Mute House was designed to provide visual calm and emotional balance through a muted material language. We utilized soft oak panels and organic stone veining to ground the interior within its natural surroundings. Our approach focuses on generous proportions and recessed lighting to create a refuge from overstimulation.
Material language is deliberately muted: soft oak panels, stone with organic veining, matte black accents, and deep brown upholstered furniture. Large-format glazing frames the greenery outside.
The living area is defined by generous, low-profile seating. Lighting plays a supporting role with recessed ceiling lights providing soft, even illumination throughout the space.
Mute House was conceived around the idea of visual calm. The goal was to create an interior that feels grounded, tactile, and emotionally balanced — a refuge from overstimulation.
Mute House was conceived around the idea of visual calm. The goal was to create an interior that feels grounded, tactile, and emotionally balanced — a refuge from overstimulation.
Latest Works
MUTE HOUSE
In the Apartment Makaenka project, we employed restraint as a primary expressive tool through warm oak and natural stone. The design features a monolithic stone kitchen anchor with complex veining to provide organic depth. We emphasized the role of natural light in highlighting textures, thereby amplifying the overall sense of stillness.
The kitchen is conceived as a monolithic backdrop. A dramatic stone slab with complex mineral veining stretches across the cabinetry like a natural mural, anchoring the composition with organic depth.
Throughout the apartment, details are purposeful yet understated. Natural light plays a crucial role, highlighting textures rather than colors and amplifying the sense of stillness.
In this private apartment, restraint becomes the highest form of expression. A calm palette of warm oak, pale stone, and textured natural fabrics creates an atmosphere that feels both grounded and luminous.
In this private apartment, restraint becomes the highest form of expression. A calm palette of warm oak, pale stone, and textured natural fabrics creates an atmosphere that feels both grounded and luminous.
Latest Works
Apartment Makaenka
Our design approach for Cafe Marks centered on integrating a bookstore into a historic 1936 structure. The objective was to create a versatile environment for both business and leisure, utilizing a color palette inspired by Taschen and Gestalten publications. We prioritized the preservation of the building's original proportions while introducing contemporary art to anchor the space.
The café and bookstore area occupies 126 square meters, while the remaining space is dedicated to a fully-equipped kitchen. The goal was to create a versatile space suitable for business meetings, friendly gatherings, and leisurely breakfasts.
Inspired by the beauty of books from publishers Taschen and Gestalten, the interior features calming wall and ceiling colors. Artwork from sculptor Olga Orsik and artist Elena Korshak adds a unique touch to the space.
Nestled in the heart of Minsk, Marks, the book cafe, is a delightful blend of literature and aesthetics. Housed in a historic 1936 building in the city center, this 200 square meter space was formerly a department store.
Location: Minsk, Belarus
Photography: Sergey Ananiev
Style: Tatiana Guzik
Nestled in the heart of Minsk, Marks, the book cafe, is a delightful blend of literature and aesthetics. Housed in a historic 1936 building in the city center, this 200 square meter space was formerly a department store.
Latest Works
Cafe Marks
In this 1954 historical monument, we sought to emphasize lightness and airiness through an open floor plan. The design balances modern technological requirements with a palette of natural materials and soft geometric curves. We focused on restoring original architectural details while introducing furniture that invites comfort and relaxation.
During the renovation, the goal was to emphasize the lightness and airiness of the space. The layout was modified to make the flow more open, allowing the main hall to serve as a central hub. The owner, a CEO of an IT company, requested a home that was equipped with all the technology she needed but which did not look 'smart', streamlined, grey, and minimalistic.
The result is an interior that feels personal and grounded. Natural materials, soft curves, and a palette that balances warmth with fresh accents create a space that is both functional and deeply relaxing. In the living room, seating with soft rounded shapes invites comfort, while the restored architectural details pay homage to the building's history.
Interesting textures, pops of colour, and bold geometric silhouettes come together to create a stunning family apartment in Minsk that exudes pared-back luxury. Located within a house that was built in 1954, the apartment – which has been classified as a historical monument – has dramatic high ceilings, load-bearing columns, and large arched windows.
