Family house in Chelyabinsk

The pandemic era has compelled us to view the requirements of our living spaces in a new light. During this time, interior designer Lesya Pechenkina began scouting for a plot to build a house that would allow her to spend more time with her family in nature. While searching, she designed a home in her studio that met all her family's needs. However, at the last moment, she came across a two-story, unfinished building for sale and realized she could quickly adapt it to her domestic lifestyle without the time-consuming process of building anew.
"Our family leads a rather active life involving work, frequent business trips, flights, sports, travel, and socializing with friends. All these activities influenced the interior design process. As the head of a design studio, constantly surrounded by a kaleidoscope of changing colors and textures, I needed to provide a visual rest for my eyes and the opportunity to recharge," Lesya Pechenkina shares. The desire for comfort, safety, and tranquility for every family member led to the decision to settle on a minimalist design featuring tactile textures, natural materials, and clean lines.
The designer's family deemed it essential to have a common space where it would be comfortable and pleasant to spend time together. Therefore, the entire first floor is dedicated to a spacious public area that includes an entrance group, a hall with a staircase, a shared wardrobe, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, as well as a terrace, and a restroom with a boiler room. The area is designed as an open space concept, where all areas seamlessly flow into one another.
The second floor hosts the master suite with private wardrobes, an office, a bathroom with terrace access, and a children's section with its restroom. A terrace was later added to the structure, blending seamlessly with the home's architecture. "I am particularly proud of managing to extend the home's area with two outdoor terraces," Pechenkina emphasizes. On the first floor, the terrace extends the main area and serves as a summer living room.
Assembling the vision for the future space, the project's author aimed to incorporate everything that brings joy and pleasure to her family. This includes a natural marble island in the kitchen, a vinyl music player, professional built-in TV speakers, and an electronic piano in the living room. From the second-floor bedroom, bathroom, and built-in sauna, one can enjoy a stunning forest view. The master bathroom has transformed into a small spa, becoming the family's favorite spot in the house.
The finish in all rooms is almost identical. A palette of basic shades accentuates the unified architecture of the space. Built-in skirting boards and concealed doors are used throughout. The house is equipped with a "smart home" system, allowing the creation of various lighting scenarios, music playback, fireplace control, curtains, and all engineering systems.
"I chose a monochromatic gray-white base because the absence of bright colors and shades allows for a good rest and resource replenishment. I also wanted to create a balance between the picturesque forest outside and the interior space," the designer explains. One of the main architectural elements in this project is a striking staircase, resembling an art object. It's clear graphic lines, monolithic railing, and play of light impress everyone who enters the home.
Proper furniture arrangement keeps the space open, filled with light and air, and highlights the interactions between areas, so most furniture items do not abut the walls directly. Much of the furniture was custom-made according to the designer's sketches.
"Since we love to travel, we have amassed a significant collection of unusual items and decor from around the world, which have become a highlight of the interior," notes Lesya Pechenkina.
However, the most crucial aspect of this project is the atmosphere. A calm setting, free from unnecessary details, allows the homeowners to feel at peace, enjoy moments spent together, and find inspiration for new endeavors.