Amazing renovation in a Stalin-era apartment 36 m² without a designer

This apartment is located in a Moscow house built in the 1950s. It is inhabited by actress of theater and cinema Ekaterina Lastochkina with her dog. Ekaterina independently designed the interior, creating a comfortable and cozy space. Bright colors, unusual decor, and original solutions reflect her personality, while thoughtful details add warmth and comfort to the interior. During a full renovation, Ekaterina managed to create a fully functional kitchen, living room, separate bedroom, small entrance hall and combined bathroom.

Room tour (29 minutes)

About the kitchen

The kitchen takes up only 5 sq. m, but all necessary items were successfully placed in it. Black kitchen units with ceiling-high doors and original handles 'under skin' provide plenty of storage space. The windowsill serves as a convenient table for quick snacks. A niche under it was painted in an accent blue color and transformed into a unique mini-bar.

Expressive accent in the interior is created by a portrait of Karl Marx. Ekaterina decided to unite it with the overall atmosphere of the apartment, making a burgundy background and painting part of the picture in the same color. On Marx's shirt, blue dots appeared, while in his ears – a earring that adds uniqueness and humor.

About the living room

For wall finishing in the living room, Ekaterina chose washable paint in a soft beige tone. Contrasting burgundy color adds brightness and enlivens the overall palette, while blue baseboards give the room depth and unique character. Beautiful and very effective solution — French-style windows. Against light walls, they look very expressive, adding sophistication and special charm to the interior.

Main storage in the apartment is organized in a tall cabinet that was originally in this apartment. Its contents were changed, upper doors were also replaced and the entire cabinet was painted to match wall color.

A round cast iron stove in the living room serves a decorative function — Ekaterina used it to cover an heating pipe. In the firebox are candles, while underneath real logs create a very warm atmosphere and add a touch of individuality to the interior.

About the bedroom

Between the bedroom and living room, Ekaterina installed a window made of blue glass blocks that soften daylight, creating a cozy atmosphere. Only the bed with an effect yellow headboard was modestly placed in the bedroom. A small niche serves as a shelf for essential items. Two stylish wall sconces provide cozy and intimate lighting.

About the entrance hall

The entry area is highlighted by a step that visually separates it from the rest of the apartment. For wall finishing here, Ekaterina chose a rich burgundy color. The floor is tiled with graphic patterns. In the general corridor serving three apartments, residents leave their upper clothing. Therefore, only the essentials were provided in the entrance hall — a narrow console and hooks for bags.

About the bathroom

The floor and walls in the shower room are clad with the same ceramic granite as used in the entrance hall and kitchen. Other walls were painted in a rich blue color. Black plumbing fixtures and shower enclosure add graphic accents. Crystal chandelier and wall sconce, as well as vintage sideboard with velvet drapery create an atmosphere of elegance and comfort. To the right upon entering, behind a curtain, there is laundry area and space for storage.

Ekaterina demonstrated through her experience that independent space arrangement can be not only functional but also a creative process, allowing to create a unique and cozy interior reflecting the owner's individuality.