Classic With A Touch Of Industrial Inside A Newly Renovated Apartment
Small apartments set a large series of challenges when it comes to finding the perfect interior design. The lack of space poses problems in terms of optimal storage and comfortable ambiance. Maintaining an airy and flexible décor while also integrating all the desired features and functions in a limited space is something interior designers have to deal with all the time and each time they have to come up with new solutions that can adapt to the space in a personalized manner.
When buro5 has to renovate a 49 sqm (527 sq ft) in Moscow, Russia, the strategy adopted included taking the existing defining elements and integrating them in the new design in a natural fashion. The apartment features exposed pipes and tubes which the designers chose to highlight by adding even more such elements instead of trying to conceal them.
By embracing these elements they kept the original character of the apartment alive and, at the same time, gave the space a new identity. In addition, by not concealing these features, they also managed to save space and to maintain a spacious feel throughout.
Several layout changes were made in order to maximize the usable space and to better organize the apartment so each space can function properly without creating big discrepancies with the rest of the floor space.
The plan was from the start to add a recreation area to the kitchen and to create a mezzanine level above the entrance area. Originally, the kitchen measures 9 square meters, the hallway covered an area of 8 square meters and the bathroom and balcony measures 4 respectively 3 square meters. All these spaces had to be expanded.
The mezzanine area functions as a workspace. A metal and wood staircase offers access to a small platform where a desk with a simple industrial design can be found. There’s also a small storage unit and a classical chair.
On a slightly raised platform there’s a guest bed. Long dark red curtains offer it a theatrical and warm look.
Black and red are the two main accent colors used in the new interior design. The master bedroom features a red accent wall and a few small black accents while the main color is white.
The kitchen features black as the accent shade, combined with tones of natural wood and white and gray accents.