Nestled within one of Moscow's contemporary residential complexes lies a compact apartment of 40 sqm, which belongs to decorator Margo Terentyeva. Making a space for herself, she developed an open-plan concept that includes an entryway, a combined living room and kitchen, a master bedroom, and a bathroom. 

"The apartment began as a blank concrete canvas, which I transformed into a home that reflected my style and way of life. It was essential for me to establish a separate bedroom and a communal living and kitchen area, as well as to evoke a sense of openness and airiness," the designer shares.

A significant feature of this interior is a large window between the bedroom and living area, ensuring that daylight floods the bedroom. The apartment also boasts several vintage mirrors,  to visually expand the space.

Margo intentionally chose a subdued color palette for her apartment, which she calls 'The Dark Side,' to find solace from her vibrant workdays. The space features deep blues, grays, black checkered curtains, charcoal tiles, and star-patterned floors, creating a night-time fairy tale ambiance. It's her personal retreat for relaxation and dreaming, where the stark contrast of near black and white dominates the decor.

The main white hue used in the interior is named "cosmic dust," with the bedroom palette echoing the Atlantic Ocean's colors, the almost black bathroom mirrors the night sky, and the transparent blue doors add a unique charm to the space.

Furniture selection was focused on comfort and lightness, ergonomically placed to ensure ample space for dance, yoga and to spend time with friends. For instance, the wardrobes in the hallway and the sizable dresser in the bedroom were custom-built and painted to match the wall color, rendering them virtually invisible.

Margo seamlessly integrated a vintage dining table and chairs inherited from her grandmother, adding a personal touch and history to the decor. The interior's aesthetics are further enhanced by vintage lamps and a collection of art pieces, including graphic works by French artist Emmanuel Sanz Azcona, photographs taken by Margo, the antique engraving "The Great Cypress," and several pieces by artists Yuri Tsvetaev and Dudi Sarabjanov.

Ultimately, the decorator succeeded in creating an ambiance of simplicity and freedom and balance within the confines of a small space, exactly as she envisioned.

Interior designer Margo Terentyeva 

Instagram @margo_terentyeva

Photo credit Nathalie Gertz 

Instagram @nathalie.gertz