Tour a 1920s-Inspired Abode that Glows like a Jewellery Box

An opulent 1920s-inspired interior turns a blank canvas into a theatrical stage for elegance, freedom, and endless discovery.

Tucked away in the vibrant cityscape of Almaty, a 1,000-square-foot apartment has been transformed into a theatrical ode to the bohemian spirit of the 1920s. Designed by Element Design Studio, this intimate space is as much about storytelling as it is about style—a reflection of its elegant and freedom-loving owner.

“I want to walk around the apartment in a silk robe and drink champagne,” the client told the designers. That single sentence became the foundation of the project, inspiring an interior that feels like a stage where every room is an act and the client is the star.

The apartment, originally a blank slate, was reimagined as a modern-day enfilade—a sequence of connected rooms reminiscent of grand palace interiors. The result is an open, flowing space that feels both intimate and expansive. “We wanted it to feel like a jewelry box, filled with precious details,” the designers noted. Every corner invites admiration, offering new discoveries with each glance.

Despite its compact size, the apartment is a masterclass in functionality. A concealed wardrobe, a cozy balcony, a full laundry room, and numerous storage solutions are seamlessly integrated into the design. Every inch of the space has been optimized without compromising its sense of openness.

A standout feature of the apartment is its bespoke bedroom doors. When closed, they appear as a hand-painted silk panel adorned with graceful herons. Open them, and the boundaries between rooms dissolve, revealing a bedroom bathed in plum-blackberry tones. This interplay of openness and intimacy is a recurring theme throughout the space.

The living room, meanwhile, centers on a vintage chandelier made of deep garnet-toned Venetian glass—a bold statement piece that anchors the room’s layered palette. Monochrome was deliberately avoided; instead, each area tells its own story through a blend of colours, textures, and patterns. The living room’s complex blue walls contrast with the bedroom’s rich plum tones, while the kitchen offers a creamy, understated backdrop. This careful orchestration of color ensures a dynamic yet cohesive atmosphere.

The furniture is a curated mix of custom pieces and vintage finds. Many items come from Eichholtz, including a central table adorned with metallic wheat sheaves, a sofa, and chairs. These are complemented by vintage treasures—a kitchen table and chairs, hallway dresser, bedside tables, and mirrors—that were lovingly restored and woven into the narrative of the home.

Nature-inspired textiles and velvet add softness and whimsy, with curtains featuring fantastical animals: griffins, herons, winged elephants, and sea creatures. These elements evoke a sense of wonder, grounding the apartment’s avant-garde aesthetic in a deeply personal, almost magical realm.

And then there is the color: complex, rich, alive. Every shade was chosen with care, from the creamy tones of the kitchen to the dramatic hues of the bedroom and living room. Together, they create an atmosphere that feels simultaneously timeless and contemporary.

Photography: Indira Yussupova