Resedential

Panfilova, Almaty 2025

Area: 31 m2

Interior Design: Fariz Mammadov

Photography: Damir Otegen

Styling: Fariz Mammadov, Aigerim Mamyralieva

The project was developed: September 2024

Design Completed: January 2025

Photography: January 2025

Colorful 31m² Apartment in Almaty, Kazakhstan — Fariz Mamedov

31 square meters, a 1959 building in the heart of old Almaty, a modest budget, and almost complete creative freedom. Sounds like the perfect ingredients for a little adventure!

My client originally imagined something French, with decorative moldings and light-colored walls, but the moment I stepped inside, I knew I wanted to tell a completely different story. And that's how our little Casablanca was born — with Moroccan influences, rich colors, and subtle references to traditional Kazakh architecture.

We completely reworked the layout, fitting a separate bedroom, kitchen, living room, and everything needed for comfortable everyday life into this tiny apartment. We reclaimed some precious ceiling height, removed unnecessary doors, used continuous flooring to connect the spaces, and allowed color to have a little fun.

Burgundy, dusty blue, mustard, yogurt pink… The arch behind the sofa became a contemporary interpretation of traditional architectural forms, while a leftover piece of Casamance wallpaper featuring pelicans unexpectedly led us to a tiger rug, fringed textiles, and a whole collection of vintage treasures.

No marble, no extravagant luxury, no unnecessary grandeur — just objects with stories: my client's beloved floor lamp, which has followed her from home to home for 25 years, pieces I brought back from India and Nepal, iconic designer lighting, and plenty of beautiful textiles.

We designed and photographed this apartment in the middle of winter. Outside, a January snowstorm; inside, warm sunshine, tropical moods, and our very own little Casablanca.

Perhaps another reminder that small spaces don't have to mean small ideas.

Scroll down to explore the floor plan ↓