7 Ideas We Borrowed from the Transformed Brezhnev-Era 45 m² Apartment

This apartment was inherited from the grandmother and updated by designer Darya Kurchanova. The challenge was not simple: to preserve the spirit of the old house, keep meaningful elements for the owner, and transform outdated space into a convenient modern interior. As a result, spacious storage systems, areas for hobbies and relaxation, and a well-lit apartment with carefully chosen accents appeared.

Preserving Original Details

One of the key principles of the project is a respectful approach to the original finish. The old parquet and wooden windows were preserved, restored so they look like new. This approach allows maintaining a connection with the past and giving the interior soulfulness. Additionally, restoring old elements is often more cost-effective than a full replacement, and the result is unique.

Design: Darya Kurchanova

Tall Cabinet to the Ceiling

The kitchen is small, so the designer maximized vertical potential. The white corner cabinet with facades up to the ceiling provides a significant amount of storage space, allowing only necessary items to be visible. Upper cabinets are convenient for seasonal dishes or rarely used items, while lower ones are for daily use.

Design: Darya Kurchanova

Tiles with Unusual Layout

To prevent the white kitchen from looking boring, the backsplash and part of the wall near the window were tiled with a combined layout. The pattern adds texture and dynamism, creating a play of light and shadow on the surface. This solution is ideal for interiors where one color dominates — it helps avoid monotony. The background works well with any accent — from vibrant dishes to live plants.

Design: Darya Kurchanova

Walk-in Closet in the Bedroom

Even in a small bedroom, it's possible to create a full-fledged walk-in closet zone. The old built-in wardrobe was preserved but completely updated internally, custom-made to fit the space. Now it not only holds clothes but also accessories, storage boxes, and other small items.

Design: Darya Kurchanova

Cabinet in Wall Color

In the living room, a large cabinet for sports equipment was built into a niche and painted in wall color. This approach helps the furniture blend into the interior and avoid drawing attention to itself. Visual unity of space is important in small apartments, where every extra volume can look bulky. Meanwhile, the functionality of the cabinet is fully preserved.

Design: Darya Kurchanova

Yoga Zone

It's rare to find a dedicated hobby zone in an urban apartment, but here it was successfully realized. In the living room by the window, space was left free for yoga and stretching. Thanks to natural light and a pleasant view from the window, the space becomes particularly comfortable. If needed, this zone can be quickly adapted for another function.

Design: Darya Kurchanova

Vibrant Accents in the Bathroom

The bathroom is done in light tones, but the designer added a soft blue hue on the ceiling that slightly flows down the walls. This technique visually blurs the edges and removes the 'well' effect often seen in small spaces. The blue color is associated with freshness and cleanliness, creating a sense of spaciousness even in compact areas.

Design: Darya Kurchanova

The project demonstrates that even in a typical Brezhnev-era apartment, it's possible to create a modern, functional, and beautiful interior. Thoughtful layout solutions, respectful attention to unique features, and focus on small details make the apartment comfortable for living and full of personal meaning.