How to Turn a 'Killed' Apartment into a Stylish Space Without Cosmic Expenses

Old renovation, peeling wallpaper, creaking floors, and chandeliers from the 90s — sounds familiar? If a capital renovation is not in the plans, but you want to live in a beautiful space, there are ways to transform your apartment with minimal investment. The key is to focus on what truly changes the perception of space.

First get rid of, then redesign

The most accessible and radical way to refresh your apartment is to get rid of clutter. Yes, it sounds simple, but it works. Things that have accumulated over the years visually and physically clutter the space.

What to get rid of first:

• Old furniture that is bulky, dark, and impractical. If a cabinet or wardrobe is hard to move out, it can be painted.
• Bulky curtains with cornices, especially if the windows are small. It's better to replace them with light linen or roller curtains.
• Old rugs, especially those with faded patterns. They make the interior feel heavy. It's better to leave the floor bare or replace them with light carpeting.
• Unnecessary items on open surfaces: souvenirs, dishes, magazines. The less 'visual noise', the better.

Design: Anastasia Rodina

Lighting: the simplest way to update without renovation

An old chandelier with droppers or yellow light makes even the freshest renovation dull. The easiest way to update the space is to replace the central light fixture and add additional light sources:

• Wall sconces or table lamps will create a cozy atmosphere.
• LED strips under cabinets add an effect of an expensive interior.
• Bulbs with warm neutral light (not yellow or cold white) make the apartment visually more upscale.

Design: Tatyana Leitan

Furniture: update without buying new

If the furniture is outdated but new pieces don't fit into the budget, it can be renovated:

• Paint the facades of wardrobes and dressers. The cheapest option is acrylic paint, a more durable one is enamel.
• Replace handles. This instantly refreshes kitchen cabinets and wardrobes.
• Add textiles. A sofa can be updated with a throw, a chair with a cover, and chairs with new cushions.

Decor: minimal cost, maximum effect

The final step is to add details that make the interior lively and cozy:

• Mirrors. They visually expand the space, especially in small apartments.
• Posters in frames. The cheapest way to update the walls. You can buy inexpensive ones or print them yourself.
• Plants. Even one large flower in a pot changes the perception of space.
• Cushions and throws. Warm textiles complete the interior.

Design: Alena Scherbinina

Paint will save even the most hopeless walls

If the wallpaper is hanging in patches but there's no money for a capital finish, the best option is painting. Walls can be refreshed even without primer: just fill in cracks and go over them with a roller.

What color to choose?

• Light shades (white, gray, beige) visually expand the space.
• Darker colors (graphite, deep blue) create an effect of an expensive interior but require good lighting.
• If the apartment is small, paint the walls and ceiling in one shade — this 'blurs' the boundaries of the room.

Important: if the wallpaper has texture, paint may not apply evenly. In this case, it's easier to reapply the most problematic areas with wallpaper designed for painting.

Floor: hide flaws without major renovation

Old linoleum or dark parquet is not a reason to spend hundreds of thousands on replacing the flooring. There are hacks:

• vinyl tiles. They stick directly onto old linoleum or laminate. They look like wood or stone and cost less.
• Wool-free rugs. They cover an ugly floor but don't collect dust.
• Paint for tiles and parquet. If the bathroom or hallway has terrible tiles, they can be painted with special paint.

Doors and trim — the most underrated elements

Peeling doors instantly make an apartment look neglected. It's expensive to change, but there are budget-friendly options:

• Paint (best in neutral tones: white, gray, beige).
• Self-adhesive film in wood or concrete style.
• Change handles. Stylish hardware is 50% of the success.

Trim also plays a role: if it's dark and peeling, the apartment will look old. White trim freshens up the interior. If you're too lazy to repaint, it can be replaced with plastic ones.

Design: Anastasia Gromova

Conclusion

Refreshing an apartment without capital renovation is possible. The key is to get rid of the unnecessary, tidy up the walls, floor, doors, and refresh the lighting. Furniture and decor can be transformed with minimal investment. All this will make even the most 'killed' apartment cozy and stylish.

Cover: Design project by Anastasia Rodina