Irakli Zaria Interiors

A worldly mix in Moscow

All photos by Mikhail Loskutov

Contrast can make a space more exciting, but only when it’s paired with another foundation of great design: control. Irakli Zaria brings both tools to the table in this opulent Moscow apartment, whose owners wanted a setting suitable both for parties and for cozy family life. That binary brief was the starting point for Zaria’s eclectic scheme. “The infusion of abstract art into a calm and restrained space makes it more vibrant and sensual,” says the Russian designer, who sourced furniture and objects for the living room from around the world — on 1stDibs and elsewhere. The antique French mantelpiece from Marc Maison gallery holds a plaster bas-relief sculpture by Philippe Anthonioz; the marquetry screen is by Moscow cabinetmaker ArsenyVo. Zaria’s favorite piece? The 13th-century stone Buddha. Contrast and control.

“The main goal every time is to achieve a perfect balance between new and old, neutral and colorful.”
— Irakli Zaria

Designer Picks

Jacques Adnet Parchment-Covered Sideboard, 1930s, Offered by Highland Park Modern Shop Now
Jacques Adnet Parchment-Covered Sideboard, 1930s, Offered by Highland Park Modern

“There’s something special about Art Deco aesthetics, where simple shapes are decorated with precious materials such as parchment, selenite, marquetry and others. I’m in love with the eloquent and still very elegant sideboard by Adnet. So timeless!”

Jean-Michel Frank Straw-Marquetry Box, 1930, Offered by Michel Leo Gallery Shop Now
Jean-Michel Frank Straw-Marquetry Box, 1930, Offered by Michel Leo Gallery

“Jean-Michel Frank was a true magician! Even simple cigar boxes by him look like a true decoration for any interior. Passionately collecting his straw-marquetry boxes for myself and I often purchase them for projects.”

Isamu Noguchi Akari Table Lamp, ca. 1960, Offered by Ponce Berga Shop Now
Isamu Noguchi Akari Table Lamp, ca. 1960, Offered by Ponce Berga

“Akari lamps by Noguchi have the ability to transform even a simple space into something almost mystical. His highly practical, simple and weightless pieces are true sculptures!”

Japanese 2-Panel Screen of Snow Falling in the Forest, ca. 1920, Offered by Naga Antiques Shop Now
Japanese 2-Panel Screen of Snow Falling in the Forest, ca. 1920, Offered by Naga Antiques

“I have always been fascinated by Japanese art and culture. I’m especially mesmerized by traditional Japanese screens. This elegant nineteen-twenties Art Deco piece reminds me of the crisp Russian winter — so refined and masculine at the same time.”

Shop Now
"Vase avec décoration pastel," 1950s, by Picasso, Offered by RoGallery

“This simple, almost naive ceramic Picasso vase makes me think about summer in the South of France. It makes me smile, and nothing more is needed.”

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis Leather Rope Klismos Chair, 1960s, Offered by Watteeu Shop Now
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis Leather Rope Klismos Chair, 1960s, Offered by Watteeu

“Profoundly poetic furniture pieces by Robsjohn-Gibbings take a special place in my heart. I find his attempt to materialize the ancient Greek home decor truly charming! Every single piece by Robsjohn-Gibbings is an ode to fine taste and love for beauty.”

Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Sconces, ca. 1960, Offered by Derive Shop Now
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Sconces, ca. 1960, Offered by Derive

“Sculptural lighting by Max Ingrand is endlessly beautiful! I especially love this huge wall lamp/sculpture in etched thick, textural glass! Each piece is unique, since it was handmade.”

Skip to Content