A Small Minsk Apartment Balances Bold Colors and Aesthetics


Located within the coronary heart of Minsk, Belarus, Condominium Ann proves how compact dwelling areas may be reworked into a trendy and extremely useful properties. Designed by Natasha Kukresh, an inside architect primarily based in Brittany, France, this 533-square-foot studio house masterfully balances aesthetics and practicality whereas guaranteeing a way of openness and luxury.

Confronted with the problem of restricted sq. footage, Kukresh approached the undertaking with a strategic mindset, prioritizing effectivity with out compromising model. To optimize the accessible house, the standard eating desk was changed with a glossy kitchen peninsula, offering each a eating and prep space. Recognizing that the house will not be supposed for work, a devoted workspace was deliberately disregarded, permitting for a extra fluid and uncluttered format.

Modern bedroom with a muted green gradient sliding door, yellow bed base, and gray bedding. A large plant is in the foreground, and natural wood flooring is visible.

The studio format incorporates a bed room space that’s subtly outlined by a sliding glass partition. This alternative maintains a visible connection between areas whereas providing a level of privateness. In distinction, the lavatory and an expansive walk-in closet are absolutely enclosed. The closet, a necessary function for the fashion-forward shopper, is designed to be spacious and arranged, reflecting a ardour for aesthetics and private model.

Modern living area with gray sofa, striped rug, and round black coffee table. View into bedroom with wood wall and yellow bed. Blue-green wall and wooden shelves with decor pieces visible.

Modern living room with a gray sofa, round coffee table, striped rug, and bar stools. Dark curtains cover windows, and a wooden shelf is in the corner. Ceiling light fixture is overhead.

Past its sensible points, the house includes a fastidiously curated design language that’s each expressive and refined. Vibrant hues and a wealthy mixture of textures infuse the house with character whereas sustaining an overarching sense of concord. Kukresh skillfully counterbalances the daring parts with a clear and structured format, stopping the inside from feeling overwhelmed by ornamental particulars.

Modern kitchen with a marble countertop island, two black woven bar stools, textured orange backsplash, gray cabinets, and built-in appliances. A striped rug is on the wooden floor.

Modern kitchen with dark cabinetry, a marble countertop, two black bar stools, and a striped rug. Background features a textured, vertical pattern wall and a geometric range hood.

One of many key transformations concerned addressing the house’s unique non-orthogonal construction. Considerate changes have been made to refine the spatial configuration whereas preserving as a lot usable space as doable. One other essential consideration was lighting, given the house’s west-facing orientation. To counteract the variability of pure mild, a warm-toned ceiling in a putting yellow hue was launched, complemented by a well-planned synthetic lighting system. This method ensures a persistently inviting and luminous environment, whatever the time of day.

Modern kitchen interior with ribbed red wall tiles, dark cabinetry, and a granite countertop. The floor features wood and striped patterns.

Kitchen interior with vertical orange striped wall tiles, gray countertops, a metal range hood, and a sink beneath gray cabinets.

Fashionable fluted tiles in a copper shade are juxtaposed with a extra conventional marble backsplash and countertop within the kitchen space. Smoky grey cupboards tie the compact house collectively whereas complementing the rest of the house’s contrasting parts.

Modern kitchen with dark gray cabinets, a black marble backsplash, and a gray countertop. A black woven chair is placed near the counter, and an overhead range hood is visible.

Modern kitchen with dark gray cabinets, marble backsplash, and countertops. Includes a stainless steel range hood, electric cooktop, and a black wireframe stool. Ceiling painted yellow.

Geometric floor tiles with a pattern of dark rectangles on a blue hexagonal background meet diagonally with beige rectangular tiles.

Modern bathroom with dark walls, round mirror with light, minimalist vanity, vessel sink, and glass shower enclosure.

Framed abstract artwork above a bathroom sink with dark tiles and a small purple speaker.

Condominium Ann showcases how small-scale dwelling may be each luxurious and sensible when guided by a considerate design philosophy. Kukresh’s method embraces individuality whereas sustaining a seamless movement, leading to a house that’s as visually compelling as it’s snug.

A hallway with wooden cabinets, a colorful coat rack with jackets, and a patterned floor.

Hallway with a decorative door on the left, patterned floor tiles, and coat rack on the right.

Red coat hanging on a wooden hook, reflected in a nearby mirror. Walls are painted dark green, with a patterned floor visible.

Black and white architectural floor plan of an apartment with a bedroom, living area, kitchen, and bathroom.

For extra info, observe Natasha Kukresh on Instagram right here.

Images courtesy of Sergey Pilipovich.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in pictures from SCAD and may often be discovered trying to find classic wares, doing New York Instances crossword puzzles in pen, or remodeling playlists on Spotify.