Before and After: Budget Kitchen Renovation in a Stalin-era Apartment

When it comes to Stalin-era apartments, many people think of their unique architecture and high ceilings. However, every space requires updating to meet modern comfort and style standards. We show how designers Olesya Tsapkina and Maria Naumenko transformed a typical Stalin-era kitchen in a two-room apartment.

Overview of this apartment (18 minutes)

Before the renovation, the kitchen looked like a typical 'zero' apartment: linoleum on the floor, wallpapers with aggressive dark patterns adorned the walls, and a standard cabinet looked dull and lifeless. Utilities were exposed, and a single lamp in the center gave the room a gloomy appearance.

Kitchen before renovation

Kitchen before renovation

During the re-planning, part of the former living room was taken to expand the kitchen and provide space for a sofa. Light, washable paint was chosen for the walls, laminated flooring with a warm wood texture was laid on the floor, and window sills were replaced with wooden ones. High ceiling and floor moldings emphasized the unique architectural features of Stalin-era apartments.

The linear kitchen cabinet was assembled from ready-made modules, which reduced the renovation time and lowered the budget. Light gray fronts were a versatile solution — they harmonize with any style, adding lightness and airiness to the interior. The Laminated Wood Panel (LDP) countertop blends organically with the wooden window sill and laminated floor. Geometric tiles on the backsplash brought an interesting visual accent and became a bright design element.

It is worth noting that the entire kitchen cabinet without appliances cost only 56 thousand rubles, which is a very attractive price for such comfort and style level. The refrigerator was chosen as a freestanding unit — this allowed placing it more functionally, without cluttering the space.

The main accent in the interior was a chandelier above the dining table — it brought a note of style and elegance and helped create cozy soft lighting. The chairs with soft upholstery and tiles on the backsplash perfectly complement the chandelier, creating an effective contrast and highlighting the individuality of the new interior.

The renovated kitchen has become an embodiment of functionality, style, and comfort. A successful re-planning, harmonious material combination, and thoughtful furniture selection created a space that meets modern requirements while preserving the atmosphere of Stalin-era architecture. Now it's not just a place for cooking, but a cozy kitchen-living room where families can gather and spend pleasant time with friends.