The minimalist kitchen with floating oak shelves and wooden ceiling beams
Cover The minimalist kitchen with floating oak shelves and wooden ceiling beams
The minimalist kitchen with floating oak shelves and wooden ceiling beams

Shefler Interiors creates a serene family residence that mirrors its pine forest surroundings in Moscow, Russia

Located within a coveted suburb in Moscow, Russia, a family of five enjoys the privileges of countryside living, with pine forests and a riverside setting complemented by modern amenities including fishing clubs, wellness centres, and restaurants. 

Capitalising on this verdant environment, the homeowners envisioned a primary residence that would exist in harmony with its natural surroundings.

Read more: 15 best green homes in Malaysia

Moscow-based architectural firm Akant Architects, known for integrating nature into its designs through features like panoramic windows, large terraces, and natural materials, drew inspiration from Le Corbusier for this project.

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The dual-toned exterior by Akant Architects blends in with the pine forest surroundings
Above The dual-toned exterior by Akant Architects blends in with the pine forest surroundings
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The rustic front entry is characteristic of the functional beauty in Scandinavian design
Above The rustic front entry is characteristic of the functional beauty in Scandinavian design
The dual-toned exterior by Akant Architects blends in with the pine forest surroundings
The rustic front entry is characteristic of the functional beauty in Scandinavian design

The firm employed the renowned architect’s favoured technique of constructing a two-storey building with a dual-toned exterior.

The ground floor showcases large panoramic windows framed by Jurassic beige marble façade, while the upper level presents as a striking geometric “stone cube” that appears to float above the seemingly transparent base.

See also: Home tour: A split-level family haven unites two generations in Seremban, Malaysia

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The spacious outdoor patio with a large fireplace
Above The spacious outdoor patio with a large fireplace
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The greenhouse amidst the pristine landscaping
Above The greenhouse amidst the pristine landscaping
The spacious outdoor patio with a large fireplace
The greenhouse amidst the pristine landscaping

The property is divided into two distinct wings with a corridor on the ground floor connecting the separate volumes.

The left wing comprises two bedrooms and a playroom for the homeowners’ three children, aged two, seven and ten. In the right wing, on the other hand, sits the main suite and guest room—a distinctive layout that aims to balance family interaction while providing the kids with more independence and privacy for the parents.

Don’t miss: 9 nature-inspired furniture and décor items for a soothing, biophilic home

The home also features a spacious outdoor patio with a large fireplace, as well as a greenhouse, where the family can grow plants and vegetables, amidst pristine landscaping by Land Territory.

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Photo 1 of 2 The bright living room is ideal for entertaining and hosting large gatherings
Photo 2 of 2 The light-filled dining area with tasteful decors next to the living room
The bright living room is ideal for entertaining and hosting large gatherings
The light-filled dining area with tasteful decors next to the living room

For the interior design that exudes an intimate connection with nature, Shefler Interiors mirrors the clean lines and functional beauty of Scandinavian design, and complement the minimalist narrative with the spaciousness and luxurious materials characteristic of Australian architecture.

Read more: Home tour: A multigenerational timber house by the lake near Moscow

“I have travelled to Sweden, Finland, and Norway, and being geographically close to Russia, where I am from, we share similar natural landscapes; this has always drawn me to the simple lines typical of Scandinavian design,” explains Lada Shefler, founder of the interior design studio.

“Similarly, when I took my kids to Australia, we were all captivated by the country’s landscape,” she continues. “Australian designers often use natural materials, and integrate expansive finishes and high-end furniture in an attempt to harmonise their creations with the surrounding environment–a philosophy that resonates with my own design preferences.”

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Photo 1 of 2 The minimalist kitchen with floating oak shelves and wooden ceiling beams
Photo 2 of 2 The open space with an intimate breakfast nook and hand-painted cabinets
The minimalist kitchen with floating oak shelves and wooden ceiling beams
The open space with an intimate breakfast nook and hand-painted cabinets
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The custom-designed Monkey Business Bar
Above The custom-designed Monkey Business Bar
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A cool, secluded vibe like a members-only bar
Above A cool, secluded vibe like a members-only bar
The custom-designed Monkey Business Bar
A cool, secluded vibe like a members-only bar

Ensuring that every element in the home contributes to a harmonious and organic living environment, Shefler decided to use only natural materials, such as unlacquered brass, cement, marble, wood, steel, and terrazzo. 

Meanwhile, soothing hues of green and blue in the decor and furnishings create a serene ambiance inspired by the calm of nature.

