Vintage, Color, and Art: How Designer Sara Mikhailova Designed Her 260 m² Country House
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Designer Sara Mikhailova created this country house for herself and her family—her daughter and her cat. The main idea of the project was to bring together items from different eras in one space: antiques from the 19th and 20th centuries along with modern pieces from the designer’s own collection—so that they wouldn’t clash but rather complement each other. Meanwhile, the interior remains a calm backdrop; it can be expanded with new finds without losing its balance.
Object Features
Location
Moscow
Area
260 sq. m
Number of Rooms
5
Links
3
Design
Sara Mikhailova
Photos
Sergey Ananyev
Tour of this apartment (58 minutes)
Summary
Designer Sara Mikhailova
Details
The 260 sqm house is located in the Moscow Region. It has three floors, with the top floor added according to Sary’s design. On the first floor are the entrance hall, children’s room, kitchen-living room, and two bathrooms. The second floor contains bedrooms and a wardrobe room. The third floor is dedicated to a relaxation area with a TV and fireplace.
The marble flooring blends with painted screed, while intentionally uneven walls become part of the design intent. Light plaster serves as a neutral backdrop for art and collectibles, and gypsum moldings and switches painted to match the walls gently emphasize the architecture. The only exception is the dark wine-colored ceiling in the hallway.
The kitchen is constructed from gypsum board with oak veneer fronts. There are no upper cabinets here—instead, there are open shelves for decorations and utensils, while a utility room has been designed nearby for appliances and main storage.
The furniture was selected based on a mix of eras to create a “smart,” slightly ironic atmosphere. The main criteria were uniqueness, history, and visual connection to the art that Sarah collected over several years while the renovation was underway.
The color palette is built on the contrast between a neutral base and vibrant accents: the home features shades of wine red, ultramarine, burgundy, pink, peach, terracotta, along with warm tones of natural wood. Color accents are enhanced by paintings, textiles, and individual furniture pieces—such as the blue trim on the bed, the mustard-colored chair, and the sofa in the study.
A lot of attention was paid to the engineering systems: the house is equipped with modern air conditioning, ventilation, and humidification systems. The main goal was to arrange the equipment in such a way as to preserve ceiling heights and ensure easy maintenance.
An unusual curtain solution: they appear pastel on the outside, while the colored back side complements each room’s color scheme and connects the spaces into a unified color story.
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The compact home office is almost entirely made up of vintage items — with modern appliances being the only exception. The sofa folds out, so it’s possible to relax here if desired. Art isn’t just present in the office; it sets the mood and completes the look of this small yet very personal space.