Location: Minsk, Belarus | Photography: Sergey Ananiev | Style: Tatiana Guzik
Interesting textures, pops of colour, and bold geometric silhouettes come together to create a stunning family apartment in Minsk that exudes pared-back luxury. Located within a house that was built in 1954, the apartment – which has been classified as a historical monument – has dramatic high ceilings, load-bearing columns, and large arched windows.
Latest Works
BEYOND THE TIME
Our renovation of this 1890s workshop focused on the elegant combination of historical and contemporary elements. We restored the original floorboards and opened up the four-meter ceilings to reveal the historic chimney and fireplace. The design utilizes Italian marble and dusty pink wall tones to honor the heritage of the Osmolovka neighborhood.
The workshop is located in a one-room apartment on the first floor. The space makes you fall in love at first sight with the atmosphere of the era. Windows were carefully restored. During dismantling, the original floorboard was revealed and preserved, complemented by handmade ceramic tiles.
Removing suspended ceilings opened up a 4-meter-high space and an old chimney, allowing for the restoration of the fireplace. The emerald color of the Italian marble tiles on the fireplace echoes the dusty pink hue of the walls. The view of the historical Osmolovka adds magic to the interior.
Designer Anna Lazar creates subtle, artistic spaces, elegantly combining the spirit of the past and the present. It’s all the more interesting to see her own workshop, where all her projects are born. One of the oldest houses in Minsk, built in the 1890s, is located in the quiet center of the city.
Location: Minsk, Belarus | Photography: Vitalina Voroshkevich | Style: Tatiana Guzik
Designer Anna Lazar creates subtle, artistic spaces, elegantly combining the spirit of the past and the present. It’s all the more interesting to see her own workshop, where all her projects are born. One of the oldest houses in Minsk, built in the 1890s, is located in the quiet center of the city.
Latest Works
Artistic Space
In the renovation of this 1950s classroom, we focused on facilitating a seamless adaptation for elementary students. The project integrates height-adjustable furniture and individual storage systems to meet modern safety and ergonomic standards. We utilized a warm color scheme and adjustable lighting to optimize the environment for both creativity and focused learning.
The classroom is designed for 30 students with clever storage systems where each student has their own locker. Desks are height-adjustable and seating arrangements comply with safety standards.
A well-designed lighting system allows for adjustable brightness. A warm color scheme combined with white creates a cozy, pleasant space that promotes learning and creativity.
This elementary school classroom project helps children comfortably adapt to a fundamentally new stage in their lives. The classroom, built in 1950, was completely renovated from a deplorable state.
Location: Minsk, Belarus | Photography: Vitalina Voroshkevich | Style: Tatiana Guzik
This elementary school classroom project helps children comfortably adapt to a fundamentally new stage in their lives. The classroom, built in 1950, was completely renovated from a deplorable state.
Latest Works
School class
In the design of the Roastery Cafe, we integrated inclusive formatting with clean lines and subtle spatial solutions. The communal table acts as the centerpiece, fostering a domestic warmth within the commercial environment. We utilized ceramic tiles that resemble bookshelves to reflect the brand's identity and original location.
Subtle design solutions, clean lines of space and light, and a sense of visual freedom, paired with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, all come together to highlight the relevance of modern interior trends.
The centerpiece and core design concept is a large communal table, evoking the warmth of home dinners. Colorful ceramic tiles from the 41zero42 factory on the bar counter resemble bookshelves.
The new Marks coffee shop, located in the very heart of Minsk, is opening with a fully inclusive format. It is the first roastery cafe in Belarus.
Location: Minsk, Belarus | Photography: Vitalina Voroshkevich | Style: Tatiana Guzik
The new Marks coffee shop, located in the very heart of Minsk, is opening with a fully inclusive format. It is the first roastery cafe in Belarus.
Latest Works
Roastery Cafe
Cafe Marks
Nestled in the heart of Minsk, Marks, the book cafe, is a delightful blend of literature and aesthetics. Housed in a historic 1936 building in the city center, this 200 square meter space was formerly a department store.
