Renovating a 322-Square-Foot Apartment with Contemporary Classic Style
A surprise renovation project transforms a compact Moscow apartment into a warm, functional home.
1A Secret Residential Transformation
Designer Polina Chumakova of Lagolga Buro led the renovation of a 322-square-foot apartment in the Vidny Gorod complex near Moscow. The project was a surprise gift from a daughter and son-in-law to the owner, Lara. The design team managed the entire process in secret until the final reveal to the resident.
2Strategic Layout Reorganization
The original floor plan presented significant obstacles, including a bulky load-bearing pillar and two cramped bathrooms. Chumakova integrated the pillar into a large entryway closet to maximize space. By combining the two bathrooms, the team created a more functional layout that provided essential additional storage within the very compact footprint.
3Optimizing for Natural Light
The apartment suffered from limited direct sunlight, necessitating careful color and material adjustments. Initial floor tiles appeared too beige, forcing a replacement with lighter options to enhance brightness. The lighting design incorporates five distinct scenarios, including integrated ceiling lights and accent spotlights, to ensure the space remains warm and inviting.
4Versatile Furniture Solutions
To avoid clutter, the design utilizes multipurpose furniture like a sofa bed instead of a traditional bed. This choice allows the living area to transition between a relaxation zone and a social space. Custom cabinets by Avantiz provide seamless storage, keeping the interior clean while maintaining an open, airy feeling throughout.
5Curating a Classic Aesthetic
The interior blends contemporary design with natural walnut accents and vintage details. Olive green walls by Little Greene add depth, while custom moldings provide a modern twist on traditional textures. The selection of furniture, including pieces by Tok and Artefact, ensures the home feels classic without referencing any specific historical era.
6Kitchen as the Heart
The kitchen was prioritized as the central hub of the home to accommodate the owner’s passion for baking. Located near a window overlooking the courtyard, the custom Avantiz kitchen serves as a pleasant workspace. The design ensures the area is large enough to host family gatherings, including the owner’s two grandchildren.
7Color Palette and Texture
A cohesive color scheme distinguishes zones without fragmenting the small space. Olive green defines the entryway, while milky white tones dominate the living area. Vibrant orange accents in the pouf and floor lamp provide contrast against the natural walnut. These choices create a warm atmosphere that feels consistent across the entire apartment.
8Design Freedom and Success
The project’s secret nature granted the designer greater creative freedom, leading to bolder solutions that might have been rejected in a conventional collaboration. By focusing on scale and functionality, the team successfully adapted traditional elements to a modern residential context, resulting in a perfectly tailored home that delighted the new owner.