Tochka Design Studio Preserves Tradition in a Moscow Apartment

Creating a new home in a dated building can be challenging—especially when it’s 550 square feet for a couple and small child living on a Stalin-era block in Moscow. But Tochka Design Studio’s Ekaterina Oleynikova took the limitations as a challenge. “We were inspired to preserve the old traditions,” she says, “and to create a new vision of the space.”

High ceilings and large windows bring abundant natural light, reflected in a bright white palette with soothing blue and gray accents. Vibrantly patterned tiles inspire curiosity, while the hallway’s lengthy storage unit keeps things tidy—as does a row of bookcases by the front door that showcases the couple’s treasured collections.

Black countertops and upholstery on chairs, found in a local flea market, offer graphic punches amid the pared-down palette. Best of all, Oleynikova added a sliding pocket door between the bedroom and living/dining area, a time-honored way to make traditional apartments newly multifunctional.