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Interior Design of Homes and Apartments

Before and After: How to Transform a Dead Apartment into Your Dream Interior

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Amazing transformation of an apartment in a old five-story building

The renovation of a standard two-bedroom apartment, 47m² in a building from 1961, turned from 'cosmetic update' into a full-scale renovation. The apartment owner refused the services of an interior designer and designed her dream space herself. We tell you how to go through a renovation without losing money and get the desired result.

Photo: style, apartment, room interior, interior style, interior design, renovation, what you need to know about bathroom renovation, Stalinist apartment interior, before and after, designer renovation, how to make a stylish kitchen from a ruined one, starting a renovation, renovation in an old building, planning a renovation, remodeling a standard apartment, Stalinist apartment redesign, renovation in old housing – photos on our websiteMain points of the article:

  • From 'just changing wallpaper' to full wall demolition;

  • Coordinated reconfiguration with combined bathroom;

  • All solutions based on personal experience and inspiration;

  • The renovation was done step by step, starting with cosmetic changes.

AgnettaAgnetta, apartment ownerPhoto before renovation: Why cosmetic renovation became a full-scale one

"When I moved into this apartment, it was just a quiet horror. The oil-based paint was peeling off everywhere and the ceiling was covered in grease," recalls the owner. Initially, they planned just to refresh the space but gradually realized that serious changes were necessary.

Photo: style, apartment, room interior, interior style, interior design, renovation, what you need to know about bathroom renovation, Stalinist apartment interior, before and after, designer renovation, how to make a stylish kitchen from a ruined one, starting a renovation, renovation in an old building, planning a renovation, remodeling a standard apartment, Stalinist apartment redesign, renovation in old housing – photos on our websiteHow to know what can be changed and what cannot

Before demolishing walls, the owner studied features of the house series sm3. It turned out that it was built using Stalinist construction technology, which offers certain advantages:

  • High ceilings (2.75m);

  • Good sound insulation;

  • Possibility to coordinate reconfiguration.

Photo: style, apartment, room interior, interior style, interior design, renovation, what you need to know about bathroom renovation, Stalinist apartment interior, before and after, designer renovation, how to make a stylish kitchen from a ruined one, starting a renovation, renovation in an old building, planning a renovation, remodeling a standard apartment, Stalinist apartment redesign, renovation in old housing – photos on our websitePhoto: style, apartment, room interior, interior style, interior design, renovation, what you need to know about bathroom renovation, Stalinist apartment interior, before and after, designer renovation, how to make a stylish kitchen from a ruined one, starting a renovation, renovation in an old building, planning a renovation, remodeling a standard apartment, Stalinist apartment redesign, renovation in old housing – photos on our websiteWhy inspiration matters and where to find it

"Of course, I rely on inspiration. I keep some beautiful pictures and interiors that I like," shares the owner's experience. Instead of paying for a designer, she:

  • Gathered references of interiors she liked;

  • Studied the work of well-known designers;

  • Analyzed current trends.

Photo: style, apartment, room interior, interior style, interior design, renovation, what you need to know about bathroom renovation, Stalinist apartment interior, before and after, designer renovation, how to make a stylish kitchen from a ruined one, starting a renovation, renovation in an old building, planning a renovation, remodeling a standard apartment, Stalinist apartment redesign, renovation in old housing – photos on our websitePhoto: style, apartment, room interior, interior style, interior design, renovation, what you need to know about bathroom renovation, Stalinist apartment interior, before and after, designer renovation, how to make a stylish kitchen from a ruined one, starting a renovation, renovation in an old building, planning a renovation, remodeling a standard apartment, Stalinist apartment redesign, renovation in old housing – photos on our websiteWhen it's better to start from scratch

"We completely demolished all the walls and floor," says the owner. The decision proved to be justified:

  • The old walls had a 10cm difference;

  • Leveling would have consumed useful space;

  • New walls made from tongue-and-groove blocks are immediately straight;

  • It became possible to hide all utilities.

Photo: style, apartment, room interior, interior style, interior design, renovation, what you need to know about bathroom renovation, Stalinist apartment interior, before and after, designer renovation, how to make a stylish kitchen from a ruined one, starting a renovation, renovation in an old building, planning a renovation, remodeling a standard apartment, Stalinist apartment redesign, renovation in old housing – photos on our websiteHow not to drown in details

Renovating without a designer requires special organization. The owner advises:

  • Start with detailed planning;

  • Solve issues as they arise;

  • Don't try to do everything at once;

  • Document important moments.

Photo: style, apartment, room interior, interior style, interior design, renovation, what you need to know about bathroom renovation, Stalinist apartment interior, before and after, designer renovation, how to make a stylish kitchen from a ruined one, starting a renovation, renovation in an old building, planning a renovation, remodeling a standard apartment, Stalinist apartment redesign, renovation in old housing – photos on our websiteWhat people usually forget during renovation

"I will definitely move out. It's clearly visible that the plastic corner pieces on furniture can't handle serious load," admits the owner. Personal experience shows it's important to:

  • Check material quality;

  • Consider structural load;

  • Plan ventilation;

  • Don't save money on important elements.

Photo: style, apartment, room interior, interior style, interior design, renovation, what you need to know about bathroom renovation, Stalinist apartment interior, before and after, designer renovation, how to make a stylish kitchen from a ruined one, starting a renovation, renovation in an old building, planning a renovation, remodeling a standard apartment, Stalinist apartment redesign, renovation in old housing – photos on our websiteIs it worth saving money on an interior designer

Opting out of a designer's services requires:

  • More time for planning;

  • Willingness to make independent decisions;

  • Ability to communicate with contractors;

  • Capacity to visualize the end result.

This renovation experience shows: you can do without a designer if you have a clear idea of the desired outcome and are ready to dive into the process. The key is not to fear mistakes and be prepared to learn from them.