Project details and video are available on the "Kvartirny Vopros" program website.
Broadcast date: June 21, 2025.
Project author: Irina Tatarnikova
