Transforming a run-down studio into a bright apartment is a challenge. When looking at photos of a transformation, it’s not always easy to imagine what the space originally looked like. Before-and-after photos are therefore valuable records of these renovations. Some prove that you don’t necessarily need a large budget to pull them off. Others don’t… This 34sqm studio, complete with a 7sqm loggia, was taken on by designers Nina Vanchugova and Elena Gracheva. They envisioned a versatile space featuring soft, powdery tones and natural materials. The project combines restored vintage furniture with contemporary pieces sourced from showrooms.

It also offers great ideas for reimagining a compact apartment for everyday living. There’s a real sense of cohesion between the rooms. It also demonstrates how to make the most of an existing floor plan without knocking down walls to keep costs down.

A compact yet highly functional living room


The living room features a powder-pink corner sofa, accented with a throw featuring geometric patterns. An original shelf sits next to it. One pendant light with organic curves hangs from the ceiling, illuminating the room. A rattan armchair in a discreet office corner stands near the French door that opens onto the loggia. The loggia, when closed off, is used by the owner as a yoga room. A white sideboard with arched motifs completes the window-side arrangement. A round rug, blending pink and gray, adorns the floor. This room focuses entirely on the softness of its materials and colors.

A bedroom nestled in an alcove


The architects created an alcove to separate the sleeping area from the living room. A pink velvet curtain can close off this space and filter the light as needed. Its wall painted sage green contrasts with the pink of the living room. A woven rattan headboard simply completes the furnishings. Two wall sconces frame the bed and eliminate the need for nightstands. The bedroom space is rather limited, though it’s a welcome addition, so it’s essential not to clutter it with too much furniture.

The bedding combines gray stripes with darker botanical patterns. Its curtain allows you to completely close off the bedroom when light from the living room is distracting or when you want to completely shut yourself off.

A kitchen that blends vintage pieces with functionality


The kitchen retains its original layout but takes on a completely new look. Gray cabinet doors contrast with a dark wood countertop that’s both warm and understated. An antique, vintage carved wooden cabinet sits above the countertop. It’s a unique piece that elevates the kitchen beyond the ordinary. A cream-colored refrigerator with retro lines completes the look. A small round table and two bistro chairs create a dining nook.

Above the table and chairs, a wall of mismatched picture frames adds an extra touch of vintage charm to the room. The original wall tiles have been given a new lease on life thanks to a special paint rather than a complete replacement. This cost-effective choice perfectly illustrates the overall spirit of the project, which focuses on enhancing what already exists. The kitchen thus has a distinct personality without requiring any major additional work.

A bathroom in soft hues


In the bathroom, we see the same soft hues used in the living room. A rounded shower stall occupies one corner. The gold-toned fixtures add warmth to the textured gray tiles covering the walls. A round mirror with an aged gold frame hangs above the white sink. It sits on a vanity with wavy, pink-colored fronts. A chandelier with pendants illuminates the room in a romantic style.

An entryway with attention to every detail


The entryway of this 34sqm studio features a black-and-white cabochon tile floor. This room, which is quite large for a studio apartment, has a retro Parisian style with its bench and gilded mirror featuring baroque lines. The raw, industrial-style metal front door contrasts with the soft hues of the living room. Formerly covered with a padded panel to dampen outside noise, it was simply hand-patinated after the outdated covering was removed. Adjustable spotlights mounted on the ceiling effectively illuminate this windowless entryway.

Our take on this renovation


This project stands out for its practical and cost-effective approach, which nonetheless yields a satisfying and elegant result. It successfully balances functionality and aesthetics without requiring major construction work. The choice of powdery hues, paired with sage green, creates a soft and timeless color palette. The restored furniture elevates this space above the ordinary and avoids the uniformity often found in brand-new interiors. Its alcove designed for the bedroom is a practical solution that preserves the sense of space while providing a dedicated area for rest. The bathroom is in harmony with the rest of this well-renovated small apartment.

This renovation can inspire anyone renovating a compact apartment on a limited budget. The mix of materials, including rattan, velvet, and gold-toned metal, brings a lot of warmth to the overall design, which initially seemed rather cold. Each room retains its own identity while adhering to a common color palette.

The apartment's surroundings


This 34sqm studio is located on a high floor in a residential building surrounded by neighboring high-rises. The living room’s large windows offer an unobstructed view of the surrounding cityscape. Its adjoining loggia extends the living space outward, shielding it from direct views from neighboring buildings. This high-floor location allows plenty of natural light to flood into every room.

living room contemporary decor in pink 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


green bedroom in an alcove and living room contemporary decor in pink 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest




living room contemporary decor in pink 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


green bedroom in an alcove and living room contemporary decor in pink 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


green bedroom in an alcove and living room contemporary decor in pink 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


green bedroom in an alcove and living room contemporary decor in pink 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


living room contemporary decor in pink 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


kitchen vintage and contemporary decor 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


small dining room in kitchen vintage and contemporary decor 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


kitchen vintage and contemporary decor 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


bathroom contemporary decor 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


bathroom contemporary decor 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


entryway classic parisian decor 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


entryway classic parisian decor 34sqm studio flatShare on Pinterest


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