Project name: The Architecture of Quiet Living – Astana, Kazakhstan
Interior design: AiDesign Studio
Design Team: Aibike Smagulova, Irina Fomina
Location: Astana, Kazakhstan
Photo: Mila Lototskaya
Area: 188 m²
Year: 2026
Project description from design firms
Located in the Garden View residential complex in Astana, Kazakhstan, this 188-square-metre apartment was designed by Aidesign Studio for a family with three children. The project explores the idea of a home shaped by balance, wellbeing and understated luxury — a place where architecture quietly supports everyday life rather than demanding attention.
The interior combines contemporary minimalism with soft modern influences. A warm palette of ivory, beige, smoky brown and muted olive tones is complemented by natural materials, tactile finishes and carefully considered lighting. Throughout the apartment, architectural elements replace decorative excess. Arched portals, curved forms and finely framed glass partitions establish a gentle rhythm that connects the rooms while softening the geometry of the space.
The layout is organised around a clear distinction between public and private zones, creating a sense of order and calm. At the heart of the home, the living room brings together a fireplace lounge, a family seating area and a sculptural television composition. A mirror positioned above the fireplace reflects daylight and views from the window, visually extending the space and reinforcing the project’s emphasis on light as an architectural material.
One of the defining features of the apartment is the relationship between the kitchen and living room. The glazed partition separating the two spaces emerged from a deeply personal request from the homeowner. While spending time in the kitchen, she wanted to remain visually connected to her young daughter playing in the living area.
Rather than introducing conventional doors, the designers created an elegant architectural screen that preserves openness, light and sightlines while allowing each space to function independently.
The project was completed shortly after the arrival of the family’s long-awaited daughter, a moment that subtly influenced many of the design decisions. Particular attention was given to creating spaces that support family life while maintaining a sense of calm and beauty.
The daughter’s room became one of the most carefully considered areas of the home, conceived as a gentle and imaginative environment where soft forms, seamless transitions and playful details encourage both comfort and creativity.
Another distinctive feature is the sculptural veneered panel in the entrance hall. With its flowing silhouette, it introduces movement and softness to the otherwise disciplined architecture while acting as both a zoning element and a spatial focal point.
Elegant yet restrained, the project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can create lasting comfort. Here, luxury is expressed not through excess, but through clarity, proportion and the quiet confidence of well-resolved design.
