A 22-Square-Meter Apartment Transformed: Compact Luxury in Moscow

• Project Name: Gift for a Daughter
• Location: Moscow, Russia
• Design Year: 2023
• Year of Construction: 2024
• Area: 22 square meters
• Budget: $84,000
• Image Credits: Photographer Boris Bochkarev, Style by Elena Karasaeva

This 22-square-meter apartment was a heartfelt gift from parents to their 18-year-old daughter, Sasha. The family initially grappled with the challenge of making such a compact space functional and comfortable. They enlisted designer Olga Poliakova to transform the apartment into a cozy, practical, and stylish haven for Sasha. Conveniently close to the family’s own residence, the apartment offered both proximity and potential for a modern living solution.

Key Design Requirements

The parents outlined specific goals for the project:

• Style and functionality: A chic and practical apartment tailored to Sasha’s lifestyle.
• Storage solutions: Adequate space for a vibrant wardrobe.
• Kitchen practicality: A fully functional area for cooking.
• Comfortable sleeping arrangement.
• Dedicated workspace.

The project’s success hinged on proving that the apartment could meet Sasha’s needs; otherwise, the property would be sold.

Challenges and Advantages

Challenges:

• Extremely limited area of just 22 square meters.
• Inward-opening front door with no option to alter its swing direction.

Advantages:

• High ceilings measuring 3.2 meters, offering vertical design opportunities.
• A prime central location in Moscow, enhancing its appeal.

Smart Design Solutions

Sleeping Area

Traditional bed options were impractical in such a compact space. The solution? A custom sofa bed crafted using two premium mattresses, offering a blend of comfort and practicality without sacrificing style.

Storage

Custom-built closets were strategically integrated into the hallway, blending seamlessly with the apartment’s color palette. These closets offered:

• Ample space for clothing and shoes.
• Hidden compartments for a washing machine, refrigerator, oven, and microwave.

Kitchen

The kitchen was designed with functionality at its core, following a two-line layout optimized by the “golden triangle” principle. Features include:

• One side housing the sink, dishwasher, and storage units.
• The opposite side accommodating the fridge, oven, and microwave.

To maximize space, a half-bar table was installed at counter height, doubling as both a dining area and additional workspace. Paired with stylish chairs, it serves as a centerpiece for the compact kitchen.

Personal Touches

The striking color of the window frames inspired the design of a custom table, which the designer painted herself after manufacturers declined the vibrant color request. This personal touch added character and continuity to the design.

Bathroom

The bathroom merges functionality with elegance. Key features include:

• A bold vanity unit with ample storage.
• A designer chandelier for a touch of luxury.
• A tall mirror that amplifies the sense of space.

The washing machine was cleverly concealed in the entryway closet, preserving the bathroom’s clean aesthetic.

The Final Result

The transformation exceeded expectations. The compact apartment now offers:

• A vibrant, functional kitchen.
• A cozy and adaptable sleeping area.
• Thoughtfully designed storage solutions.

Bold colors, practical layouts, and personalized elements combine to create a stylish, modern home that perfectly suits a young woman starting her independent journey. The parents, impressed by the result, embraced the renovation, bringing Olga Poliakova’s vision to life.