Decorating a small 52sqm apartment with mid-century furniture
Tour of a small 52sqm apartment, carefully renovated for a young couple in a mid-century style by the designers at PLANKA
How do you decorate a small 52sqm apartment with mid-century furniture? The designers at PLANKA Buro took on this project for a young couple who purchased the apartment in a 1950s building. Building’s architecture is imposing, with its high ceilings, arches, and original hardwood floors. The challenge facing the designers was no small feat. They had to create something bright, warm, and functional, without betraying the spirit of the place.
The result? A visually striking apartment with a mid-century vibe, featuring just the right amount of French touches to soften the starkness of the black and white.
The first decision was to keep everything. Its original windows were preserved and restored. The solid dark wood floors as well. Even the front door was kept for this budget-constrained project. This saved money but also preserves the apartment’s history with its cherished patina.
Integrating these existing elements into a contemporary interior requires true precision. The color palette did the trick: matte white on the walls, mostly black furniture, and a few natural materials to soften this monochromatic base. The living room showcases the boldest choices. An armchair, resting on slender brass legs and upholstered in a black-and-gray geometric patterned fabric, immediately catches the eye.
On this project, the designers made concessions everywhere except when it came to lighting. Every room was equipped with fixtures from renowned brands. In the kitchen, a large round white pendant contrasts with the low natural oak cabinet fronts and the veined marble countertop. In the bedroom, a nearly wing-like shape made of white fabric floats from the ceiling—poetic and unexpected.
For the bathroom, the wall sconces by Chronosfactor have an unusual history: their shades were once part of a massive chandelier that adorned a nearby nursing home. Legend has it that they were manufactured in the same factory as the famous stars on the Kremlin towers.
The design, elegance, and attention to detail all coexist in this small 52sqm apartment, an exemplary project that combines modernity with respect for the historic surroundings. Photo: Sergey Krasyuk - Stylist: Dasha Soboleva
The result? A visually striking apartment with a mid-century vibe, featuring just the right amount of French touches to soften the starkness of the black and white.
The project in detail
The first decision was to keep everything. Its original windows were preserved and restored. The solid dark wood floors as well. Even the front door was kept for this budget-constrained project. This saved money but also preserves the apartment’s history with its cherished patina.
Integrating these existing elements into a contemporary interior requires true precision. The color palette did the trick: matte white on the walls, mostly black furniture, and a few natural materials to soften this monochromatic base. The living room showcases the boldest choices. An armchair, resting on slender brass legs and upholstered in a black-and-gray geometric patterned fabric, immediately catches the eye.
Lighting, the one area where no compromises were made
On this project, the designers made concessions everywhere except when it came to lighting. Every room was equipped with fixtures from renowned brands. In the kitchen, a large round white pendant contrasts with the low natural oak cabinet fronts and the veined marble countertop. In the bedroom, a nearly wing-like shape made of white fabric floats from the ceiling—poetic and unexpected.
For the bathroom, the wall sconces by Chronosfactor have an unusual history: their shades were once part of a massive chandelier that adorned a nearby nursing home. Legend has it that they were manufactured in the same factory as the famous stars on the Kremlin towers.
The design, elegance, and attention to detail all coexist in this small 52sqm apartment, an exemplary project that combines modernity with respect for the historic surroundings. Photo: Sergey Krasyuk - Stylist: Dasha Soboleva
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