Before and After: How to Stylishly Renovate a Kitchen on a Limited Budget

Designer Elena Okonishnikova transformed a kitchen in a panel apartment built in 1973 in the town of Bolshoy Kamень. Her task was to create a functional and stylish space for rental while staying within a limited budget.

Photo before renovationPhoto before renovation

The first step was re-planning: the kitchen and living room were merged, significantly expanding the space. The lack of gasification in the building didn’t cause any issues. The kitchen cabinet was custom-made, and built-in appliances allowed for space-saving and visually cohesive design. Instead of traditional upper cabinets, the designer opted for open shelves, adding lightness to the interior.

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Special attention was paid to details. For example, the kitchen backsplash tiled from the countertop to the ceiling served as a neutral yet elegant base for vibrant accents. One such accent was the chandelier above the dining table, which draws attention and sets the tone for the entire kitchen interior.

Wall finishing was done with paint, while the ceiling cornices and baseboards were highlighted in a gray shade, adding depth. The floor in the kitchen area was laid with accent tiles featuring geometric patterns, which pair well with SPC tiles in the 'English fir' layout used in other rooms. This solution is both functional and aesthetic — the tiles are easy to clean and moisture-resistant.

A bold decision to paint the wall from the kitchen to the hallway in a cheerful yellow color visually unifies the utility and passage areas, adding warmth and comfort to the interior.

Read more about this apartment in our article

Effective renovation of a 53 m² flat