Year-End 2024: Top 5 Kitchens Renovated by Owners Themselves

2024 brought plenty of inspiration: especially impressive were the interiors created without involvement of designers. Owners of these kitchens independently planned every detail — from layout to small decor touches. Projects of our heroes are impressive: some transformed old panels into cozy spaces, others added vibrant ethnic accents.

We tell about five best kitchens of 2024 that prove: in renovation, the main thing is desire and a bit of imagination!

Coziness and Abundance of Light

Our heroine Vladislava, team leader in development, independently designed the kitchen layout after a failed experience working with designers. Together with her mother, she redesigned everything: from floor to layout.

The kitchen was connected to the living room to add space and light. Light washable paint and tiles with colorful prints were used for finishing — they tied all interior tones together. The corner cabinet with wall-colored doors was custom-made, while upper shelves and a pull-out vegetable compartment added functionality.

The kitchen zone is equipped with all necessary appliances, including built-in refrigerator, dishwasher, and coffee machine. The gasified room is separated from the living room by a glass partition with a black graphic profile, emphasizing modern style and maintaining overall spatial volume.

Classic with Modern Touch

Polina, a banking sector specialist, decorated her kitchen without designer help: the result is a space that looks current even five years later. The modular cabinet with dark doors and quartz agglomerate countertop creates a stylish and strict appearance.

The homeowner opted out of upper cabinets to add airiness — instead, wooden shelves with plants and decor appeared.

The center of the kitchen is a large island that serves multiple functions: dining table, work surface, and storage area. The attached insulated balcony acts as a relaxation zone, while foldable chairs find their place on one wall, freeing up space.

Functionality and Creativity

Galina, former architect, independently designed and implemented a cosmetic renovation in her St. Petersburg apartment.

The cabinet made of MDF with a seamless countertop became the key element, and upper cabinets were replaced with open shelves for decoration and useful items. Each drawer is carefully planned for storage: here are wires, crystal, cups, and other items.

Special attention was paid to tiles and flooring: the husband laid the tiles himself, while oak-toned laminate was laid throughout the apartment. A dishwasher is provided in the kitchen, and next to the refrigerator stands a vintage sideboard for prep work — an interesting combination of modern and retro.

Bold Palette and Functional Storage

Luba, a psychologist and teacher, decorated the kitchen connected to the living room in a Stalinist-era 1939 building. Olive-toned walls were chosen, which harmonize with coral-colored cabinet doors.

Vibrant design was enhanced with white tiles with contrasting grout and terrazzo floor tiles — they are practical and durable.

The functional kitchen is equipped with a technical column, two sinks, and numerous storage spaces. Decorative elements (a collection of plates and vintage lamps) add unique character. The balcony becomes an extension of the kitchen: summer family tea sessions with a stunning city view take place here.

Ethnic Accents and Modern Solutions

Malika, a consulting manager, planned the kitchen design in her Almaty apartment: inspiration came from ethnic motifs.

The main accent was a wall painting depicting grandmother and a chandelier shaped like a shanyrak symbolizing the home hearth. A shelf with a mirror back serves for storage and decoration, adding depth to the space.

A sliding dining table that accommodates up to eight people became the central element. The space is organized to be maximally functional while maintaining warmth and spiritual essence of Kazakh culture.