Dacha is a cherished summer retreat for many Russians. Before summer arrives, families often start repairs and beautification to greet the season. Polina Tsvetkova, head of architecture and design for the Repair service with SberServices, shared techniques that help create a cozy, inviting outdoor space for relaxation.
She embraces the idea of blending nature with home, a seamless flow from inside to outside, where the boundary between the two feels almost invisible. When imagining a traditional Russian dacha, a veranda, a gazebo, or a hammock can become a quiet sanctuary for contemplation. In such settings, one can envision Bunin-like tranquility, surrounded by jasmine, lilac, wild roses, or fruit trees with a productive vegetable garden nearby.
According to the expert, the future of landscape design leans toward natural scenery—open fields and meadows, explored through what she calls a natural garden approach that favors native, wild plants from the Russian flora.
Marina Vesna, co-founder of the Manner&Matter Russian object design platform, emphasizes outdoor solutions as a key trend for the season. She notes that the strongest statement comes from harmonizing outdoor elements with the surrounding nature. Local flora and the geographical character of a country house design will highlight the owner’s taste and inner balance.
Vesna also underscored the fundamental decor and furniture choices that shape a stylish recreation area. The first step is to articulate leisure needs and then build the space around them: for active downtime, create a relaxation zone with exercise gear; if a kids’ corner is desired, include play and storage areas; for a personal retreat, add a chaise lounge, a hammock, favored plants, a summer kitchen, a bar, and a dedicated space for hobbies such as painting, playing a synthesizer, or tending seedlings. Material properties, the climate of the living space, wear resistance, and environmental friendliness should guide every selection.
After establishing a recreation concept, Polina Tsvetkova explains choosing a furniture and decor style. She points to two current directions for country homes: Russian style and fairy tale-inspired interiors.
For many, traditional Russian style elements help recreate the warmth of childhood and the sense of country living, inviting calm and fond memories. This look can be complemented with upholstered pieces, joinery, and accessories from local designers who honor cultural heritage, reveal regional potential, and deliver high-quality products.
Polina also notes that even functional pieces might pull inspiration from traditional crafts, such as sled-turned-seat ideas made from poplar and linen or tables carved from regional stone. When the fairy tale motif is chosen, there is room to experiment with decorative details and textures. Returning to the theme of a Russian fairy tale allows for a deeper, richer interior that feels most at home in a country house rather than a city apartment. Darkened spaces, the rough texture of aged wood, and the tactile feel of linen create an intimate atmosphere. Handicraft-inspired elements gathered around a fireplace help evoke the sense of wandering through a dense forest or standing at a quiet, timeless pool, where weekend moments linger and time slows down.