How They Designed a Small but Very Stylish Kitchen in a Stalin-era Apartment

Designer Ksenia Eliseeva decorated this 48-square-meter apartment in the center of Moscow for a client who is passionate about the city's history. The inspiration came from pre-revolutionary and Soviet interiors — in this new space, they merged into a symbolic 'Moscow apartment with history,' where every item has a past.

One of the key tasks was not only to convey the atmosphere but also to thoughtfully manage the space: create a full kitchen, dining area, and living room in one room, plan storage systems, and maintain the feeling of airiness.

The cabinets were custom-made according to the designer's sketches: they are in a classic style with neat carving and painted in the same gray-beige tone as the walls. This approach visually 'dissolved' the kitchen set into the space.

To increase capacity, the cabinets were extended to the ceiling, and metal handles with a warm golden coating were chosen — this added vintage tones to the interior without disrupting its overall restraint.

Only essential appliances were installed here: a two-burner cooktop, a compact oven with microwave function, an exhaust hood, and an integrated refrigerator with a freezer under the countertop.

The backsplash was laid with relief tiles featuring a geometric pattern. The countertop and windowsill are made of white stone: they are united into one plane, which is not only convenient for daily use but also visually lightens the perception.

The kitchen area also includes several open spaces for small items — there is room on the countertop for fruits, dishes, or decor. A round table with a multi-layered tablecloth not only emphasizes the classic style of the interior but also helps visually soften the strict geometry of the room.

Compact, functional, and visually balanced, this kitchen became one of the main focal points in the apartment.