How We Designed a Kitchen with Natural Accents and Graphic Details

The interior in the historical center of Kazan was designed by designer Victoria Shapovalova for rent—not a typical one, but with 'character.' The challenge was ambitious: fit within a reasonable budget, maintain universality, yet achieve a 'wow effect' so that the apartment stands out favorably among neighbors in the area.

Therefore, Victoria combined minimalist geometry, modern functionality, and eclectic motifs—in both furniture and finishings.

Photo before renovation

The main public area of the apartment is the combined kitchen and living room space. Here, the designer focused on a restrained yet dynamic composition supported by unconventional color combinations, textures, and carefully selected materials.

The kitchen cabinet is made in two colors: upper cabinets are white, while lower ones are beige-powder tone with smooth facades without handles. This choice makes the furniture visually lighter and creates a gentle vertical division of the kitchen. The countertop and backsplash are decorated with light tile laid in a 'tree' pattern—one of the recognizable elements of this project.

Design: Victoria Shapovalova

The tile plays not only a decorative role but also unifies the kitchen with other areas of the apartment where graphic motifs are used as well—for example, a wall hanging behind the dining table and plant-based ornament in the hallway. Hardware is chosen in matte black: the faucet, built-in appliances and range hood appear restrained yet modern, creating a contrast against light surfaces.

Design: Victoria Shapovalova

The kitchen is compact but functional: the sink, work zone and stove are aligned in one line, with built-in appliances placed in tall panels to the left of the main front. The refrigerator is integrated, helping maintain a monolithic appearance of the facade. Instead of open shelves, flat surfaces keep attention focused.

Design: Victoria Shapovalova

The dining area is located along the wall. A wooden table and chairs with velvet upholstery in a rich olive tone were selected for it. The furniture color echoes the green accents in decor and the fresco in the bedroom. Pendant lights above the table are graphic fixtures finished in brass and marble.

Design: Victoria Shapovalova

An especially decorative element is a wall hanging with a plant pattern. It serves as both a color accent, focal point and soft zoning tool. The wall behind the hanging is decorated with vertical moldings that add texture and create subtle shadows—making the kitchen look architectural rather than flat.

Design: Victoria Shapovalova

It's important that the cabinet fits perfectly into a niche provided by the developer—the kitchen sits as if built-in.