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Public opinion |
Location: Astana, Kazakhstan
Coming Home Apartment for a Young Woman | 40 m² | Astana, Kazakhstan | 2024 This 40 m² apartment was created as a gift from parents to their daughter, who had spent several years studying in Europe. Upon her return home, they wanted her to have a place of her own — warm, independent, and fully equipped for everyday life. The main challenge was to fit all the functions of a complete home into a compact space while preserving a sense of openness and comfort. It was important that the limited area would not feel like a limitation or require compromises in everyday living. The apartment includes a separate bedroom with a workspace and a spacious built-in wardrobe. The bathroom features a full-size shower and additional storage. A separate utility cabinet in the hallway accommodates both a washing machine and a dryer, while dedicated shoe storage is also integrated into the entrance area. The kitchen and living room form the heart of the apartment. The space combines a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and comfortable lounge zone. The built-in refrigerator is integrated into the same cabinetry system as the outerwear storage, allowing the larger functional elements to visually disappear and keeping the interior clean and uncluttered. The visual character of the project is closely connected to the owner’s personal story. Having spent several years in Europe, she developed a strong connection to its residential atmosphere and aesthetics. This influence is subtly reflected in the interior through a calm light palette, classic wall paneling, natural wood tones, soft green accents, vintage-inspired details, and a combination of contemporary solutions with more traditional elements. Rather than recreating a particular European style, the intention was to capture the familiar feeling of a warm, lived-in home with its own character and history. Despite its compact size, the apartment was designed around thoughtful use of every square meter rather than compromise. Storage and household functions are carefully integrated and visually concealed, allowing the living spaces to remain light, open, and comfortable. Coming Home is a story of returning home and beginning an independent life. A compact apartment becomes a deeply personal space where memories of Europe, everyday comfort, and the feeling of having a home of one’s own come together.
