Save Realistically: 12 Affordable Apartment Renovations

Do you think a good renovation is impossible under budget constraints? We're here to convince you otherwise – just take a look at these projects.

Transforming a Khrushchyovka into a Comfortable Studio

Budget: 1,000,000 rubles

Architects from KDVA Architects studio created a simple, clean, and perfectly functional space based on a regular Khrushchyovka in the coastal city of Nakhodka. In this case, a 33-square-meter single-room apartment was transformed into a studio designed for one person or a married couple, because the bed in the plywood cube is a double bed.

view the project in fullDesign: KDVA Architects

Affordable Single-Room Apartment Project

Budget: 750,000 rubles

The client plans to rent out the future space to a young couple without children, so the interior of this apartment should be modern but not too expensive for the property owner. One of the main requirements from the apartment owner was to divide the single living room into two zones – private and public.

view the project in fullDesign: CO:interior

Studio for a Student

Budget: 700,000 rubles

This project is an example of a situation where there is neither time nor money for a renovation. But there's still a desire to live comfortably, even if just minimally. “The apartment was given to us when the rough renovation was already completed,” says designer Marina Nazarenko. “So there was no way to play with the layout and make it more efficient.”

view the project in fullDesign: JoinForces studio

Cheap Renovation in a Month

Budget: 700,000 rubles

The main task was to create an interior ready for life within one month, where every item has its place. The budget was strictly fixed and couldn't be exceeded.

It was important not to make ready-made solutions, avoid associations with euro-renovation or French or Brooklyn style.

view the project in fullDesign: Crosby Studios

Self-Renovation in a Studio

Budget: 700,000 rubles

Young parents Kirill and Yulia managed to make the single-room space ideal for comfortable family life. Proper zoning, a bit of creativity, and a desire to live beautifully – their secret formula. Despite the small area, the apartment turned out cozy and comfortable for living.

view the project in fullDesign: Julia and Kirill TaiPOVs

Single-Room Apartment with Thoughtful Zoning

Budget: 600,000 rubles

On a modest 28 square meter area, Natalia Simonenko organized a full bedroom, a relaxation and work zone, and also planned enough storage spaces for belongings and sports gear.

view the project in fullDesign: Natalia Simonenko

Studio in a Panel House

Budget: 600,000 rubles

For owners of studios in panel houses, the impossibility of a re-planning is not a reason to abandon isolated sleeping and living zones. Using an IKEA shelving unit, the room was divided into two parts: one with a comfortable bed and another with a comfortable sofa and spacious wardrobe.

view the project in fullDesign: Nikita Zub

Studio for Three

Budget: 600,000 rubles

From the idea of re-planning, the architect immediately refused: first, the wall between the kitchen and room is load-bearing; secondly, any construction instantly impacts the budget, which for the owners of a studio (a young couple with a child) was limited.

By focusing on zoning and careful choice of finishing materials and furniture, Natalia Sytenkova arranged a comfortable living space for three family members and provided a lot of storage.

view the project in fullDesign: Natalia Sytenkova

Two-Room Apartment at 25 Square Meters

Budget: 500,000 rubles

Surrounding the bedroom in this apartment were all other rooms and structures: a small kitchen-living room behind a narrow partition with a window, a bathroom and hallway near the entrance, and a loft with stairs. The project was specially designed for young clients who don't want to spend a fortune on renovation.

view the project in fullDesign: Alexandra Trush

Renovation in a Standard Small Apartment

Budget: 350,000 rubles

“What we left untouched – tiles and plumbing in the bathroom, floor coverings. We updated the rest of the finishing: walls in the living room were covered with inexpensive monochrome textured wallpapers, surfaces in the hallway and kitchen were painted – a budget-friendly and practical finishing option,” says the designer.

There was already a spacious wardrobe in the living room – it mainly serves as storage.

view the project in fullDesign: Anna Kovalchenko

Full-Service Renovation in 13 Days

Budget of 300 thousand rubles, 13 days for renovation, and great enthusiasm – with this baggage, designer Ekaterina Savkina brought a bold experiment to life. It was good that there were some spare furniture and equipment, but it was still necessary to figure out how to incorporate them into the interior.

view the project in fullDesign: Ekaterina Savkina

Real Example of Very Budget-Friendly Renovation

Budget: 100,000 rubles

“The client is a repeat customer; I already decorated an interior for her son,” says designer Anna Kovalchenko. “The owner wanted to update the furnishings and prepare the apartment for rental.” Mandatory conditions were using existing furniture and a very limited budget.

view the project in fullDesign: Anna Kovalchenko

Also read:

• Budget-Friendly Interior Design and Saving Tips
• How to Arrange a Studio Apartment on a Tight Budget
• How to Do a Renovation with a Limited Budget: Apartment in Sochi