Before and After: How a Designer Updated Her 74 sq. Meter Stalin-era Apartment

Designer Alice Khashchanova, working together with colleague Svetlana Vakhtina, completely renovated her apartment in a Stalin-era building in the Tagansky district of Moscow. The apartment required a full renovation: old coverings were removed, and the layout was changed to improve convenience and functionality. The interior turned out vibrant and eclectic: a successful blend of vintage and modern elements creates a unique atmosphere. Let's take a look at each room before and after the renovation.

Kitchen Before Renovation

A small kitchen measuring about 8 sq. m looked outdated and inconvenient. The old kitchen cabinets and appliances were long overdue for replacement. The garbage chute ran through the kitchen and took up valuable space, limiting furniture arrangement options.

Kitchen After Renovation

The garbage chute was removed and sealed, allowing for the installation of an L-shaped kitchen cabinet. The kitchen became a vibrant accent in the apartment due to its orange MDF doors made to order. Due to the specific architectural features of the building, the cabinets were made with varying depths to maximize space usage.

Installed built-in appliances in the kitchen, including a dishwasher hidden inside a column under the microwave. The finish features deep-toned paints and custom-made ceramic tiles based on designer sketches. The window sills, countertop, and splashback are made of black quartz aggregate mimicking marble. The dining area consists of a round wooden table and retro chairs purchased from a private restorer on "Avito".

Living Room Before Renovation

The living room space looked ordinary and unexpressive, with typical solutions for old apartments: furniture, bulky wardrobes, and insufficient lighting.

Living Room After Renovation

The living room was freed from unnecessary furniture and filled with light. Old inter-room partitions were preserved and reinforced using rigid metal frames. When guests come over, the dining table from the kitchen is moved to the living room and placed by the window. For such occasions, a ceiling chandelier was installed to create a cozy atmosphere. The special touch of the living room is provided by vintage elements — wall clocks with the "Amber" chime and 1960s lamps removed from the old metro ceilings. This creates a unique atmosphere and preserves the spirit of the era.

Bedroom Before Renovation

The bedroom looked cramped and disorganized. There wasn't enough space in the apartment for storage, and the room lacked its own style.

Bedroom After Renovation

The bedroom was transformed into a cozy and peaceful space with a wardrobe zone. The main color is a deep green, which brings depth and a relaxing atmosphere. Thanks to smart planning, enough free space was preserved despite the presence of a wardrobe. The view from the bedroom windows onto Kryukitskoye courtyard only adds to the feeling of comfort and tranquility.

Bathroom Before Renovation

The bathroom was small and inconvenient, while the toilet had insufficient space for storage. The corridor between them consumed a lot of useful space.

Bathroom After Renovation

The bathroom area was expanded by using the corridor, allowing for the installation of a utility cabinet with a washing machine and dryer. The floors in the bathroom and toilet were heated, adding comfort. The toilet area now includes space for a sink and boiler hidden behind a built-in cabinet. Thus, the space was utilized as rationally as possible without losing in aesthetics.

Study Before Renovation

The study was a small room filled with old furniture, with limited possibilities for storage and space organization.

Study After Renovation

It is now a multifunctional space where you can not only work but also relax. The study was equipped with a fold-out sofa for guests. On the shelves, in addition to books, are linocuts by artist Anna Samoilova, as well as Soviet posters and paintings by Vladimir Andreenkov. All of this creates an intellectual and inspiring atmosphere, highlighting the creative nature of the owners.

The updated apartment in a Stalin-era building by Alice Khashchanova is an example of harmonious blending of vintage and modern elements. Each room has been meticulously designed to be both functional and beautiful. The eclectic style and attention to detail helped create a unique space where one wants to live and work.