Minsk, Belarus
Commercial Interior / Hospitality
Artistic Space
Designer Anna Lazar creates subtle, artistic spaces, elegantly combining the spirit of the past and the present. It’s all the more interesting to see her own workshop, where all her projects are born. One of the oldest houses in Minsk, built in the 1890s, is located in the quiet center of the city.
Minsk, Belarus
Commercial Interior
School class
This elementary school classroom project helps children comfortably adapt to a fundamentally new stage in their lives. The classroom, built in 1950, was completely renovated from a deplorable state.
Minsk, Belarus
Commercial Interior / Hospitality
Roastery Cafe
The new Marks coffee shop, located in the very heart of Minsk, is opening with a fully inclusive format. It is the first roastery cafe in Belarus.
Minsk, Belarus
Commercial Interior / Hospitality
Public
BEYOND THE TIME
Interesting textures, pops of colour, and bold geometric silhouettes come together to create a stunning family apartment in Minsk that exudes pared-back luxury. Located within a house that was built in 1954, the apartment – which has been classified as a historical monument – has dramatic high ceilings, load-bearing columns, and large arched windows.
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LOCAL LAMP
Local Lamp is a poetic exploration of atmosphere, materiality, and quiet presence. Conceived as more than a source of light, the piece functions as a subtle architectural accent — shaping mood, softening space, and inviting stillness.
Objects / Lamp
HOME COLLECTION
Each piece is defined by a refined material language. Natural textiles, subtle weaves, and delicate surface details create a tactile experience that invites touch. The palette remains calm and harmonious, allowing the textiles to blend seamlessly into a variety of spaces while still offering visual depth.
Objects / decor
Objects
Journal
Designing Hospitality Spaces that Foster Community in Historic Cities
In the heart of historic cities, from the cobbled streets of Minsk to the grand squares of Prague, the hospitality industry serves as a meeting point for locals and visitors. As architects and interior designers, our role is to create spaces that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also foster community, comfort, and a sense of belonging. This blog explores how modern design can coexist with historical context, creating inviting cafés, bars, and small hospitality venues that invite...
Materiality and Time: Choosing Finishes That Age Beautifully in Residential Projects
In residential design, the selection of materials is crucial to creating spaces that tell a story and age gracefully. For professionals in architecture and interior design, understanding the nuances of materiality can transform a home from simply a living space to a warm, inviting environment that resonates with its inhabitants. This philosophy is central to the work of Anna Lazar, a Minsk-based interior designer who blends modern aesthetics with a rich historical context, emphasizing natural...
The Psychology of Home: Designing Interiors That Feel Emotionally Safe
Creating a home goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about fostering an environment where emotional safety thrives. For interior designers like Anna Lazar, the goal is to design spaces that resonate with the user’s psyche. By grounding interior design in the science of psychology, especially aspects like spatial planning, light, acoustics, and tactility, we can create havens that not only look appealing but also provide a sense of calm and security. Spatial Planning: Layout that Nurtures Connection...
Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings: A Blend of History and Modern Design
The adaptive reuse of historic buildings has become an essential topic in the world of architecture and interior design. It is not merely about preservation but about breathing new life into spaces while respecting their historical significance. As we explore this subject, we will delve into how this philosophy informs the approach taken by Anna Lazar, a Minsk-based designer known for merging modern aesthetics with a deep appreciation for historical context. Understanding Adaptive Reuse...
Interior Design Trends for Small Apartments
Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. With the right design approach, you can create spaces that feel larger, more inviting, and timeless. This blog post explores the latest interior design trends relevant to professionals in architecture and interior design, guided by the philosophy of Anna Lazar, a designer rooted in historical context, modern aesthetics, and warm materials. Let’s dive into compact living solutions that foster emotional comfort and visual...
Sustainable Residential Architecture: Harmonizing Modern Design with Historical Context
Sustainable residential architecture is at the forefront of contemporary building practices, intertwining modern aesthetics with a philosophy centered on environmental stewardship and human emotional comfort. In the context of Minsk and broader European design, this approach offers an opportunity for architects and interior designers to create warm, inviting spaces that respect historical narratives while utilizing innovative, sustainable materials. Understanding Sustainable Architecture...