Before and After: Budget Transformation of a 44 sqm Khrushchyovka

Designer Maria Kachkina decorated this St. Petersburg two-room apartment for the client's living. However, due to changing plans, the apartment had to be quickly prepared for rent. Within a limited budget, the designer proposed effective solutions, focusing on functionality and aesthetics. She selected decorative elements and finishing in the style of the 60s, creating an attractive and cozy interior.

Location: St. Petersburg
Area: 44 sqm
ceiling height: 2.5 m
Number of rooms: 2
Bathroom: 1
Design: Maria Kachkina
Photo: Sergey Boldysh
Budget: 960 thousand rubles

Apartment before renovation

Before the renovation, the apartment had outdated and irrelevant decoration. Colorful wallpapers that were already out of style adorned the walls, while worn-out parquet flooring required updating. The skewed windows worsened the aesthetic appearance, and the old plumbing urgently needed replacement. The apartment's condition clearly required a rethought approach and significant changes.

Kitchen before renovation

Kitchen before renovation

Room before renovation

Room before renovation

Hallway before renovation

Hallway before renovation

Bathroom before renovation

Bathroom before renovation

Kitchen after renovation

To optimize costs, a combined finish was applied in the interior. Wallpaper was used in the rooms and part of the kitchen, which saved money on wall preparation for painting. In the corridor, bathroom, and walls of the kitchen facing the work surface, paint was chosen for greater durability and ease of maintenance.

The kitchen was custom-made with emphasis on practicality and storage convenience. It includes upper and lower sections. A standalone refrigerator and dishwasher blend seamlessly into the interior and are actively used. A functional solution was open shelves near the wall and under the windowsill, providing additional space for kitchen utensils and creating a light, airy look. This combination of elements makes the kitchen not only stylish but also truly convenient for daily use.

Living room after renovation

In the living room, a vibrant sofa skillfully contrasts with light-colored walls. All furniture is in retro style, highlighting the overall concept of the interior. Due to a limited budget, most items were purchased on marketplaces. The armchair and chairs were fully restored to preserve their uniqueness and history. The bookcase was also updated: painting the edges and legs gave it a more modern look, combining elements of the past and present in one interior.

Bedroom after renovation

In the bedroom, only the essentials were kept to create a simple and comfortable space. The centerpiece was a bed on high supports, visually adding volume to the room. For relaxation, a vintage armchair was provided, and for storage, a small dresser was included. A wardrobe was set up in the niche.

About the hallway

The hallway was decorated in a bright blue color, painting the entrance door, walls, and ceiling. The vibrant shade is balanced by laminated flooring with a warm wood texture. The hallway contains only the essentials: clothing hangers and a console for keys and small items. This minimalist approach ensures functionality and creates a pleasant first impression of the apartment.

A bright accent in the entrance area was a colorful painting that immediately grabs attention and sets the mood. It harmoniously complements a chair with a vibrant upholstery and a cute rug, adding comfort and coziness.

Bathroom after renovation

The layout in the bathroom was not changed, only the gas boiler was replaced with a new one and the water supply was updated. The toilet is placed cornerwise, freeing up space for a compact washing machine. Ceramic tiles were used in the wet area, and decorative plaster was used on the remaining walls.

In the end, the designer managed to create a stylish and functional space in a khrushchyovka despite the limited budget. Skillful combination of elements in the 60s style and practical solutions made the apartment visually attractive and comfortable for living.