A Variety of Finishes Add Textural Intrigue to This Renovated Russian Apartment
This Saint Petersburg apartment is an exquisite celebration of texture and color.
INT2 architecture renovated a 2,300-square-foot apartment on the top floor of an early nineteenth-century revenue house in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg into a stylish, texturally intriguing short-term holiday property that can comfortably accommodate up to five guests.
The Saint Petersburg-based architects used deep, dark colors for the walls and ceilings, and they incorporated a variety of interesting finishes—including plywood, teak, walnut, quartz, cement tiles, and ceramic granite—into the new space.
The living room features light wood herringbone floors.
Photo: INT2 architecture
The apartment consists of a living room, kitchen, study, laundry room, steam room, and two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
The living room and kitchen, which are located within an open-concept common space, are differentiated with light and dark wood floors. Light-colored herringbone parquet is used for the living area, while dark horizontally laid walnut parquet forms the floor of the kitchen.
The open-concept living space is filled with natural light.
Photo: INT2 architecture
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Lightyears Orient Pendant Light
Designed by Jo Hammerborg in 1963, the Orient Pendant Light is a flawless light design with good luminous efficacy and made from the finest quality materials. This pendant was created by Jo Hammerborg in 1963 for one of the most important Danish lighting companies of the time, Fog & Mørup. The classic pendant light has been resurrected in a form, which is completely true to the original. The organic mode of expression beautifully connects the deep, vibrant copper glow and the rosewood top. The rosewood's dark grain creates a natural connection with the tightly woven black textile cord. The lamp has 21/24 narrow, vertical slots at the top of the genuine copper shade allowing light to filter through. The fitting elegantly conceals the low energy light source and ensures a soft, pleasant light without any glare. Photo courtesy of Connox
ShopFinn Juhl Chieftain Chair
Designed by Finn Juhl in 1949, the Chieftain Chair is now an icon of Danish furniture art. Comprised of a sculptural teak and walnut frame with luxe leather upholstery, the chair was inspired by primitive weaponry, as is evidenced in the chair’s distinctive shapes. Designed for the Cabinetmaker’s Guild in Copenhagen in 1949, King Frederick IX sat in the chair, giving the chair the nickname, “King’s Chair” by a journalist. Juhl insisted that the chair be named “Chieftain” instead, as it was less pretentious. The chair is known for presenting a pivot in the direction of Danish furniture design, and remains one of the most celebrated furnishings to come out of the Danish Modern Movement. The chair is both elaborate and streamlined, and exudes grandeur and sophistication. Photo: Courtesy of House of Finn Juhl via Onecollection
ShopA sliding door separates the bedroom from the laundry room.
Photo: INT2 architecture
Prominent windows provide views of the surrounding cityscape and plenty of natural light.
Photo: INT2 architecture
INT2 architecture used a variety of different materials to delineate spaces throughout the apartment.
Photo: INT2 architecture
A telescope looks out upon the Saint Petersburg cityscape.
Photo: INT2 architecture
A "hidden" door to the laundry room lies along the walnut wall on one side of the hallway.
Photo: INT2 architecture
Clean modern finishes contrast with the dark wood floors, walls, and ceiling.
Photo: INT2 architecture
A double-sided cabinet separates the kitchen from the entrance hall. The side of the cabinet facing the hall contains a large wardrobe, while the side facing the kitchen provides storage space where kitchen appliances can be kept. INT2 architecture used black quartz for the kitchen counters as well as the range hood casing.
The walls of the study are painted a moody grey-blue.
Photo: INT2 architecture
The study features vintage teak furniture and cozy leather couches.
Photo: INT2 architecture
A wooden sideboard echoes the pattern found in the parquet flooring.
Photo: INT2 architecture
The walls of the study are painted a moody grey-blue, which—combined with the vintage teak highboard and wooden sideboard—give the space a sultry, nostalgic feel.
A modern fireplace adds warmth to the study without taking up much visual space.
Photo: INT2 architecture
A shift in materials separates this bedroom from the breakfast area.
Photo: INT2 architecture
A plywood portal in one of the bedrooms divides the sleeping area from the breakfast and sports equipment storage areas along the windows while drawing more natural light into the room.
An elegant reading nook lies next to the bed.
Photo: INT2 architecture
Subtle shifts in texture and color lend visual interest to a second bedroom.
Photo: INT2 architecture
In the other bedroom, a grey-green ceiling creates the illusion of height, making the room look and feel much larger than its actual size.
The bathrooms are visually and texturally divided into ceramic granite wet areas and painted dry areas.
Photo: INT2 architecture
The warm-colored vintage teak sideboards and towel racks contrast the cool, dark bathroom walls beautifully.
Photo: INT2 architecture
In the guest bathroom, a steam room shower portal is finished with marble slabs, while birch plywood clads the dry zone.
Photo: INT2 architecture
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Blu Dot Series 11 Six-Drawer Console
The Blu Dot Series 11 Six-Drawer Console presents an elegant and refined approach to modern storage, with thin hardwood edges and sleek proportions. Made out of ash or walnut veneer with a stainless steel base, it has 6 drawers that open and close smoothly at the control of inventive flip-up drawer pulls, revealing bright red interiors.
ShopKohler Underscore 72" Soaking Bathtub
Kohler K-5717 Key Data: 72"L x 42"W x 21"H Drop-In or Undermount Installation Water Depth: 18-5/8" Kohler K-5717 Features: Kohler tubs are fully covered under warranty for up to a year after installation. Tub constructed of Kohler's ExoCrylic material Reversible drain with slotted overflow Textured slip-resistant bottom Integral lumbar support on both sides for comfort Wide edge rim to accommodate a tub filler faucet Tub waste sold separately Kohler K-5717 Technologies / Benefits: ExoCrylic: Kohler baths constructed of ExoCrylic material are 30% lighter than standard tubs, produce 90% fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during manufacturing, and offer an easier, mortarless installation. Kohler K-5717 Specifications: Overall Length: 72" Overall Width: 42" Overall Height: 21" Basin Length: 46-5/16" Basin Width: 31-3/16" Water Depth: 18-5/8" Maximum Water Capacity: 112.2 gallons Number of Bathers: 2 Drain Location: Center Photo Courtesy of Build.com
ShopMinimalist black fixtures adorn the shower.
Photo: INT2 architecture
Subtle lighting gives the living room a cozy glow at night.
Photo: INT2 architecture
The custom-designed wood-burning fireplace was made in Italy.
Photo: INT2 architecture
The apartment's floor plan.
Photo: INT2 architecture
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: INT2 architecture / @int2architecture
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