Maximum from Minimum: Remodeling a 43 m² One-Room + Kitchen Apartment into a One-Bedroom

This project was completed in the Primorsky Quarter Residential Complex in St. Petersburg for a young couple. The goal was to transform a standard one-room and kitchen apartment into a comfortable and functional living space with two fully defined zones: one for privacy and rest, and another for shared living.

A One-Bedroom is a modern apartment layout in which the kitchen, living room, and dining area are combined into one open-plan space, while a separate bedroom is also provided. It’s an efficient and contemporary solution, especially relevant for compact homes and limited budgets.

Initial Layout

Initial Conditions and Layout Analysis

• Apartment size: 43 m²
• Intended interior style: modern and functional
• Original type: one-room apartment
• Target audience: a young couple

We began by evaluating the potential of the original layout. Through furniture placement simulations, it became clear that the existing plan lacked the comfort a couple needs. One area stood out — a narrow, dark corridor taking up 8 m² — a non-functional zone consuming nearly one-fifth of the apartment’s total area.

Planning Solution

We completely reimagined the apartment’s layout with a focus on optimizing every square meter. The main challenge was to convert “dead” space into fully functional living areas.

Key changes:

• A full-size bedroom of 9.5 m²: It now accommodates a large built-in wardrobe and a cozy dressing nook, offering the privacy and comfort required for rest.
• Spacious open-plan kitchen-living-dining area (24.2 m²): The former living room and hallway were combined to form a unified, airy social space. Zones are clearly defined, movement flows freely, and the TV area is separated from main walkways. The dining area is comfortably centered — perfect for entertaining or relaxing together.
• Compact, ergonomic entryway (3.7 m²): Designed with built-in storage and direct, logical access to the main living space.
• Expanded bathroom (3.8 m²): Enlarged to accommodate a shower and ample storage.
• Work-from-home office on the balcony (3.0 m²): A practical and secluded space for productive remote work.
• Built-in laundry storage: A designated cabinet for a washing machine was integrated into the layout.
• Smart storage systems: Built-in closets and multifunctional furniture throughout the apartment help minimize visual clutter and make the most of the compact footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it legal to move the kitchen into a niche? Yes. This layout adjustment can be legally approved.
• Do I need to raise the floor because of the sink relocation? No. The 5 cm drainpipe from the sink can be embedded into the floor screed. There’s no need to raise the floor level — this has been verified through calculations and construction documentation.

Video from the Site During Implementation

Interior Design

The design is executed in a contemporary functional style with elements of Scandinavian aesthetics. This interior is ideal for a young couple or a single person. Thanks to vertical slats, concealed storage systems, and a continuous floor finish (except for the entry area), the relatively compact space feels significantly larger than its actual size.

Kitchen–Dining–Living Area and Hallway

The interior is built on a calm, light base with rich accents. Light gray concrete, white brick, light oak, and a white ceiling are complemented by olive kitchen fronts, a mustard sofa, and emerald green chairs. The textures combine matte surfaces, wood, textiles, and black metal details. The graphic quality of the black hardware unifies the interior.

Lighting is multi-level, designed for different scenarios: recessed spotlights, track systems, wall sconces, and concealed lighting.

• Kitchen: Compact and functional. Matte olive handleless fronts, a gray retro Smeg refrigerator, and a built-in column with appliances. The backsplash is concrete-look porcelain tile. Behind slatted doors, a utility block with a laundry area is concealed.
• Dining Area: A compact table with a wooden top on a black base, velvet chairs, and a statement pendant light form a cozy dining group at the junction of the kitchen and living room.
• Living Room: White decorative brick with soft backlighting, a mustard sofa as the color focal point, a minimalist floating console, and illuminated shelves. Light sheer curtains and full-height gray drapes visually elongate the space.
• Hallway: 3D-effect tiles visually separate the entry zone from the living area. A floor-to-ceiling mirror with perimeter lighting expands the space. An olive wall-mounted shelf and concealed wardrobes provide storage. A slatted partition with open shelving gently separates the hallway from the living room without blocking light.

Curved Wall

The rounded corner of the partition separating the common area from the bedroom solves several tasks at once.

• Smooth circulation: In a compact apartment, every centimeter counts. The soft corner makes movement between the hallway, kitchen, and bedroom natural and safe.
• Visual expansion: The absence of a sharp vertical edge “erases” boundaries, making the space feel more fluid and voluminous.
• Lighting scenario: Light spreads gently across the curved surface, creating beautiful gradient shadows instead of harsh contrasts.

Bedroom

The 9.5 m² bedroom is designed in a soft, intimate palette. Natural tones and layered lighting create a bright and cozy atmosphere, while concealed lighting and mirrors near the window ensure sufficient daylight even on cloudy days. Built-in furniture includes a spacious storage system and a compact vanity area without overwhelming the space.

• Color Palette and Finishes: The main accent is the headboard wall, painted in a calm azure-turquoise tone. The remaining walls are white, visually expanding the room. Textiles feature mustard and gray-blue accents. Light wood flooring adds warmth.
• Furniture and Storage Systems: A double bed with a soft headboard matching the accent wall. A built-in wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling wardrobe with white matte fronts and a light wood insert appears almost invisible. By the window — a narrow illuminated niche for books and décor and a wall-mounted vanity with a mirror and terracotta pouf. A minimalist bedside table on tall wooden legs completes the composition.
• Lighting and Decor: Main lighting — recessed spotlights. Decorative lighting — golden glass pendants above the nightstand and vanity. Windows are dressed with light sheer curtains and blackout gray drapes for comfortable sleep.

Bathroom

We merged the separate bathroom and toilet, fitting all essential fixtures into 3.8 m². The design follows the apartment’s overall concept — a mix of concrete textures, wood, and graphic black accents. Engineering systems are concealed behind false walls, and the washing machine is relocated to a corridor niche behind slatted doors. The result is a clean, calm space dedicated to hygiene and relaxation.

• Equipment: Corner shower with a matte black rainfall showerhead and glass partition. Concealed installation with a wall-hung toilet and hygienic shower. Vessel sink on a wide wooden countertop over a floating vanity.
• Aesthetics and Finishes: Walls finished with light beige concrete-look porcelain tile. Mirror and shelves with perimeter LED lighting, and a niche with greenery adding a subtle spa accent. All sanitary ware is in matte black finish.

Loggia

On the 3 m² loggia, we created a mini home office and a relaxation corner. The base of the built-in armchair includes a pull-out drawer for storage.

Summary

This project is a perfect example of how even a compact apartment can be transformed into a modern, practical, and visually pleasant home — with the right professional approach. A modest 43 m² became a fully functional one-bedroom apartment, ideal for two people: featuring privacy, open living space, a home office, and integrated storage systems. We created a space that meets the real needs of modern urban living.

The authors:

Fedor Mironov
Daniyar Gainullin

2020