The kitchen initially looked like this in the photo, with renovation work already underway. We replaced the utilities, installed new floors, and completed other minor updates. This picture was taken before the wall was removed to separate the bathroom. The kitchen was in poor condition: a broken sink, old metal dish racks, and Soviet-era tiles. It was clear that no major repairs had been made in about 50 years.
While the old furniture and materials had a certain quality and durability—it’s hard to imagine IKEA pieces lasting as long—everything felt outdated and worn. A quirky feature was the double kitchen mixer, which looked quite unusual, along with the positioning of the radiators, one of which was placed directly above the kitchen table, creating an odd visual.
After the renovation, the transformation was dramatic. The kitchen became compact, functional, and modern, with a cohesive selection of furniture and materials that gave it a fresh and appealing look.
Despite the small size of just 4.5 square meters, we managed to fit in not only a stove but also a dishwasher and refrigerator, with the latter placed in a perfect spot. It’s incredible how such a tiny space was turned into a comfortable, practical kitchen that any home cook would love to use.
That said, there are a few small drawbacks, like the excess magnets on the fridge, which don’t do much for the aesthetic, and the silver strip dividing the space, which I find a bit awkward.
