September 25, 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS
INSIDE ALMATY PENTHOUSE
interior design Assel Baimakhan
photos Damir Otegen
stylist Aigerim Akhmetova
production Karine Monié
Set high in the mountains of Almaty, this penthouse strikes a balance between softness and boldness. Pastel hues, velvet textures, and warm natural materials create a calm, enveloping base, while sculptural accents and flashes of color bring unexpected glamour. The result is a refined, layered home full of character and visual surprises.
The project was realized by DesignCraft Interiors, founded by Chicago-based Assel Baimakhan. “From the very beginning, this felt like a special commission,” she recalls. The clients — a young couple with three children — knew exactly what they wanted: something bold, high-end, and unique. Most importantly, they gave her complete creative freedom. “That trust made the process inspiring and enjoyable.”
CONCEPT AND INSPIRATION
The design began with light. The first selections were Eichholtz chandeliers for the dining area and bathroom, which set the tone for the rest of the project. From there, custom furniture, rare marbles, and artistic accents came together to create a cohesive narrative of elegance and individuality.
AN ELEGANG DINING SPACE
The dining area centers on a bespoke cabinet designed by Baimakhan. Painted in a coffee-toned shade to blend with the walls, its sculptural facade adds depth and character. Inside, natural wood veneer echoes the large extendable dining table, designed to accommodate gatherings of up to five meters in length — a nod to Kazakh traditions of hospitality. Velvet-upholstered Eichholtz chairs, a statement chandelier, and a painting by Malik Mukanov complete the scene.
LIVING WITH LAYERS
The living room is built on contrasts: soft, rounded sofas set around a bold black Eichholtz coffee table, anchored by a striking Pietra Viva marble wall. Brass accents add a subtle glow, while Italian rugs and locally crafted solid beech double doors link craftsmanship with contemporary sensibility.
MARBLE, BRASS, AND DETAIL
Marble is used with confidence throughout: Panda stone in the kitchen, deep blue granite in the guest bath. Brass lighting by Eichholtz introduces warmth and shine, while custom cabinetry, range hoods, and millwork reveal the hand of skilled artisans. Even the compact kitchen feels elevated through materiality and design precision.
A HOME THAT BREATHES DESIGN
From terrazzo floors and bamboo ceilings to sculptural doors and bespoke furniture, this penthouse is a portrait of contemporary living. “We wanted to create a home that feels both timeless and unique,” says Baimakhan. The result flows between calm and bold, family and sophistication — a true reflection of the life lived within.
