How a Kitchen Was Arranged in a 2-Room Apartment in a 1905 House Without a Designer

The owners of this apartment are married engineers, Nina and Andrey. They love renovation and for the third time they have transformed an old building into a cozy and stylish space. This time, they preserved everything that reminded of the pre-revolutionary history of the 1905 house: from metlakh tiles to brick masonry.

Photo of the kitchen before renovation

The kitchen-living room became the heart of the apartment — warm, vibrant, and functional. The kitchen set was placed in a niche, upper cabinets were replaced with open shelves, and the walls were painted in terracotta. The room turned out to be lively and atmospheric.

Design: Nina and Andrey Kharin

The kitchen area was neatly built into a niche with brick walls: they were cleaned by hand and left in their original state. For the splashback, moisture-resistant plaster in a saturated terracotta shade was used. On top were black shelves with favorite items: dishes, spices, and plants in pots. Instead of suspended cabinets, there is lightness and visual spaciousness.

Design: Nina and Andrey Kharin

The lower fronts are made of light wood with minimalist black hardware. The kitchen set was assembled from ready-made modules, complemented with a black range hood and sink in tone. The stove, coffee machine, mixer, and even a storage cart fit perfectly: the space is small but meticulously planned down to the last centimeter.

To the left of the kitchen set is an open shelf on wheels: it was filled with jars of grains, bottles, and kitchen utensils. It not only adds mobility but also supports the open style of decoration.

Design: Nina and Andrey Kharin

The black refrigerator almost blends into the background wall: a niche was specially created for it, painted in the same shade as the splashback. The solution makes large appliances less noticeable and the kitchen more cohesive and neat. Even the door to the storage room was painted in the same wall tone to preserve geometric purity.

Design: Nina and Andrey Kharin

The kitchen opens into the living room: here, the ceiling cornice was preserved, enhanced with a crystal chandelier, a bright orange sofa was placed, and a dining area with a minimalist wooden table was set up.

Design: Nina and Andrey Kharin

The interior comes alive thanks to details: vintage vases, books, green plants, and graphic elements. Coziness, beauty, and functionality — all brought together with great care.