Italian Insights: A Design Tour for Astana’s Leading Architects

Italy remains a leading reference point for high-level interior design. Leading designers from Astana travelled to Italy’s foremost furniture factories to learn about current trends, distinctive technologies and traditional craftsmanship directly from industry specialists. Antonovych Design organised the tour, which included showroom visits, meetings with Italian experts and a series of gastronomic discoveries.

Modulnova: The Philosophy of Minimalism and Innovation

The first destination was the Modulnova showroom.

The showroom presented refined minimalism, advanced kitchen technology and carefully planned living spaces.

“Alfiya Zhumaliyeva was impressed by the precision of every element and the attention to detail. Modulnova considers every component, from hardware to surface textures,” Alfiya Zhumaliyeva said. Lyazzat Istaeva highlighted the innovative materials and concealed storage systems: “The systems turn an interior into a perfectly organised space where every object has its place. The result is functional minimalism.”

Lenia Light: The Art of Light

The next stop was the Lenia Light showroom, where the tour participants explored the world of designer lighting.

“Lighting is not only a technical element. Lighting creates mood, shapes space and influences how an interior is perceived,” Elena Simon said. Aidana Koshumbayeva added: “I liked how the lighting solutions adapt to different types of rooms. The integrated technologies were especially impressive because lighting can become part of furniture structures.”

Flexform: Comfort in Every Detail

The tour continued at the Flexform showroom.

The designers focused on ergonomics and tactile qualities at the showroom. “Roza Bimagambetova was surprised that furniture could be sculptural and exceptionally comfortable at the same time. Every armchair, sofa and occasional table seemed designed for tactile enjoyment,” Roza Bimagambetova said. Aizhan Kunayeva added: “I first saw the Luchino armchair at an exhibition. The simple form had so much style and dignity. The piece felt like an encounter with an ideal, subtle, considered and completely alive.”

After the showroom tour, the guests enjoyed lunch in a relaxed setting and discussed ideas and discoveries for future projects.

Baxter: The Art of Materials

The Baxter showroom was the final destination of the tour.

“Baxter is about materials, living-looking leather, characterful wood and stone with a history. The showroom demonstrates that an interior is more than a visual concept. An interior is also a tactile and emotional experience,” Alfiya Yeshmukhanbetova said.

Kuan Bekesov added: “Every product here resembles a work of art. Italian makers work with materials in a way that gives even simple furniture a sense of character.”

The day ended with a lunch organised by Baxter, giving the designers a deeper understanding of the Italian lifestyle philosophy.

Key Takeaways: New Ideas and Inspiration

The design tour provided an opportunity to study current trends and exchange professional experience. “We saw how international brands work with materials and create furniture that is not only beautiful but also considered down to the smallest detail. The experience inspires new projects and solutions,” Rustam Minnekhanov said. “The tour gave us knowledge and new contacts that could support the development of our future projects,” Kuan Bekesov added.