Top 5 Amazing Transformations of Apartments in Stalin-era Buildings

We present an overview of five stunning interiors that our heroes have decorated in ordinary Stalin-era apartments. Take note of interesting solutions and get inspired for your own renovations!

Rumtur-Blade Cutting (2 hours 25 minutes)

A vibrant and atmospheric 66 m² apartment

Designer Olga Rukina created a beautiful and functional interior in a Stalin-era building from 1954. As a result of re-planning, a two-room flat was transformed into a spacious three-room flat with a walk-in closet and a large bathroom. The apartment has many storage spaces, the bedroom was designed as a library, and the bathroom includes a full laundry area.

Design: Olga Rukina

The key feature of the project is the use of rich, deep tones in finishing: blue, green, and orange. In the children's room, walls were covered with interesting wallpapers featuring a fun pattern. To preserve the historical atmosphere of that time, original parquet was restored and the interior was filled with vintage items, posters, and art — they make the space unique.

Design: Olga Rukina

A stunning three-room flat of 64 m² in a house built in 1926

This Moscow three-room flat was given a new life thanks to designer Anna Kirillova. A capital renovation and modern functional interior were completed while preserving the unique features of the building. On a 64 m² area, a spacious living room, separate functional kitchen, study, bedroom, shared bathroom, and hallway were created. Every room was thoughtfully designed for storage of various items.

Design: Anna Kirillova

The living room retains the original brickwork, with one wall made as an accent. For the kitchen hood, sliding shelves made of Laminated Particle Board (LDP) with backlighting were used. Tables and window sills in the rooms are made of oak veneer. The dining area is highlighted by vintage Viennese chairs, and the study features a 1950s cabinet restored in a private workshop.

Design: Anna Kirillova

A wonderful 65 m² three-room flat in a Moscow Stalin-era building

This bright apartment was designed by home stager and decorator Olesia Makarova for herself and her family. As a result of re-planning, a three-bedroom flat was created with two bedrooms, a kitchen-living room, walk-in closet, storage room, and a combined bathroom. The interior is decorated in modern style with classical elements and vintage items.

Design: Olesia Makarova

A bold solution — a rich blue color in the kitchen-living room, bedroom, bathroom, and hallway. Another feature of the project is paintings created by one artist. They are present in every room. The highlight of the hallway is the pantry doors leading to the walk-in closet and storage room. In the bathroom, a laundry area with a washing machine and dryer was installed. Between the appliances and storage units is a sliding shelf with an ironing board.

Design: Olesia Makarova

A functional and stylish one-room flat of 40 m²

Designer Tatiana Krasikova transformed a one-room flat into a two-room flat and decorated the interior in modern style. On a small area, an isolated bedroom, walk-in closet, storage room, two kitchens, living room, hallway, and many storage spaces were arranged. A beautiful color scheme, plenty of storage space, and interesting finishing elements brought uniqueness to the interior.

Design: Tatiana Krasikova

The key feature is a second kitchen hidden behind the doors of a large cabinet. It is equipped with a full work surface, outlets for appliances, shelves for storage, and even a wine cabinet. The bedroom was separated from the living room using a glass partition with golden inserts. Here, there was space for a bed and a walk-in closet.

Design: Tatiana Krasikova

From a 'boring' Stalin-era flat to a dream interior

This three-room flat in a Stalin-era building built in 1953 was decorated by blogger Elena Nikolaeva for her family. With no help from a designer, the couple created an interior that reflects their individuality and preserves the spirit of the house. The contrast and interesting visual effect come from combining modern finishing, IKEA furniture, and vintage items.

Design: Elena Nikolaeva

The presence of two windows in the kitchen allowed for the creation of a stylish space with well-thought-out ergonomics. The kitchen unit was placed along two opposite walls, and a functional island was designed between the windows. A bold experiment in the bedroom — walls painted in a rich blue color. They stand out against the overall gray-white palette of the interior and create a relaxing atmosphere.

Design: Elena Nikolaeva