Krygina Studio in Moscow by Archiproba

Designed by local practice Archiproba, Krygina Studio is a salon located on the ground floor of an 18th century Moscow apartment building bearing the status of an architectural monument.

The make-up studio occupies a relatively small area of 150 square meters. Functionally, it consists of large and small halls, rooms for manicure, a private room for working with clients, areas for hair styling, a main entrance hall and a terrace with a courtyard.

For a long time, while it was being used as an office, the building lost its former architectural authenticity. Most of the original moulding was lost, the floor cover replaced with a more recent one, and the spatial qualities were violated. At the start of the project, the designers decided it was crucial to remove all cultural layers of the 1990s and bring the space to a new architectural elegance. The project has carefully restored the original 19th century doors, as well as the antique railings of the main staircase.

The concept of the project is to obtain theatrical allusions in the space, where each room delivers a unique character and atmosphere thus affecting visitors’ experience. The interior consists of many mirrors that symbolise infinity and refraction of major perspectives. The monochrome interior intentionally opposes contrasting textures, such as rough coating of the ceiling, large surfaces of black glossy tiles, flowing velvet draperies, cutting-edge neon elements of glossy metal.

All furniture pieces, doors, lights and mirrors have been custom-designed by the architect especially for this project. The interior does not aspire a particular category or a style – the project aims to find a new architectural identity by crossing contrary methods, structures and textures.