See also: 12 stunning Canadian homes that make the best of their dramatic natural surroundings

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Deeper green tiles and fluted plaster in warm wood tones
Above Deeper green tiles and fluted plaster in warm wood tones
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The high-ceilinged en-suite with herringbone marble flooring
Above The high-ceilinged en-suite with herringbone marble flooring
Deeper green tiles and fluted plaster in warm wood tones
The high-ceilinged en-suite with herringbone marble flooring
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Subtle herringbone patterns in the children’s bathroom
Above Subtle herringbone patterns in the children’s bathroom
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Petal pink handmade Moroccan concrete tiles by Popham Design
Above Petal pink handmade Moroccan concrete tiles by Popham Design
Subtle herringbone patterns in the children’s bathroom
Petal pink handmade Moroccan concrete tiles by Popham Design

Tranquility permeates the light-filled common areas on the ground level, where the spacious living room is divided into a dining area and a cosy fireplace lounge–ideal for entertaining and hosting large gatherings of family and friends.

Strategically positioned at the heart of the property is the bright and open kitchen, where floating oak shelves take the place of wall cupboards, its minimalist aesthetic contributing to the wood-beamed ceiling in adding warmth and a rustic touch to the space, as hand-painted cabinets bring personality into the room.

Don’t miss: Home tour: A spacious, art-filled bungalow with separate wings for a multigenerational household

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A blue-walled plaster fireplace in the office-slash-guest-room
Above A blue-walled plaster fireplace in the office-slash-guest-room
A blue-walled plaster fireplace in the office-slash-guest-room
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The foliage-themed wallpaper complements the furnishing in warm brown hues
Above The foliage-themed wallpaper complements the furnishing in warm brown hues
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The upholstered headboard in inca gold against a bright blue backdrop
Above The upholstered headboard in inca gold against a bright blue backdrop
The foliage-themed wallpaper complements the furnishing in warm brown hues
The upholstered headboard in inca gold against a bright blue backdrop

Besides that, the ground floor also accommodates a home office, and an eye-catching bar area surrounded by deep, dark blue walls with mouldings, as well as quirky wallpaper with monkey prints by House of Hackney, creating an exotic atmosphere that’s cosy and full of character for this welcoming corner.

Nicknamed Monkey Business Bar, the custom-designed bar features Moroccan handmade tiles on the counter–an artisanal touch that sets the tone for the area, while a collection of monkey figurines from all over the world finds its place in the bar, adding a playful, quirky charm to the space. 

Read more: 9 striking homes in the Big Apple that manifest a New York state of mind

“It was one of my favourite spaces to design,” Shefler quips. “It’s got this cool, secluded vibe, like a members-only bar with a ton of personality. “It’s the kind of spot you just want to hang out in for hours.”

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The children’s whimsical playroom
Above The children’s whimsical playroom
The children’s whimsical playroom
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Embellished with quirky light fixtures and vibrant wall decors
Above Embellished with quirky light fixtures and vibrant wall decors
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The polka dot-themed storage room with ample clutter-free solutions
Above The polka dot storage room with ample clutter-free solutions
Embellished with quirky light fixtures and vibrant wall decors
The polka dot-themed storage room with ample clutter-free solutions

For the bedrooms, the inspiration came from the verdant surroundings, where particularly in the main suite, a sage green headboard evokes a sense of tranquility; while a foliage-themed wallpaper complements the furnishing in warm brown hues in the office-slash-guest-room.

The adjoining bathroom with high ceilings and an arch doorway features herringbone marble flooring that add a touch of luxury with organic patterns found in nature. The countertop is a tactile earthy element further enriched with deeper green tiles and fluted plaster in warm wood tones.

See also: Home tour: A multigenerational beachside chalet with pockets of greenery in Al Zour, Kuwait

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Photo 1 of 2 The airy secondary bedroom with a curve-shaped headboard by Lelievre
Photo 2 of 2 The sage green headboard, custom-made by Hermès, in the main bedroom suite
The airy secondary bedroom with a curve-shaped headboard by Lelievre
The sage green headboard, custom-made by Hermès, in the main bedroom suite
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A touch of whimsy to the nature-inspired theme
Above A touch of whimsy to the nature-inspired theme
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The soothing Scandinavian-style nursery room
Above The soothing Scandinavian-style nursery room
A touch of whimsy to the nature-inspired theme
The soothing Scandinavian-style nursery room

Furthermore, a whimsical undertone persists in the children’s private quarters. 

The shared playroom showcases wooden ceiling beams, floorings and furnishing amidst the bright space, embellished with quirky light fixtures and vibrant wall decors; whereas sprightly wallpapers by Australian-brand Jimmy Cricket decorate the minimalist bedrooms, each exuding its own playful charm.

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Credits

Photography: Sergey Krasyuk

Topics

Celeste Goh
Senior Writer of Tatler Homes, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.

Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.