- Interior
This penthouse in the Russian coastal city of Sochi overlooks the sea and was designed as a peaceful retreat for a couple from Moscow. The apartment is used only a few times a year, with the aim of relaxing and enjoying sunsets and privacy. The interior has been conceived in an understated style, based on warm minimalist principles.
Interior designers Olesya Gelman-Dobrovolskaya and Ekaterina Subbotina were responsible for the design. Gelman-Dobrovolskaya brings her vision to life through a refined approach to spatial composition, whilst Subbotina adds her own signature with a balanced and thoughtful design approach. Together, they translated the client’s wishes into a clear concept for this project and gave the whole a tranquil architectural direction. 
The original building consisted of three separate volumes, which made the layout complex. The designers created a new plan in which the spaces are logically connected without compromising functionality. The upper level comprises the entrance hall, a dressing room, a guest toilet, a compact kitchen bar and a spacious living area with panoramic windows. The lower level is reserved for bedrooms, bathrooms and dressing areas, providing a clear separation between public and private spaces.
Furniture from Italian brands is interspersed with vintage pieces and bespoke items designed specifically for this project
The interior is characterised by soft tones and a strong focus on tactility. Marble, Brazilian granite, wood, metal and decorative plaster form the basis of the material palette. The surfaces have a soft clay-coloured finish that blends with the outdoor surroundings, whilst microcement floors add a warm, sandy texture. A subtle sheen in the plasterwork brings depth to the light as the sun sets. 
Furniture from Italian brands is interspersed with vintage pieces and bespoke items designed specifically for this project. Art objects and ceramics add a layered character without disrupting the tranquil whole. Thanks to the large windows, the sea view remains constantly present and becomes an essential part of the experience.
Interior design by Ekaterina Subbotina and Olesya Gelman-Dobrovolskaya
Photography by Liza Gurovskaya
Text by Melissa Helsen