How an Architect Transformed a Kitchen in a Stalin-era 50 m² Apartment for Herself

This 50 m² two-room apartment in a Moscow Stalin-era building belongs to architect Vera Konakova. The interior was designed as a calm space that serves as a backdrop for treasured items and vintage finds. The key wishes of the owner were a light palette, natural materials, and comfortable storage solutions.

The kitchen deserves special attention: here beauty meets functionality and well-thought-out solutions.

In the process of working on the project, the bathroom was merged, the door to the kitchen was removed, and storage in the hallway was increased by replacing part of the walls with built-in wardrobes.

The kitchen was custom-made and styled minimally: the main storage volume is placed in lower cabinets, while wall-mounted sections appeared in a simplified form during usage. The working surface is covered with natural marble—its price was favorable on a slab sale.

The walls are painted with matte paint and enhanced with Equipe tiles in the splash zone. The flooring is engineered wood in a natural oak tone, visually uniting all rooms of the apartment. Built-in appliances are from Bosch, Haier, and Weissgauf; the faucet and sink come from the IKEA collection.

The kitchen table and banquette were custom-made by a master, while Viennese chairs add retro charm to the interior.

The kitchen in this project turned out cozy, minimalist, and functional, without excesses but with warm vintage tones. Natural materials, a calm color palette, and thoughtful storage make the space comfortable, while retro details and handmade furniture bring individuality.