5 Apartments in Old Buildings Transformed Beyond Recognition by Designers

Apartment in old buildings possesses unique architectural value, yet often requires significant updates. We present five successful examples of renovations in old buildings. These apartments have undergone major renovations and transformations, turning them into stylish and functional spaces.

From 'liquid' to modern 67 m² apartment with a circular layout

This apartment is located in a pre-revolutionary building from 1903 and was previously communal, having even survived the blast wave of an aviation bomb during World War II. Designer Olga Kondratova conducted a major renovation, restoring unique parquet in 'Sheeremetyevsky star' pattern in some rooms and reinforcing the floors. The lack of load-bearing structures allowed for a convenient linear layout with an open kitchen, living-dining room, study-room, bedroom, children's room, and two bathrooms.

Photo before renovation

Photo before renovation

The interior successfully combines restored original parquet floors and modern 'fir tree' covering. Wooden windows are painted white, while high ceilings are accentuated by glass-panelled doors. Ornate elements and vintage items, including an antique dining table and a 18th-century chest of drawers, add special charm to the space while harmonizing with contemporary finishes and furniture.

Luxury rustic 52 m² apartment with Eastern elements

Designer Veronika Lyubosh created a unique interior in her three-room apartment on Patriarshy Pруд, where before renovation there was neglect and uniformity. Relocation allowed for the creation of a modern kitchen-dining room, living room and bedroom, combining Eastern elements and feng shui decor. Some items from the previous apartment such as Chinese furniture and decor add individuality — the apartment is worth examining in detail.

Photo before renovation

Photo before renovation

Demolishing one wall significantly expanded the space, transforming the kitchen into a cozy area for cooking and entertaining guests with spacious storage systems. The laundry zone was hidden in the dining room inside a cabinet with rattan facades, and the kitchen doors were made of plywood. Abandoning the traditional bedroom door in favor of glass blocks and light textile curtains makes the interior lighter and more airy, while ensuring necessary privacy.

Charm of an old Soviet apartment in a Stalin-era building 66 m²

An intellectual family from the world of science entrusted designer Alena Skovorodnikova with preserving the 'weathered' appearance of their two-room apartment. As a result, original details were preserved to the maximum extent: parquet, ornate cornices, cast iron radiators and solid doors. Vintage furniture from the clients and decor items found in Europe were also used.

Photo before renovation

Photo before renovation

A distinctive feature of the project was intentionally aged walls with a weathered effect. After painting, decorator applied special techniques to create a natural appearance. Instead of curtains, lacquered window shutters were used that protect antiques from sunlight and allow regulation of the level of solar light. In the entrance hall and long corridor, classic burgundy wallpapers with vignettes were used, adding theatricality to the space and reminding of traditional Soviet interiors.

Vibrant 44 m² two-room apartment in a Khrushchevka

This two-bedroom apartment in Kaliningrad had outdated finishes and furniture before renovation but designer Olga Shtennikova breathed new life into it, creating a bright interior in the style of a German apartment from the early 20th century. During full re-planning, wet zones were left in their original places, the living room and kitchen were joined using a vibrant portal, and a wall niche for appliances was created. The bedroom was expanded by the living room area to accommodate both a bed and wardrobe.

Photo before renovation

Photo before renovation

To recreate the atmosphere of Jugendstil typical for Eastern Prussia, cantons from a local artist and a fireplace with green tiles were used in the interior. Low ceilings visually lifted by non-standard doors, and a portal between kitchen and living room was painted in a vivid wine tone adding brightness and originality to the space. The bedroom can be entered through a cozy wardrobe that was custom-made as a portal painted in a rich deep green color, giving this corner comfort and elegance.

Cozy bright Stalin-era 60 m² apartment for a designer's family

This two-room apartment in a Stalin-era building was designed by designer Ekaterina Kotalyevskaya for her own family. Changes in the apartment were minimal: a doorway between kitchen and corridor was closed, previously rejecting gas, while also reducing the size of the children's room to free up space for a wardrobe. The bathroom and toilet were combined and equipped with a shower cabin. On the kitchen, concrete beams passing along the entire apartment were preserved, and in corridor and bathroom, concrete ceilings were left.

Photo before renovation

Photo before renovation

In the bedroom, walls were painted in a deep burgundy tone contrasting with warm gray ceiling. As a central element of the room, vintage 'Hunt' carpet and black chandelier designed by the designer were used. A line of glass blocks was built into the wall between kitchen and children's room. Two 'windows' were also made in bathroom: one leads to the kitchen, and another — to the entrance hall. In the evening when lights are on in bathroom, corridor and entrance hall are illuminated with pleasant diffused light.

These projects clearly show how a comprehensive renovation and thoughtful design can transform outdated spaces into stylish and functional interiors that you want to return to again and again.