This 600-Square-Foot Home Uses Light and Mirrors to Appear Even Larger

“The best compliment for us is when a client returns to use our services again after a positive experience,” says the mother-daughter duo from Kazakh interior design studio Sdelaemremont. After successfully completing two projects, Elina and Diana Mussakulova received a very special third request from their client Saltanat, after she bought her sister a 600-square-foot home.

“When we first saw the apartment, it was basically a blank canvas—an open floor plan in a new building with no internal partitions or special features. But the windows! The first thing we noticed was the breathtaking view of the high, green mountains,” the interior designers recall about their first visit to the apartment in a new building in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It was immediately clear to them that the view had to be a central element of their design: “We designed all the rooms so that it wasn’t obstructed and natural light could pour in.”

The bedroom is to the left of the open-plan living area. Double glass doors and windows facing a hallway and living area provide natural light to the room, which doesn’t have its own outside window.

It was crucial not to block the light or the view, yet the apartment’s open floor plan had to be efficiently organized and partitioned—a challenge given its compact size. A cube would become one of the basic design elements. It separates the sleeping area and a small workspace from the rest of the apartment, but is fitted with glass windows and doors so that light enters from two sides. Although the room does not have an outside window of its own, this architectural trick makes it feel bright and airy. The interior designers also found a clever solution for the kitchen. They concealed a spacious laundry cupboard in an alcove behind the shiny gold kitchen island. The washing machine as well as laundry disappear. One of the surprising stars of the apartment, however, is a painting in the apartment’s dining alcove.

The interior designers explain that it was commissioned from the young artist Moldir Qarubaiqyzy: “It was the very first work we introduced into the project and it served as an inspiration for the entire design. We’ve been following Moldir’s artistic career for some time and were fascinated by this particular work,” says Elina. In keeping with the image, she used warm, natural colors and textures typical of midcentury design throughout the apartment. Lots of wood, rattan, and veneers create a cozy and lively atmosphere while textiles provide an additional layer of interest: a milky white sofa, an olive-green velvet armchair, and curtains reminiscent of burlap create structure while the green walls of the living room echo the greenery outside.

The most striking element of the interior is the kitchen island paneled with golden mirrors. The pendant lights above the island are from &Tradition, the fixtures are from Blanco, and the oven is from Bosch.

It is the kitchen island with it golden mirrored panels, however, that steals the show. It is not only functional, but also gives the room depth, light, and a touch of glamor: “The golden, mirrored kitchen island was a long-cherished dream. We wanted to create a wow moment and the mirrors were the perfect solution.” The shiny surfaces open up the space and the gold tone gives it warmth and depth: “It grabs your attention and transforms the kitchen into a really stylish space. It’s not for everyone, but Madina rarely cooks, so it’s suited to her lifestyle,” says the interior design duo.

Rather than considering the kitchen as a separate, self-contained room, the studio integrated it seamlessly into the rest of the apartment. It had all the practical functions that Madina required, but it isn’t overloaded with appliances. Two distinct zones were created: the island, which serves as the main workspace, and a built-in unit that houses the refrigerator and provides additional storage space. That installation is located in front of the dining area. “Our main goal in designing the open space was to create a sense of lightness and a good flow. We achieved this by taking a minimalist approach to the kitchen design, keeping it simple and uncluttered.” The laundry was cleverly hidden behind folding doors to maintain the clean aesthetic. It is virtually invisible when not in use, but easily accessible when needed. This kept the kitchen area free of clutter and maximized the use of the space that was available.

Aside from the glamorous island, the kitchen is decidedly practical.

A cupboard contains a hidden laundry area with a washer-dryer and plenty of storage space.

“I think it’s often small, thoughtful details that really enhance a space. For us, art played a crucial role in this project.” The painting by Moldir Qarubaiqyzy in the dining room sets the tone for the apartment, while the reproduction of William Merritt Chase’s painting A Girl in Japanese Gown (The Kimono) in the bedroom formed the basis for the color palette in that part of the home: think mustard yellow walls, the deep red fabric used on the closet doors, and other matching accents. And there are also subtle elements from Japanese art found throughout the apartment. They give the rooms a unique character and prevent them from looking too generic. “It’s about finding the perfect balance between an aesthetic concept and individual details,” say the interior designers. After all, Madina is young, energetic, and stylish, and she wanted her apartment to express this. The open floor plan embodies her dynamic spirit, while the color accents underline her style. The light, airy atmosphere reflects her own lightness. It’s a space that’s vibrant, chic, and full of personality, just like the woman who lives there.

This 600-square-foot home was originally published in AD Germany.

“The limited space didn’t allow for a bedroom with a window, but we created an alcove separated from the living room by a wood and glass wall,” Elina Mussakulova says. The lamps next to the bed with the generous headboard are from Aromas del Campo. The picture above it is a reproduction of William Merritt Chase’s painting A Girl in Japanese Gown (The Kimono), circa 1887.

The first thing that catches the attention of visitors to the apartment is the oak parquet flooring.