Cover The bedroom of an Almaty, Kazakhstan family apartment designed by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group
The bedroom of an Almaty, Kazakhstan family apartment designed by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group
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Blending organic textures and serene hues, Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group has transformed this Kazakhstan apartment into a sanctuary for a family's milestones to unfold over time
The most notable interiors are not shaped by moodboards and trends. Instead, they are born of soul-enriching conversations between the designer and the homeowner, a continuous dialogue that extends well beyond the construction phase. Such was the case for this Almaty, Kazakhstan home by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group.
This 240-square-metre apartment in Esentai City became a “shared journey shaped by reflections and a search for genuine comfort over decorative effect,” mused Zhakypova. Her client was a woman who prioritised inner freedom and emotional resonance. Her previous residences featured neoclassical, Provençal and minimalist interior design stories. She was ready to move into a space that did not conform to a trend, but that instead championed the warmth and ease of harmony with one’s environment.
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An Almaty, Kazakhstan family apartment designed by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group
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Zhakypova recalls a conversation with her client, in which she mused that her feelings of swimming alongside the blue whales of an ocean irrevocably changed her. This experience immersed her in her own infinitesimal life compared to the immensity of nature, a feeling that she wanted Zhakypova to recreate in her city-bound sanctuary.
From the outset, the Almaty, Kazakhstan home is grounded in a minimalist, structural language. The challenge was to infuse this space with more organic, cocooning elements to personalise the space. Zhakypova turned to the soothing, elemental tones of Balinese designs, whereby spaces flow seamlessly into the landscape instead of imposing any preconceived notions upon it. Thus, stepping into this new home feels like entering a calmer, more intuitive pocket of the world.
Above The dining room of an Almaty, Kazakhstan family apartment designed by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group
Above The living room of an Almaty, Kazakhstan family apartment designed by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group
The dining room of an Almaty, Kazakhstan family apartment designed by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group
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One of the most notable materials used in the home was decorative plaster, sculpted by hand to create continuity throughout the Almaty, Kazakhstan home. “It connected the architecture with sources of natural light and enhanced spatial perception,” mused Zhakypova. In contrast, microcement surfaces take the place of glass partitions in the home, ensconcing the homeowner in a monolithic environment that still feels considered and calm. “Rather than maintaining a sterile environment, we wanted the material to feel alive and handcrafted,” shared the designer.
Wood is also key to the home’s design story, with its imperfect knots and natural grain openings that make the home converse with nature. This was complemented by palettes of sand and clay tones, with pops of muted greens and beige to create an altogether serene apartment in the heart of Kazakhstan.
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Above The bedroom of an Almaty, Kazakhstan family apartment designed by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group
The bedroom of an Almaty, Kazakhstan family apartment designed by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group
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Above The bathroom of an Almaty, Kazakhstan family apartment designed by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group
Above The bedroom of an Almaty, Kazakhstan family apartment designed by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group
The bathroom of an Almaty, Kazakhstan family apartment designed by Kamilya Zhakypova of Alchemia.group
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Linen and cotton textiles add dimension to the space, while handcrafted pieces by local artisans complete the material world of the apartment and add unexpected whimsy to the areas of the home where family and friends gather naturally.
“This project reaffirmed my belief that interior design is, above all, about the state of being,” Zhakypova said. “Even within the dynamic stone jungle of a metropolis, it is possible to create a personal oasis built upon silence, harmony, and inner balance.”
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Credits
Photography: Roman Yakunin
Photography: Sofia Klyonova
Production: Karine Monié
Styling: Evgeniya Masgutova
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
