8 Cool Tips to Transform a Basic Interior into a Designer One

Architect Tatyana Grigoryeva decorated a three-room apartment for her family together with her colleague-architect Sondra Baloian. We collected the most interesting ideas that distinguish a designer interior from an ordinary one. Take note.

Kitchen Cabinet Up to the Ceiling

It's not enough just to "extend" the cabinet up to the ceiling, it is also important to calculate a small drop that allows for a beautiful placement of the ceiling cornice and avoids dust accumulation.

Symmetric Placement of Cabinets

Another detail that sets a designer kitchen apart from a regular one ordered in a showroom is the symmetric placement of cabinets, which brings harmony to the interior. Note that in this project, symmetry was arranged in the upper row: the axis passes through the built-in microwave.

Furniture Arrangement Considering Life Scenarios

Designers paid attention to the placement of the table: it can be moved close to the window on a regular day or freed up space for dancing during a party. If a friendly dinner is planned, the table can be moved to the center and arranged. The hostess placed an additional "formal" chandelier here.

Decorative Treatment of Load-Bearing Column

A load-bearing wall is a given in many apartments, and it cannot be removed. You can try to hide or cover it, but it's better to turn it into an advantage. For example, place shelves with live plants and decor on it. Believe us, some people even deliberately create partitions to do this.

Non-Standard Use of Free Space

Someone might say that this is only an imitation of a full-fledged living room — and they would be right. But look how beautifully the space behind the load-bearing wall is used — a cozy sofa and a sideboard fit on the other side. It's better this way than having no relaxation zone at all.

Combination of Similar Tones in Finishing

When choosing a tone for the bedroom, pay attention to how light falls. Here designers painted walls that are better lit in a darker olive tone, and those in shadow in a lighter one. This way, a harmonious look was achieved without dark zones.

Maximum Use of Niches

From a technical standpoint, builders find it easier to cover all niches and not worry about corner finishing. But designer renovation is precisely characterized by the mindful use of every centimeter.

Absence of Visual Noise

Designers don't like visual clutter and recommend getting rid of it: small items should be stored in cabinets and drawers, and technical details like access panels can be painted to match the wall color.