With exposed beams, stained glass and a flash of crimson, this modern gothic, Game of Thrones-inspired apartment on the Neva River reimagines castle drama for contemporary living.
Inspired by the freedom granted by a homeowner who didn’t ask for a perfect or trendy interior, but rather a unique space with character, interior designer Natalia Borisenkova jumped at the chance to honour the request. “He is a collector, musician, biker, art connoisseur and IT specialist,” she says about her client. “His lifestyle and wide range of interests became the starting point for the design. The space was conceived as a reflection of his character and a source of inspiration for his creativity.”
Located on the bank of the Neva River, in St. Petersburg's Nevsky District, the one-bedroom, modern gothic apartment blends loft-style openness with historic-inspired features like exposed beams. The main living area is cleverly zoned: a sofa defines the living room, a round table and country-style sideboard anchor the dining space and a breakfast bar marks the kitchen. The layout even incorporates a corner office nook, maximising every bit of the 68 square metres to create a sense of spaciousness.
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As multifaceted as its inhabitant, the interior is a mix and match of “seemingly incompatible styles, eras and objects – including Gothic, classicism, Victorian furniture and ultra-modern design – without straying into literal historicism,” explains Borisenkova. The designer spent over a year completing the project and sourcing the perfect vintage pieces and artworks. “In essence, the entire apartment is a single work of art; an interior in the spirit of a real castle, yet designed for comfort. It was important to create a living space, not a museum or a stage set.”
Black, grey and beige provide a restrained canvas for the diverse decor, shaping a sense of intimacy punctuated by touches of drama. “We chose red as an accent colour – woven through the textiles and key items such as the refrigerator,” the interior designer says. “It highlights the owner's expressive personality, injecting dynamism and modern energy into the home.”
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Contrasting materials – from natural wood and stone to plaster and stained glass – emphasise the Neo-Gothic aesthetic, reimagined in a contemporary way.
“We strove to create an inspiring atmosphere of strength and privacy, where each area has its own distinct vibe,” says Borisenkova. “This was achieved through a sophisticated design, thoughtful colour schemes, art objects, custom paintings and bespoke furniture.”
With its Weirwood tree mural, the one-of-a-kind bedroom is a clear nod to the owner’s passion for Game of Thrones. A highlight of the entire apartment, this piece, hand-painted by artist Elena Kovalevskaya, serves as a backdrop for the Victorian-style bed and bedside tables, which were crafted from solid beech and hand-carved by a Krasnoyarsk cabinetmaker based on the designer's custom sketches. “Different styles intertwine here,” Borisenkova says. “Gothic is the key theme, but loft and classic elements are also present. Modern materials and accents – such as plastic and gloss – add lightness to this rich stylistic diversity.” Surprisingly diverse yet remarkably cohesive, every corner of this home celebrates boldness and eclecticism.
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