6 "killed" Stalin apartments that were transformed beyond recognition

We collected projects of Stalin-era apartments where it was possible to create a stylish and modern interior while preserving the spirit of old Moscow.

Luxurious apartment with a hammam

Residents wanted to infuse this apartment with the feeling of modern classic, loft, and a hint of France. The design project was difficult to achieve. Because of the complex shape of the room, standard items simply wouldn't fit, so original solutions had to be found.

A bathtub could not fit in the bathroom with a complex geometric shape and seven angles. Residents tried various options, but in the end, they decided to make a hammam. It has almost no contraindications due to low temperatures. Also, it is safe for the apartment, unlike a sauna.

View the full project
View the full project
Photo before renovation
Stylish interior on a modest budget

The residents were inspired by Scandinavian style and mid-century style for the apartment design. The budget for renovation was limited, so they tried to save money in some places and come up with clever solutions in others. For example, the tiles in the bathroom were painted with special paint from "Leroy Merlin". The bathtub was not replaced, and they decided to call in professionals for restoration.

The cabinet and the sideboard were bought at IKEA and also painted by themselves. The faucet was ordered on "AliExpress". Thus, the apartment was transformed as much as possible within a small budget.

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View the full project
Photo before renovationModern interior with the atmosphere of old Moscow

Customers asked the designer to preserve the image of an old Moscow apartment in the interior. In the rooms, solid oak parquet with a classic "pinecone" layout was used, and in other zones - cement tiles Topcer: these materials are associated with both old Moscow apartments and Parisian interiors. The restored plaster cornices were added where they were missing.

Design: Elena Zufarova. View the full project
Design: Elena Zufarova. View the full project
Photo before renovation
Stylish studio for a student

All non-load-bearing partitions were dismantled and rebuilt using tongue-and-groove blocks, and the walls were covered with a new layer of plaster. The old ceiling and floor slabs were also dismantled: the ceiling height was not only preserved but even increased. The old cornice had to be removed and replaced with new gypsum one, but in the same stylistic style. The pattern of the cornice was detailedly sketched by hand.

Design: INSTATUS STUDIO. View the full project
Design: INSTATUS STUDIO. View the full project
Photo before renovationLuxurious apartment with practical finishing

This apartment required a radical re-planning and wall replacement. Because the ceilings are quite high, they accentuated them with 2.4-meter doors: these have hidden mounting boxes, the bedroom door was painted in the wall color, and the others were coated with enamel. The base of the interior is neutral finishing. Materials flow smoothly into each other, and there are no sharp transitions here.

Design: AMD DESIGN Studio. View the full project
Design: AMD DESIGN Studio. View the full project
Photo before renovation
Refined French interior

During the renovation, only minor changes were needed. It was important for the clients to incorporate as many storage systems into the project as possible, so a separate wardrobe appeared in the bedroom.

Some of the furniture owned by the apartment owner are family relics. They were passed down to her from her grandfather - a legendary Soviet diplomat. Therefore, the writing desk and armchair in the bedroom, as well as the bookcase in the living room were restored and integrated into the new interior.

Design: Porte Rouge bureau. View the full project
Design: Porte Rouge bureau. View the full project
Photo before renovation

On the cover: Design project by AMD DESIGN Studio