The design concept was born from project author Sergey Orlov’s gaze upon the portrait of Mussorgsky — a replica of Repin’s famous painting, lovingly recreated by the apartment’s owner herself. The deep green and raspberry-ruby hues of the composer’s image became the emotional and color foundation for the future space. The homeowners' dream of a Mediterranean villa with shaded arches and the effortless charm of Italian living also became a powerful source of inspiration. Thus, soft olive tones, motifs of Bologna’s arcades, arched elements, and a dining room reminiscent of an artist’s studio — complete with a handmade tassel chandelier — found their way into the interior. Traditional Vyatka patterns dear to the homeowners also made their mark in the details: the kitchen backsplash is decorated with painting inspired by Dymkovo toys, while the lighting and decorative elements subtly echo northern brightness and folk artistry.
To bring this complex and layered vision to life, a substantial reconfiguration of the layout was required. The kitchen, living room, and hallway were unified with a new zoning logic. The former hallway was transformed into a full-fledged wardrobe system with cabinets of varying depths, crafted from Lamarty laminated chipboard in the “Plain” wood-textured decor. Behind the MDF fronts in an elegant olive shade, with classic paneling and stylish wooden handles, are functional hanging rails and shelves. Shallower sections were turned into display cabinets with ribbed glass framed in black, adding lightness and transparency to the space.
The kitchen also underwent significant changes. A new kitchen set was assembled using Lamarty laminated chipboard in the same “Plain” decor — a material appreciated not only for its pleasant tactile qualities but also for its reliability in everyday use. Burgundy handles contrast with the light cabinet surfaces, evoking the rich accents of Mussorgsky’s robe on the portrait. Overhead cabinets stretch to the ceiling — also made from Lamarty chipboard in a white finish — visually expanding the space and maintaining a light, airy composition. One of the upper cabinets features Dymkovo-style painting, as if vivid circles have burst beyond the tiled kitchen backsplash. Each of the 90 tiles is hand-painted with individual patterns inspired by traditional Vyatka toys. On the opposite wall, built-in storage and appliances were installed, while a minimal bar counter for two was placed by the window. It can be shifted to adjust the layout for different occasions.
The story of expressive furniture and cozy accents continues into the dining and living areas. A two-tone sofa confidently anchors the center of the room, forming a focal point for conversation and relaxation. Recessed furniture pieces — made from Lamarty chipboard in the same wood-effect “Plain” decor — echo the kitchen’s aesthetic. MDF fronts with ribbed glass inserts unify the furniture compositions on both sides of the space, reinforcing the overall design language.
The final touch comes from vibrant details — lighting with a distinct Vyatka character, tassels on the chandelier, a hand-assembled lampshade, and glass-fronted display cases. Each of these elements carries a sense of soul and craftsmanship, transforming the space into a narrative — an interior you truly want to inhabit.
Full project details and a video of the episode can be found on the “Kvartirny Vopros” show website. Broadcast on June 1, 2025.
Project author: Sergey Orlov.
