Best Interior Without a Designer 2024: Updated 55 m² Khrushchyovka

Our heroine Katya and her husband dreamed of a comfortable and stylish apartment that would become a cozy corner for them. They consciously chose a secondary market flat: an old Khrushchyovka with outdated renovation.

The space required a full overhaul, and the couple approached the task with enthusiasm: they independently planned the project, made furniture by hand, and transformed the space into a reflection of their individuality. The living space turned out warm and unique. We tell the story of how they poured their soul into the renovation and created their dream home.

About the renovation and layout

When we first entered this apartment, everything needed transformation: narrow corridors, a separate bathroom, and three small rooms in 55 m². We understood that the space couldn't remain as is without changes. First, we decided to combine the kitchen with a small room to create a spacious kitchen-living room.

The bathroom also had to be redesigned: we removed the partition and created a single bathroom. A corridor emerged, freeing us from the passage room.

The basic renovation, including wiring, floor and wall leveling, took three months. This part of the work was entrusted to a professional team. But everything related to furniture, decor, and details, we did ourselves. We have been living here for more than two years now, and the process of furnishing is still not complete — there's still work ahead of us.

The floors in the apartment are a separate pride. We chose larch parquet flooring. The material has character: it can develop gaps and change shape due to temperature fluctuations, but looks incredibly cozy and warm. Wood creates that very “living” atmosphere that was so missing.

About the kitchen

Especially proud are we of our kitchen: we built it from scratch with our own hands. The frame was made from particle board (LDP), and the doors were cut from pine, adding decorative carved strips.

We glued the countertop from larch planks, which gave it incredible strength and a natural look. The top shelf was made from plywood and coated with a matte lacquer to preserve the wood texture.

The idea for the kitchen came from European interiors: simple, without excessive decoration, yet cozy. The result exceeded our expectations, although we did make one mistake. Following the advice of the renovation team, we chose a dry screed with GVL for the kitchen and hallway.

Over time, the screed settled and the floor tiles began to crackle. If you're planning a renovation, don't repeat our experience.

Photo before using Dr.Aktiv Anti-Grease

Photo after using Dr.Aktiv Anti-Grease

The end of the work was just the beginning of another story — cleaning. I remember how long it took me to get rid of dried oil stains on the stove until I found Dr.Aktiv Anti-Grease. The product became my salvation: its active formula quickly breaks down even the most complex dirt without leaving scratches.

After using it, the stove shines like new, and thanks to its dirt-protective function, it's easier to keep clean.

Advertisement. LLC "Househerz Corporation". INN 4025456360.

Pay attention:

Dr.Aktiv Anti-Grease

Dr.Aktiv Anti-Nalet Cleaning Agent

Universal Dr.Aktiv Gel

About the bathroom

The area of our bathroom after re-planning was 5.5 m². We removed partitions, combining the bathroom with a small corridor, and focused on decoration.

To make the space seem brighter, we painted part of the walls with moisture-resistant paint in a soft gray color and covered another section with white tiles "boar" with contrasting grout. On the floor, we placed tiles with a graphic pattern that adds dynamism and style.

We paid special attention to furniture. The sink cabinet and wall unit were made by my husband from solid pine wood. To protect the wood from moisture, we coated it with a special protective oil.

We designed the unit according to our needs: it has shelves and sliding drawers inside, and hooks for towels and a toilet paper holder on the outside. This allowed us to use the space to the maximum.

Photo before using Dr.Aktiv Anti-Nalet

Photo after using Dr.Aktiv Anti-Nalet

However, the bathroom is not only about aesthetics but also cleanliness. Fighting lime scale and rust was a real challenge for us until I tried Dr.Aktiv Anti-Nalet. The product effectively removes even old deposits, restoring shine to surfaces.

Thanks to special components, it creates a dirt-protective layer, so the bathroom stays clean much longer.

Storage

Many are surprised how everything necessary fits into an apartment where four people live. The secret is simple: minimalism. We don’t hoard things, but only keep what’s truly needed. Part of the storage space still needs to be arranged.

What’s already done pleases with its functionality. For example, in the bathroom there is a niche for laundry area, where we plan to place a washing machine and dryer unit. We will also equip it with cupboards for storing cleaning chemicals and textiles.

By the way, we now have only one cleaning product — Dr.Aktiv Universal Gel. Its thick formula penetrates deep into dirt, effectively dealing with bacteria and stains. It’s suitable for any surface, saving space and eliminating the need to buy dozens of different products.

About furniture and plants

Wood became our main passion: from it, we made almost everything. Our hands created the kitchen table, wardrobe, cabinet, and coat rack in the hallway, as well as a pantry door leading to the living room. Even the window sills are wooden — and, of course, also handmade.

To add warmth, we filled the house with green plants. They don’t just stand on windowsills but are harmoniously woven into the interior. Flowers bring life to the space.

Our apartment is still far from perfection, but every corner we've already arranged brings joy. This process is not just renovation, but true creativity. We love our home for its warmth, naturalness, and the fact that every detail here was made with soul.