7 Soviet Interior Solutions That Are Trending Now

A few years ago, it was normal to get rid of your grandmother's "wall panels," grandfather's floor lamp, and an unfamiliar chair. But today's situation has changed dramatically: vintage items are becoming popular, and trends from the 1980s are returning to modern interiors. We're telling you which Soviet-era tricks are experiencing a second life and becoming relevant again.

Parquet "Tree"

During the Soviet era, parquet "tree" was a decoration for apartments, schools, and public buildings. It always associated with high quality and durability, and even under intensive use, in some houses the flooring has survived to this day. Parquet is still used today—its restoration, tidying up or modern interpretation: laminate or quartz vinyl mimicking wood. Especially effectively and expensively, parquet "tree" looks in dark tones when combined with minimalist furniture.

Design: Natalia Lenda

Glass Blocks

Another symbol of Soviet design is glass blocks. They were installed in swimming pools, corridors, and stairwells in the past. Today, designers actively adapt glass blocks for modern interiors. They are used to zone spaces, create bathroom partitions, decorate kitchen backsplashes, and decorate parts of walls.

Design: BYCHKOV DESIGN

Square Tiles with Colored Grout

White square tiles in bathrooms were a familiar element of Soviet apartments and public spaces. Today, simple light tiles have found their place again in bathrooms. However, modern interpretations involve using accent dark or bright grout and combining with other materials such as paint. This gives the interior a more interesting and stylish look.

Design: Pavel Foteev

Furniture Walls

One characteristic feature of Soviet design was furniture walls—every family aspired to own one. Over time, people began to abandon bulky furniture. However, things have changed: furniture walls have returned with updated designs, modular sections, and various storage options. Many of them look light and neat even in small apartments.

Design: Tatyana Atukhina

Patterned Carpets

This is probably the most vivid element of any Soviet apartment. Patterned carpets were used to cover floors and hang on walls. Today, carpets are returning to home and apartment interiors and are once again becoming a trend. They can visually unite various decor elements, create stylish accents, zone spaces, and make the room more comfortable and cozy.

Design: Elena Uchaeva

Lofts

Soviet Khrushchev houses weren't known for large sizes, so it was necessary to use available space as efficiently as possible. Additional storage spaces were provided by cupboards under the ceiling for rarely used items. Today, lofts have regained popularity. Designers have adapted them for modern apartments and they don't look bulky. These can be, for example, ceiling-mounted facades, additional cupboards, P-shaped constructions around the sofa or bed.

Design: Lili Kaisarova

Chairs with Wooden Armrests

Large furniture couldn't fit into Soviet small apartments, so designers created minimalist functional models. For example, a sofa-bed with wooden armrests could be used for sitting and sleeping. With the growing popularity of mid-century modern style, chairs with high legs and wooden varnished armrests have returned to fashion. They are combined with vintage elements or, on the contrary, integrated into minimalist modern settings.

Design: Pavel Foteev