Buying an Apartment in New Construction: What's Wrong with Finished Decoration?

Planning to buy an apartment and want to do a designer renovation? Milla Kolpakova explains why in this case it's better to avoid options with finished decoration — and how it complicates a designer's work.

Milla Kolpakova — interior design expert, decorator, blogger

Cannot Change Layout

If the layout wasn't planned properly from the start, furniture and decor won't save the situation. Layout is the foundation.

If you don't want to hire a designer, find a similar apartment online and 'steal' the layout from there. It's helpful to study basic principles of ergonomics and composition.

Easy to Arrange Furniture

Communications (electricity, plumbing) are already installed and won't allow for major changes in furniture placement — outlets and everything else are arranged relative to furniture, not the other way around.

You Might Not Like Everything

Large areas for painting, doors, tiles, solid and expensive furniture (sofas, kitchens, wardrobes) — these are things where it's easy to make a mistake but hard to fix or change.

If you're furnishing the apartment yourself, pay attention to these details right away. If unsure of your skills — choose neutral solutions.

Have to Rush with Renovation

Often we become hostages of time: people have already moved in or are in a hurry. This means everything has to be found in stock — and there may not be quality products available.

Custom items (curtains, carpentry) will have to be bought from manufacturers who can produce them in minimal time. Good craftsmen rarely offer this flexibility — usually there's a queue for their services.

Cover image: Milla Kolpakova's design project.