Project name: Interior with character: apartment with gothic elements
Interior design: Natalia Borisenkova
Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia, «Etalon na Neve» residential complex
Photo: Dmitrii Modestov
Area: 68 m2
Year: 2025
Project description from design firms Natalia Borisenkova
This project took over a year to complete, as the clients and I gradually were searching for vintage furniture and filling the apartment with art. In essence, the entire apartment is a single work of art, an interior in the spirit of a real castle, yet designed for comfortable living. The main challenge was to connect and unify seemingly incompatible styles, objects, and eras without straying into literal historicism. The interior is based on neogothic style—a reimagined gothic aesthetic adapted to the modern pace of life.
The apartment contains numerous pieces of art, and it was important to integrate them into a unified space. The interior was created to suit the interests of the client—an extraordinary, creative individual. He is a collector, musician, biker, and art connoisseur. Therefore, the interior is so multifaceted, reflecting his diverse interests. The bedroom deserves special attention. The client is a big fan of Game of Thrones, that’s why “Weirwood” tree mural from the film appeared here. This is a true handcrafted work of art, hand-painted by an artist.
The painting has become the highlight of the interior and sets the tone for the entire bedroom. Different styles intertwine here: gothic is the key theme, but loft-inspired elements are also present, along with classic elements like corbels from the classical period, and even a Victorian bed and antique Victorian chairs. Modern materials and accents — plastic and gloss — add a lightness and modernity to this rich stylistic diversity. The apartment’s interior is complemented by numerous art objects: paintings, a golden eagle statue, busts, and candlesticks — all these elements are seamlessly woven into the space, creating a cohesive atmosphere.
Brands in the project: The project features furniture from domestic manufacturers, including a custom-made kitchen and cabinets in St. Petersburg. Bed and bedside tables were also custom-made by craftsmen from Krasnoyarsk. The moldings-brackets, pulls, and coffered moldings — are from the St. Petersburg workshop “Artel Lepshchikov.” The doors are from “Lot Doors”, stained glass and the inserts above the door, including stilms and mirrors, are from the St. Petersburg manufacturer “Imperial style”. The walls feature decorative plaster, gold plaster in the bathroom, and San Marco paint. The tree on the bedroom wall is a painting by St. Petersburg artist Elena Kovalevskaya. The tiles, porcelain stoneware, and parquet flooring are from the Megapolis salon. The sun mirror above the bed is by Garda Decor, and many of the accessories are in vintage and antique styles. The floor lamp, tables over the sofa, and modern accessories are from Kartell.
