Project
Modern studio apartment with a Soviet-era vibe
Location
Moscow, Russia (Ochakovskoye shosse, residential complex Sreda na Lobachevskogo)
Project stage
Concept
Photo/visualization
Elizaveta Chuprina
The design of this 24 m² studio apartment in a Moscow residential complex was commissioned by a young woman who splits her time between cities. One of the key requirements was to create a space that would feel comfortable for occasional personal stays, while also being visually striking enough to attract short-term renters quickly. The challenge for Ksyuschenka bureau was to develop an interior that would catch the eye without sacrificing practicality.
The client’s stylistic preferences leaned toward the aesthetics of the Soviet era, so the design bureau drew inspiration from that visual language — reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. One of the defining elements of the project is the mosaic flooring made from leftover marble pieces of various textures and tones, originally considered waste from production. This solution became a central artistic accent and reflected the bureau’s commitment to recycling and conscious material use. In the dining and lounge areas, the floor is finished with engineered wood — a durable, practical choice ideal for a rental apartment.
The color palette is based on a bold yet harmonious combination of yellow, red and blue, evoking the spirit of the 1960s–70s. This visual language is complemented by a retro lighting fixtures, and ceramics sourced from second-hand and vintage stores.
Despite its compact size, the studio accommodates everything needed for one or two people. The main space is divided into three functional zones: an entryway with storage, a kitchen visually separated by a lowered ceiling, and a combined dining and living area.
Two full-fledged storage solutions were integrated into the layout: a modular wardrobe in the living area and a spacious built-in closet in the hallway. The closet’s mirrored facade visually enlarges the space, while its interior — lined with soft blue velvet — adds an unexpected decorative touch, turning it into a kind of jewelry box within the apartment.
