Inside a Neoclassical Haven in Almaty

This three-level home blends timeless elegance with modern practicality.

“The head of the family is an architect by education, so he took a more active part in the design and construction of the house than usual,” says Oxana Mazurina.

Nestled in a serene neighbourhood near Al-Farabi Avenue, the bustling main artery of Almaty, Kazakhstan, this three-level family home is a harmonious blend of neoclassical elegance and practical functionality. Conceived by Oxana Mazurina, founder of Mazurina Design, the home reflects the collaborative vision of the designer and the homeowners—a family of seven with a deep appreciation for timeless aesthetics and modern comforts.

Spanning 4,262 square feet, the house is thoughtfully laid out to accommodate the family’s needs. On the first floor, a vestibule with wardrobes leads to a hall with a staircase, a living room, a kitchen, a guest bedroom, and a bathroom. The second floor houses the private quarters, including three bedrooms, the main one with an en-suite bathroom and wardrobe, and a children’s bathroom. The basement features a boiler room, a pantry, a laundry room, a play area, and an additional guest bedroom.

The exterior of the house exudes classic sophistication, with its clean lines and understated elegance. The facades are crafted in beige travertine slabs, complemented by a beige-gray palette. “We wanted to avoid excessive details but still keep the charm of classic architecture,” Mazurina explains. The dark gray street door, window frames, and wet-asphalt-colored roof tiles add depth and harmony to the design.

“From the owners’ bathroom, one can step onto the balcony and admire the morning sun,” Mazurina says, highlighting the thoughtful integration of functionality and beauty in every aspect of the design.

The homeowners, parents to three sons and two daughters, envisioned a home that would cater to the needs of their large and lively family. “The couple wanted a neoclassical design with interiors that feel light, cozy, and welcoming for the children,” Mazurina recalls. Natural parquet flooring—a warm and tactile material—was chosen for its practicality and comfort, including in the kitchen, where the children often play barefoot while spending time with their mother.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project was an unexpected four-year pause. Halfway through the renovation, the family relocated to Astana due to a professional promotion. When they returned to Almaty, the design had to be revisited to accommodate their growing family.

“The most difficult stage of the work was to go back to the roots,” Mazurina confesses. “We had to raise the design documentation, sort out an entire warehouse of previously purchased tiles, faucets, and furniture, and update the shopping lists. In more than four years, much had changed—not only in the world but also in my clients’ tastes.”

Mazurina suggested updating the interiors with modern furniture and decor while simplifying some design elements. “We decided to keep the essence of the project but adapt it to the current vision of the family. This included adding a fireplace in the living room, which fits perfectly between the oak shelves and became a favorite feature of the space,” she says.

The kitchen and living room are the heart of this home, designed to bring the family together. The living room features a round, roomy sofa, comfortable armchairs, and a soft carpet for the children to play on. “We prioritized comfort and functionality without sacrificing beauty,” Mazurina explains.

The kitchen, equipped with an island for breakfast and a long Swedish-made table for family dinners, is equally inviting. Sliding glass doors open onto a terrace, allowing the family to enjoy Almaty’s warm weather. “It was important to make the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces seamless,” says Mazurina.

Upstairs, the master bedroom offers a tranquil retreat for the parents. “The calming mint shade of the walls, combined with the private terrace and luxurious marble mosaic shower, makes this space feel like a sanctuary,” Mazurina describes.

Given the family’s size, practicality was a key consideration in material selection. “The homeowners wanted high-quality, functional, and affordable materials,” Mazurina notes. Parquet flooring was installed throughout the home, while quartz agglomerate countertops were chosen for the kitchen. The bathrooms feature porcelain stoneware, Victorian mosaics, and marble shower trays, ensuring longevity and elegance. Moisture-resistant paint was applied to the walls and ceilings to further enhance durability.

The home’s design emphasizes light and openness, with high ceilings and large windows flooding the interiors with natural light. “We wanted to create a space that felt airy and inviting,” Mazurina says. Double doors and custom oak shelves in the living room add a touch of grandeur, balancing the overall cozy ambiance.

The staircase, a key feature of the home, was modernized with round metal rods replacing the classic balusters. “We spent a lot of time ensuring the handrail’s many rotating elements were perfectly aligned, as each piece had to be bent at a precise angle,” Mazurina shares.

Mazurina concludes: “The owners wanted a house that wasn’t overloaded with details but still felt cozy and airy. It’s a space where every family member can feel at ease.”

Photography: Damir Otege
Interior Stylist: Aigerim Mamyraliyeva