Before and After: A New Life for 'Killed' Apartments

Based on project examples, we explain how to transform an old kitchen in a Stalin-era building, redesign an unattractive bathroom into a bright shower room, and create a convenient layout in a Khrushchev apartment.

Designer's Apartment in an Old Building

This small 2-room flat near the Novodevichy Monastery was decorated several years ago by decorator Olga Zaretskikh for herself and her husband. She wanted to transform the old apartment with a standard layout into a cozy retreat for relaxation. To achieve this, the kitchen was combined with the living room, the bathroom was enlarged at the expense of the corridor, and a calm color palette was chosen for finishing.

Apartment for Airbnb Rental

The apartment needed to be renovated as quickly as possible (in 3–7 days) and with minimal budget for Airbnb rental. Therefore, designer Polina Anikeeva limited herself to a cosmetic renovation and selection of interesting decor. The existing interior was used as the basis for the design — vintage and antique furniture.

2-Room Flat in an Old Building

The apartment was in a very poor condition. The owner had long been unable to decide whether to sell it or live in it. The task was to renovate with minimal costs. Therefore, English classicism with elements of Provence were chosen as the basis — to make it comfortable and cozy inside. The result exceeded all expectations.

3-Room Apartment in a Khrushchev Building

This apartment is home to a family with a small child. At the time of purchase, a typical Khrushchev-era apartment required full reconstruction. To transform it, a reconfiguration, high-quality finishing materials, and completely new furniture were needed.

Bathroom in a P-44 Building

To turn a dull bathroom in a typical house into a cozy space, designer Anna Kovalchenko replaced the bathtub with a shower, tiled part of the walls, and painted another part. It instantly became more spacious and brighter.

On the cover: Design project by Olga Zaretskikh.