OUT OF SIGHT

From swivelling bookshelves to secret doors hidden behind mirrors, these concealed entrances and passageways add an element of whimsical surprise and playfulness to their interiors

- Yaiza Canopoli

Hidden doors and concealed passageways have long captivated our imagination, bringing to mind tales of mystery and adventure. But they're not just embedded in ancient castles and rustic residences; they’re making their way into contemporary homes, too. Here are bookshelves that swivel open to reveal secret bedrooms, bathroom mirrors that double as discreet entrances, and other creative ways to conceal spaces in modern abodes. Adding functionality and a delightful sense of surprise, these sneaky portals show how a little secrecy can elevate interiors with both elegance and a sense of whimsy.

CLASSIC CHARM

A marriage of two apartment units in a historical building, this family home is a stone’s throw away from some of Moscow's most significant cultural sites, including the Bolshoi Theatre and the Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre.

Having previously spent time in Paris, the family wanted their new abode to “embody French interior design”, as shared by interior designer Ariana Ahmad, who is behind the eponymous firm that helmed the renovation. One highlight of the home? The library area in the living room, complete with a hidden bookshelf door that leads to a secluded office. The tranquil working space on the other side is furnished with designer objects from Jean-Marie Massaud, Minotti and Poltrona Frau, plus lighting fixtures by Contardi that hang elegantly overhead.

A COLLECTOR’S HAVEN