Aiya Lisova Blends Historic Charm with Modern Elegance in Moscow
Interior designer Aiya Lisova, founder of architecture and design firm, AIYA bureau, is renowned for her ability to blend historic charm with modern elegance seamlessly, and this 195 m² apartment transformation in Moscow is no exception. Under her guidance, interior designers Ekaterina Tsevtkova and Anastasia Klevakina transformed this Moscow apartment.
Located in an early 20th-century building, the space had already been renovated, but it lacked the original elements that once defined its character. With a keen eye for aesthetics and practicality, Tsevtkova and Klevakina were tasked with creating a home that celebrated the building’s heritage while incorporating contemporary design.
Recreating the Ambiance of a Bygone Era
The apartment presented a blank canvas for the AIYA bureau team. By the time they began their work, no original historic elements remained. Rather than simply adding modern fixtures, they were inspired to recreate the ambiance of a bygone era, imbuing the space with ornate mouldings, double doors, and herringbone parquet flooring. Perhaps the most striking addition is a custom-designed tiled stove in the master bedroom - an ode to craftsmanship rarely seen in today’s contemporary homes.
Design Tailored to Functionality and Aesthetic
The owner’s desire for both beauty and functionality shaped every design choice. For example, the dining table was not only designed with the utmost visual appeal but with practicality in mind - its surface is durable enough to withstand heat and wear while maintaining its sophisticated look.
Dividing the Space
The apartment is thoughtfully divided into two distinct zones: a private and public area. The public zone, designed for both relaxation and entertaining, comprises a spacious living room with an adjoining library, a kitchen/dining area, and a bar.
The designers ensured that the kitchen, though an essential part of the home, remained discreet and seamlessly integrated with the surrounding spaces. Meanwhile, the private zone, accessed through elegant double doors, offers a peaceful retreat with a master bedroom suite, children’s bedroom, guest room, and utility spaces.
The design ethos behind this project was to create a harmonious balance between honouring the apartment’s heritage and embracing modern European sophistication. A neutral colour palette dominates the space, featuring rich natural materials like marble, gypsum moulding, and signature herringbone parquet. These choices contribute to an atmosphere that is at once timeless and sophisticated.
Olive Green Elegance
A standout feature of the space is the master bathroom, which deviates from the rest of the home's neutral tones with its bold green hues. The space is flooded with natural light, allowing the rich shades to subtly echo throughout the master bedroom and hallway. The apartment’s finishes are also worth noting: paints from iconic British brand, Little Greene adorn the walls, while Terrazzo flooring in the hallway and porcelain stoneware tiles in the bathrooms add a touch of elegance.
Custom Furniture and Decorative Touches
As with all of the designs lead by Lisova, custom furniture pieces and decorative touches are integral to the space’s identity. One particularly exceptional feature is a vintage-inspired bar, reminiscent of cosy Milanese establishments. The concept for the bar was inspired by a beloved Porto venue, and artist Max Lomak brought it to life with a one-of-a-kind wall painting and bold glass elements in pink and orange. This bar has become a striking focal point, ideal for the owners’ social gatherings.
A Tailored Touch Throughout
Custom carpentry runs throughout the apartment, from a library in the living room to bespoke cabinets in the master bedroom. A custom marble fireplace surrounded by smoked mirrors in the library enhances the room’s grandeur, while the tiled stove in the master bedroom serves as a rare, authentic nod to traditional craftsmanship.
Setting the Tone for Every Room
Lighting plays a crucial role in defining the apartment’s atmosphere. A mix of modern and vintage fixtures adds depth and character to each space. The bar area boasts a shimmering vintage Gino Vistosi chandelier, while large Marset pendants illuminate the dining area with an air of elegance. In the master bedroom, a La Murrina chandelier from the 1980s adds a nostalgic touch, further elevating the room’s charm.
Art: Seamlessly Integrating the Client’s Collection
A final defining element of this project is the careful selection of art. AIYA bureau worked closely with the client to ensure her existing collection was seamlessly integrated into the space. The pieces were framed in minimalist natural wood, allowing them to shine without distraction. The art pieces perfectly complement the overall aesthetic, drawing attention to the interplay of vintage charm and contemporary design.
In this apartment, Aiya Lisova, Ekaterina Tsevtkova and Anastasia Klevakina have masterfully blended old-world elegance with modern practicality, creating a space that is not only visually stunning but also a perfect reflection of its owner’s lifestyle. The collaboration between designer and client has resulted in a home that is as timeless as it is personal.
With a thoughtful balance of historic elements, custom craftsmanship, and modern design sensibilities, this project stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of blending past and present in interior design.
Interior Designers: Ekaterina Tsevtkova and Anastasia Klevakina
Photography by Mikhail Loskutov