Resedential

Presidents Park, Almaty 2024

Area: 146 m²

Interior Design: Fariz Mammadov

Photography: Damir Otegen

Styling: Fariz Mammadov, Aigerim Mamyralieva

The project was developed: January 2023

Design Completed: January 2024

Photography: June 2024

Parisian-Inspired Apartment in Almaty, Kazakhstan | Fariz Mamedov Interiors

Are you one of those people who constantly photograph doors and beautiful old entrances while wandering through unfamiliar cities, especially in Europe? I certainly am! Sometimes, this curious mix of random snapshots on my camera roll becomes the starting point for an entire interior design project. And that’s exactly what happened here.

Just one meeting was enough for my clients and me to find ourselves on the same wavelength. I suggested drawing inspiration from Paris — a city that has long lived somewhere inside me. I immediately imagined sun-drenched streets, bright and airy interiors, vibrant textiles, beautiful art… I wanted to create something light, joyful, with just a hint of romantic nostalgia.

I came across some photographs I had taken of Parisian entrances from the Haussmann era and instantly knew we had found our starting point. The colors and shapes of their doors, skirting boards, and moldings became the foundation for this apartment interior in Almaty, Kazakhstan, bringing rhythm and architectural character to the space without overwhelming it.

The second key inspiration was the family's shared passion for skiing. The apartment was intended as a second home for their winter visits to Almaty, so the moment I discovered Santiago Navarro’s artwork featuring miniature skiers, I knew: this was the one! Not only did it become a statement piece, but it also inspired the entire color palette. The colors from the skiers’ tiny hats seemed to scatter throughout the apartment — appearing on playful candy-like tables, floor lamps, wall sconces, armchairs, cushions, and throws, bringing everything together in one joyful composition.

Interestingly, I barely used any 3D renderings for this project, just a few initial mood boards and collages. Instead, I brought the colors, textures, and objects together intuitively throughout the process, combining French fabrics, Danish lighting, Swedish sofas, and Belgian rugs with the clients’ vintage furniture, treasures I discovered at Parisian flea markets, and artworks by local artists.

And that's how this colorful apartment came to life — born from a few photographs of old Parisian doors, a shared love of skiing, and the desire to create a home guided by feelings rather than formulas. Light, cheerful, a little playful — and full of character.

If anything, this project reminded me once again that inspiration is everywhere. You just have to notice it at the right moment.

Scroll down to explore the floor plan ↓