This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an airy and monochromatic apartment design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Dots & Points.
Architectural and interior design studio Dots & Points developed a turnkey project "Creme Brulee" from concept to completion. It is a two-bedroom apartment with a spacious living room combined with an open kitchen. The idea was to develop a harmonic space - an emotional shelter from a dynamic urban life. It is filled with light and warmth of sun. This atmosphere is achieved by painting the whole apartment into the creme brulee colour. The homogeneous colour integrates the apartment making the journey smooth and relaxed. Mirrors and polished surfaces reflect light, smooth-shaped furniture invite to endulge as a real "dolce vita".
Category: Residential Apartment Under £1M - Eastern Europe
Design Practice: Dots & Points
Project Title: Creme Brulee Apartment
Project Location: Moscow, Russian Federation
Design Practice Location: London, United Kingdom
We were tasked with creating a turnkey project, from concept to completion, for a family with one child. This was our second project with the same family; we previously worked together in 2018 when they didn’t have a child. The new apartment is located in a modern building in the heart of Moscow, purchased as a blank concrete shell, so we began by developing the floor plans. The client requested a two-bedroom apartment with a spacious living room combined with an open-plan kitchen. They desired a relaxed, modern design with a light color palette. The space was intended to serve as a cosy retreat from the fast-paced city life and demanding office work.
We created a floor plan that not only maximises every inch of space and fulfills the client's brief but also offers ergonomic comfort and aesthetic satisfaction. The design includes a master bedroom with an ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe, a children's room, a living area with a kitchen and dining space, a guest bathroom, and a walk-in wardrobe in the entry hall, with the wardrobe concealed by coloured mirror panels. Additionally, the client requested a small office space, which was incorporated into the master bedroom near the window.
Being located in Moscow the apartment enjoys rare natural light, and we aimed to capture and enhance this by using warm, creamy "creme brulee" tones for the walls throughout. We named the concept La Dolce Vita, inspired by the idea that life in this apartment would evoke indulgence, relaxation, harmony, and love. Sometimes our dynamic urban life absorbs us completely. And it is important to pause for a while, to look around and to find comfort and love in small things and moments. To live here and now and enjoy the real life around us. The apartment looks like a welcoming harbour which gives you love, relaxation and indulgence. The warm cream brûlée colour of walls embraces you and you get the pleasure and good mood we miss so much in our day-to-day life.
The furniture’s light tones and smooth, rounded shapes invite relaxation. Accents are provided by vibrant artwork, dynamic patterns on the living room rug, and freestanding furniture pieces such as the entry console, bedroom armchair, and TV unit. The built-in furniture—like the kitchen and wardrobes—blends with the walls, creating an elevated feel by making the ceilings appear higher and the rooms more spacious. Mirrored and polished surfaces reflect the light beautifully, adding to the open, airy atmosphere. The monochromatic colour scheme remains engaging and playful rather than monotonous.
One of the most challenging aspects was the installation of the coloured mirrors along the entire corridor wall, which not only visually expanded the space but also concealed the entry to the walk-in wardrobe. The mirrors, in yellow, pink, and grey, brought vibrancy and uniqueness to the hallway, becoming a defining feature. However, the both manufacturing and installation process of 3m height mirrors was complicated, the mirrors spanned from floor to ceiling. Additionally, we introduced very narrow pink strips of mirrors (just 50mm wide) on the wardrobe doors. Finding a supplier capable of executing this vision was a challenge, but the final result exceeded expectations. We're proud that we persisted with this idea despite the difficulties.
The most rewarding moment for any designer is seeing the client's satisfaction and knowing that the final result has surpassed their expectations. Witnessing their happiness with the project was incredibly motivating for our entire team.
Participating in an international award of this calibre is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our work and gain recognition from the expert community. Given that this was an overseas project, entering an international competition was particularly exciting. We believed that the project stood out not only for its creative concept but also for the high level of execution. Additionally, the client’s enthusiasm and support in entering the awards further motivated us to participate.
Being selected as an Award Finalist has been incredibly motivating for the entire team. It has inspired us to tackle new projects and challenges with renewed energy and determination.
Questions answered by Irina Kireeva, Owner of Dots and Points Interior Design Studio. The Interior designer: Anna Piskun. The photographer: Evgeny Kulibaba. The Stylist: Kira Prokhorova.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxurious and bespoke apartment design by Rive Gauche London, click here to read it.
Teddington is an upcoming suburban area for young families and crowds who like to live in the proximity to London but are after a cosy village feel. Dots & Points were invited to refurbish this terraced townhouse that was left unchanged after its original built in 2003. The house had a neutral and rather bland aesthetic - the walls, upholstery, and curtains were of a safe beige colour range that lacked character. The house owner, Katya, felt her house was dull, uninspiring and always dark. She wanted to inject light and lightness into her living space.
Katya is a dynamic, energetic woman who enjoys travelling a lot. She wanted her home to be a space that resonated with her personality - one that felt alive, inspired her daily, and evoked her most treasured memories. She longed for an interior that wasn’t just visually beautiful but also emotionally rich, a space that would bring her joy and reflect her personal journey.
