How a Designer Perfectly Decorated Her 7 sqm Hallway in a Stalin-era Apartment

Transforming a gray and boring Stalin-era hallway into a vibrant and inspiring space is no easy task, but designer Ekaterina Kotalyevskaya managed to do it with flying colors. The hallway in her apartment turned out to be very bright and unique. We share the details of how this stylish and colorful space was decorated.

One of the bold decisions was using a single deep blue tone for the ceiling and walls. This choice created the effect of a velvet box, where every detail highlights the uniqueness and character of the space. The junction between the walls and ceiling was rounded, visually increasing the ceiling height and making the hallway feel more airy and light. This small detail helped to eliminate the sense of confinement often associated with many Stalin-era apartments.

The floor is covered with ceramic granite featuring a beautiful geometric pattern. It visually transforms the space, making it dynamic and interesting. Two " windows" in the bathroom made of glass blocks lead one to the kitchen and the other to the hallway. This unconventional solution brings real benefits: in the evening, when the bathroom lights are on, the corridor and hallway are filled with soft, diffused light, creating a cozy atmosphere that naturally invites guests to step into the space beyond the corridor.

One particularly notable feature is the stained glass panel. It was found by Ekaterina's brother several decades ago and saved from being discarded during the renovation of a kindergarten. The panel became a bright accent in the overall color palette and a kind of calling card for the apartment, setting the tone for the entire interior.

Every element of this hallway is filled with meaning and atmosphere. The entrance area has become more than just a functional space — it’s an artwork capable of inspiring everyone who enters.