Before and After: 10 m² Kitchen in Vintage Style in Moscow Stalin-era Apartment

This kitchen in a typical Stalin-era apartment was transformed by designer Alena Skovorodnikova for an intellectual family from the world of science. The main task was to preserve the charm of the old Soviet flat and create a sense of a lived-in interior.

Before the renovation, this was a space with tasteless wallpapers and worn linoleum. The dark cabinet looked bulky and outdated.

The main focus during the redesign was to preserve original details that gave the kitchen its individuality and historical value. The window sills, solid doors from the 1990s, and cast iron radiator were retained, updated with new paint. The walls were repainted to give them a "lived-in" appearance. The floor "carpet" made of Metlakha tiles with a border added an element of uniqueness and sophistication.

The clients hardly cook, so the main desire for the kitchen was to leave as much air and space as possible. They opted out of upper cabinets, replacing them with unique copper shelves. The countertop is also made from the same material.

The floor cabinets on conical legs with open bases were custom-made from solid wood and then aged by a decorator, making them unique. Window shutters were installed — they not only decorated the kitchen but also allowed for light and privacy control.

The kitchen was equipped with a mini-fridge, washing machine, and cooktop — all in retro style, perfectly harmonizing with the overall design. A vibrant accent was the handcrafted tile apron in scale pattern with individually chosen color.

The dining room set consists of vintage chairs and a table left by previous tenants, which was restored and complemented with brass elements.

As a result of all the work done, the kitchen acquired a completely new look while retaining its original details and atmosphere of Soviet times. This project confirms that even in standard conditions, it is possible to create a unique interior that will delight and inspire.