Interior designer Olga Manakova found a French couple with a deep love of aesthetics and sophisticated taste. Their Moscow home, an oasis of opportunity, was in a state of 'frozen' renovation when they called her in. A modernist villa with beautiful architectural features was waiting to be transformed to reflect their lifestyle and refined preferences.
As frequent travellers between France and Moscow, they wanted to transform their Russian haven into a "temple of purity," a place where they could immerse themselves in serenity after returning from the bustling city. Olga Manakova's challenge was to weave this desire for serenity into their refined, minimalist aesthetic. The two-storey house revealed its potential step by step. The first floor underwent a metamorphosis, with half of it transformed into a luxurious spa with an inviting swimming pool. A perfect harmony between functionality and decadence was achieved.
A perfect harmony between functionality and decadence was achieved
The clients, passionate followers of the 'less is more' philosophy, desired an all-white interior. A desire the interior designer respected, but to which she added warmth through subtle shades of travertine and bold black accents, giving the house a contemporary, warm feel. Only natural materials were allowed in this creative journey. Matt travertine graced the floors of the first floor, the pool area and all door frames. The tactile delight of travertine was further extended to furniture and even the dining table, despite the challenges of practical use. Here it was not just about functionality, but the sensory experience of touch. The layout of the space followed a deliberate plan, using axes to guide the positioning of doors, furniture groups and lighting. This resulted in an interior that was not only elegant and uncluttered, but also felt grand and harmonious.This project was characterised not only by the interplay of colours and materials, but also by the unique personalities of the residents. Manakovas admiration for their simple lifestyle, reflected in their preference for black, inspired her deeply. It became not just a design project; it became a journey in which I adopted some aspects of their sophistication and love for white. One of her favourite projects, this house is now not just a physical space, but a reflection of the soul and aesthetic of those who call it home. It is a temple of purity, infused with the warmth of natural materials and thoughtful design. It is a tribute to the art of creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but also an extension of those who live in them. Photography by Mikhail Loskutov
Style by Natalya Yagofarova