Before and After: How We Transformed a Boring Kitchen in an Old Building

The kitchen is the heart of any home. But what to do if it doesn't look the way you wanted? Designer Pavel Foteev solved this problem in an apartment located in a 1960s building. He created a vibrant dopamine-style interior that now delights the eye, energizes with positivity, and brings happiness.

Room tour of this apartment (37 minutes)

Previously, the apartment was rented out, and the kitchen was a typical dull space. Narrow, cramped, with outdated finishes and furniture — it lacked both functionality and aesthetics.

The first step toward change was combining the kitchen with the living room and dining area. This visually expanded the space and made it more welcoming. To align the layout, gas was disconnected and an electric cooktop was installed.

Tile in cherry and beige tones laid in a checkerboard pattern evokes mid-century style. The window sills were painted a bright salad green color, and the wide windowsill became an additional storage space.

The kitchen cabinet was chosen as a ready-made option from the budget segment. The lower cabinets were painted in a rich blue color, adding contrast with white handles. The upper cabinet fronts were covered with shiny film, adding visual lightness and creating a striking accent.

Essential appliances were installed in the kitchen: built-in oven, 3-burner cooktop, range hood, and compact dishwasher. The red refrigerator and microwave stand out against the overall palette, making the interior more lively and dynamic.

A large dining table with green supports, which had long been waiting for its place in the designer's office, finally found its home. It is complemented by red chairs and an unusual lamp with a rotating mechanism, completing the kitchen style.

Thus, the transformed kitchen became a vibrant and functional space where it's pleasant to spend time.