Apartment for Young Family

The clients—a young couple with children—were already familiar with Istomin’s work, given that he had previously worked on several projects for the wife’s parents. For their own home, they wanted to create a modern interior that seamlessly incorporated their collection of contemporary art. Istomin took an unconventional approach. In his scheme, the interior is not just a backdrop, but an extension of the collection, with wallpaper, rugs, lamps and furniture serving as art objects in their own right.

A painting by George Condo was the starting point for the design of this bedroom. Contrasting edging on the curtains and upholstered furniture continues the graphic theme and sets the rhythm of the room. Table and floor lamps in straw marquetry and a sunburst-patterned veneer coffee table add a natural texture to soften the decor’s graphic vibe. Previous spread: A fun mix of different-scaled graphic patterns predominate in the bath. The geometry of the marble floor complements the ink-colored octagonal glass mirror. 

To add drama to the space and create contrast with the otherwise bright rooms, Istomin suggested making the hall dark and graphically rich. A bold, striped rug of his design dominates the hallway, while the Paul Evans stainless-steel dresser serves to display an extensive collection of Pablo Picasso “Visage” ceramic plates

In imagining the decor of the living room, Istomin played with the idea of colorful geometry. Various-sized patterns and graphic furniture make the space modern and dynamic. Geometric motifs continue on the ceiling, which was covered with an octagonal-print wallpaper. To create balance and comfort, Istomin used tufted furniture and rounded, 1970s-style table lamps. 

“I’m pleased that over the years, I have become ‘family decorator’ to several generations! Children, raised in my interiors, have also become my clients. We create new projects together with their own vision. Yet, at the same time, we speak the same language, united by the same visual vocabulary.”