Garden Pavillion

Istomin transformed the client’s existing wooden garden pavilion into a folk-art fantasy inspired by Russian vintage storybook illustrations, combining modern comfort with Imperial heritage. A magnificent Russian tile stove became the focal point of the spacious living room, its colors and design based on a 17th-century model from the Yussupov Palace.

The large bespoke chandelier is inspired by an archival wooden model from Grand Duke Vladimir’s palace in Saint Petersburg. Istomin proposed different curtain designs for different windows to counterbalance their asymmetrical placement. The center alcove window has a pelmet upholstered in folk shawls with linen curtains matching the walls. A pair of side windows are decorated with yet more pelmets, covered with Russian handmade embroidery and lace.

The large Istomin-designed carved buffet is inspired by the motifs of Russian fairy tales. It serves as a bar and has a built-in sink and hidden mini fridge.

«I have always been inspired by the fantasy world of famed Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes from 1910s-1920s. Working on this spa pavillion, I imagined myself as a stage set designer, who creates decorations for Diaghilev’s imaginary ballet based on Russian fairy tales.»