As we discussed her vision for the home, Katya shared with me her deep love for Ibiza, a place that had captured her heart over the years. She spoke of the island not just as a travel destination but as a feeling - an essence of freedom, vibrancy, and serenity all at once. To her, Ibiza was more than its stunning landscape; it was the rhythm of life itself. She fondly recalled the scent of pine trees mingling with the salty sea air, the distant hum of cicadas on warm summer nights, and the way the island’s energy seemed to pulse in sync with the people who visited it.
Among her cherished mementos from these trips was a small blue Murano glass plate. This delicate yet striking piece became the heart of our project’s concept. We called the project “Ibiza Blue” - a tribute to the island’s crystal-clear waters that shimmer like liquid glass. This single, captivating hue became the starting point for our design journey, inspiring an entire transformation cantered around the essence of Ibiza.
To capture the island’s beauty and atmosphere, I knew colour would play the leading role. This project became an exercise in embracing bold and unexpected colour combinations, weaving together shades that exuded both energy and tranquillity. The palette was anchored in various shades of blue - azure, turquoise, and cerulean - paired with warm creams, pinks, and soft yellows. These accent colours, while not traditionally used together in a single scheme, worked harmoniously to create an engaging and uplifting space. The interplay of hues created a sense of joyful spontaneity while maintaining a cohesive and balanced design.
The result was a home that didn’t just look visually stunning but also evoked an emotional response. The colours seemed to inject the space with a perpetual sense of lightness - the breeze of the morning sea, causing the rustling of the leaves and the energy of the sun. It was heartwarming to see not only Katya and her family embrace the transformation but also her friends, who found the colour scheme both bold and unexpectedly calming.
One of the standout features of this home is its open plan living and dining area. The dining space is elevated slightly above the living room, creating a sense of connection while maintaining distinct zones. Sitting at the dining table, you can still engage in the conversations happening in the living room, making the space feel inclusive and inviting.
To enhance the room’s character and depth, we introduced vintage elements. All wall lights and the two Murano glass chandeliers in the living room are vintage pieces, adding a touch of timeless elegance. The striking black sideboard, sourced and restored by Vintage Ninja Designs, became a statement piece, blending sophistication with a hint of drama.
Another key design element was the creation of two symmetrical, built-in arch-shaped bookcases in a vivid turquoise hue. These bookcases not only serve as practical storage solutions but also act as a central design feature, adding a sculptural element to the room. The arches echo Mediterranean architecture, reinforcing the Ibiza-inspired theme.
Furniture placement played a crucial role in ensuring a welcoming and social atmosphere. The living room was carefully arranged to encourage dialogue and interaction, featuring a combination of armchairs, a loveseat, and a comfortable sofa. This layout fosters an intimate yet flexible seating arrangement, perfect for both lively gatherings and quiet, reflective moments.
The transformation extended beyond the main living spaces to the entry hall, setting the tone for the entire home. The walls were drenched in a soft, light blue, creating an immediate sense of calm and intrigue upon entering. A slim black console table was placed against the wall, offering both function and aesthetic appeal. Black spindles of the staircase balustrade provide a bold contrast against the light blue walls.
To optimise storage, we incorporated practical yet stylish solutions, including built-in drawers under the stairs and a compact wardrobe seamlessly integrated at the back of the staircase. These additions ensured that the entryway remained both beautiful and highly functional, proving that good design is as much about usability as it is about aesthetics.
One of the most challenging aspects of the project were the bespoke fire-rated glazed doors that aligned with the overall design aesthetic but remained within the budget. We eventually found the perfect solution from Black Steel Doors, which provided stunning black steel-framed doors that seamlessly complemented the dining room balustrade. These doors added an industrial-chic element to the space while maintaining an airy, open feel.
This project was an incredibly fulfilling experience. The transformation went beyond aesthetics - it became a deeply personal reflection of Client’s journey, memories, and aspirations. What was once a neutral, uninspired space is now a home bursting with life, colour, and personality.
Designing with such a bold colour palette was a risk, but it paid off in the most rewarding way. Seeing Katya’s joy and the way her home now truly represents her spirit is a reminder of why I love what I do. Ibiza Blue isn’t just a colour - it’s a feeling, a memory, and now, a home brought to life.
About DOTS & POINTS
DOTS & POINTS is an interior architecture and design studio working on full scope renovations and turnkey design projects from family houses to modern city apartments. We cover everything needed to support our clients from initial concepts and technical design to sourcing, installation, and final styling. We always start with an idea and a thoughtful spatial design as there is no beauty without function and comfort. We believe that good design is about understanding. Clients’ aspirations and day-to-day needs together with our professional expertise transform their properties into individually tailored homes. Identifying our style as a blend of classic and contemporary, we develop elegant and refined timeless interiors. We love mixing vintage and modern, working with colours and light, balancing patterns and textures. We are all different as are our homes. That is why our interiors are eclectic, unique but always echoing client’s personality so that they can feel it truly their home.
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