Before and After: Renovation of a Studio Apartment in Late Stalinist Style

Architect Karina Zadvina from the design bureau Porte Rouge transformed a 'killed' apartment and played on contrast in the interior. Modern finishing and furniture blend with elements of decor from the Stalinist era. Soft cool tones with more expressive accents. A Moscow landscape outside the window and a French spirit inside the apartment.

Kitchen before renovation

The layout of the apartment is typical for the late Stalinist period — a small narrow corridor leads to doors to rooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen. The kitchen is small, so storage had to be planned and unnecessary decor from previous renovations removed.

Kitchen after renovation

The kitchen cabinet was chosen white with hidden handles, the countertop and backsplash in one material. Wall finishing was removed, radiators and windows were replaced. Spanish tile Equipe with a geometric pattern appeared on the kitchen floor. A suspended cabinet was added in the dining area for additional storage.

Bedroom before renovation

The room had too much ornate decor. A modern interior was needed, and some vintage furniture had to be incorporated.

Bedroom after renovation

For wall decoration, Little Greene paint was used, and French 'Christmas tree' parquet was laid on the floor. Part of the furniture is considered family relics. They were inherited from her grandfather — a legendary Soviet diplomat. Therefore, the desk and armchair in the bedroom, as well as the bookcase in the living room were restored and integrated into the new interior.

Hall before renovation

The hallway needed to incorporate the doors and plan storage solutions.

Hall after renovation

Almost the entire length of the hallway was occupied by a tall cabinet, and here a mini-laundry room was set up. Along the wall with a door, cabinets with attics were built all the way to the ceiling, which were 'masked' as walls and nearly disappeared into the interior.

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