
May 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS
a LIGHT-FILLED CLASSIC
words Karine Monie
photos Damir Otegen
interior design Mazurina Design
interior stylist Aigerim Mamyraliyeva
Designed by Oxana Mazurina of Mazurina Design, this sunlit, Scandi-inspired residence in Almaty redefines classic elegance with a modern, livable spirit.
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood not far from Al-Farabi Avenue—the main artery of Almaty, Kazakhstan—this three-story home radiates understated sophistication. Designed for a vibrant family, it blends neoclassical architecture with the cozy minimalism of Scandinavian style, offering a fresh take on timeless design.
When the homeowners first approached Oxana Mazurina, their vision was clear: a neoclassical home bathed in natural light, layered in soft, clear tones, and filled with cozy, tactile materials.
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
1- A Welcoming Living Room:
The heart of the home features a sculptural fireplace nestled between stately oak bookshelves, setting a cozy, grounded tone. Soft, curved furnishings and playful details amplify the relaxed yet polished atmosphere.
2- The Kitchen as a Family Hub
Anchored by a Swedish-made dining table and a breakfast island, the kitchen flows naturally into a sunlit terrace—a seamless connection between indoors and out.
3- A Breath of Fresh Air
Thanks to double-height ceilings and expansive windows, natural light fills every corner, reinforcing the home's sense of openness and calm.
A FOUR-YEAR PAUSE — AND A FRESH START
Midway through construction, life took an unexpected turn: a career opportunity moved the family to Astana, halting the project for four years. When they returned to Almaty, with a new baby in the family, the house's design needed refreshing. "The biggest challenge was revisiting everything—plans, shopping lists, even a warehouse full of materials—after so much time had passed," Mazurina recalls.
Tastes had evolved, too. "We decided to simplify the interiors, introducing more modern elements while staying true to the original vision."















MATERIAL CHOICES
Designed to accommodate a large family—including five children—the home is built on a foundation of durability and functionality:
- Floors: Natural parquet, soft and easy underfoot
- Kitchens: Quartz agglomerate countertops
- Bathrooms: Porcelain stoneware and Victorian mosaics from FAP Ceramiche, marble benches and shower trays
- Walls & Ceilings: Moisture-resistant paint for longevity
COLOR STORY: SCANDINAVIAN SERENITY
Mindful of both personal preferences and future flexibility, the homeowners opted for a calming palette: soft grays, warm beiges, pure whites, and muted greens dominate the interiors, echoing the serene tones of Scandinavian design.
FINAL IMPRESSION
With its marriage of classic structure and fresh Scandinavian spirit, this Almaty residence is a masterclass in how thoughtful design can bridge elegance and everyday life.