7 Ideas We Spotted in the Transformed 1905 Two-Room Apartment

Nina and Andrew Kharin approached the past of their new home — a flat on the top floor of a former income-generating house from 1905 located on the Petrograd side — with respect. The couple restored original elements, cleared walls down to brick, preserved the layout and filled the interior with fresh colors and practical solutions.

The wonderful combination of brutality, coziness, and engineering precision turned the 1905 two-room apartment into a relevant and lively space. Below are 7 finds worth saving for inspiration.

Use old brick as an accent

Instead of hiding the masonry behind layers of plaster, the owners cleared part of the walls down to brick. This solution not only added character to the space but also emphasized the age of the house: the rough texture of the brick is strikingly well-suited to smooth painted walls.

Design: Nina and Andrew Kharin

Build a palette based on antique tiles

True Metlinsky tiles were discovered under modern laminate in the hallway: they were restored and became the starting point for the entire color concept. Tones from the patterns were carried over to the walls, textiles, and accessories: now the interior feels cohesive and pays homage to the history of the house.

Design: Nina and Andrew Kharin

Arrange furniture to keep the space light

Despite its small size (just 48 sq. m), the apartment does not feel cramped. This was achieved thanks to thoughtful furniture placement: a low-slung sofa, a dining set without unnecessary bulk, and a kitchen cabinet neatly tucked into a niche. Passageways remained free, and each zone stands out clearly.

Design: Nina and Andrew Kharin

Choose open shelves instead of upper cabinets

On the kitchen, they opted for open shelves rather than solid upper cabinets. This visually lightened the niche and allowed placing dishes and details that reflect the owners' character on display. As a result, the kitchen looks deeper, and the interior comes alive with personal touches.

Design: Nina and Andrew Kharin

Hide technical details

The refrigerator and the kitchen door are nearly invisible visually: all thanks to matching the color of the wall. A technique borrowed from theatrical set design, which works perfectly in real life and helps avoid breaking up the space or drawing attention to unattractive zones.

Design: Nina and Andrew Kharin

Integrate the wardrobe and laundry room into the living area

In the bedroom, a portion of the space is separated by rails for a wardrobe and laundry room. This created a corner that performs several functions without standing out from the overall style. Zoning makes the apartment more functional without compromising aesthetics.

Design: Nina and Andrew Kharin

Don't fear bright colors

Instead of the usual neutral palette, the owners chose rich and warm tones: terracotta, brick red, and deep green. They envelop, create comfort, and surprisingly harmonize with the antique ceilings with moldings and vintage details.

Design: Nina and Andrew Kharin

The apartment is a perfect example of how to combine respect for history with a modern approach to comfort. Each decision reflects care for details, the desire to preserve the spirit of the old house and make it convenient for living.

These ideas are easily adapted to other interiors: they don’t require large investments.