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Extreme Industrial Style Studio Apartment

This Moscow studio apartment from Russian architect Peter Kostelov has me reconsidering my infatuation with the industrial aesthetic — this is a HARD apartment! Though all the metallic finishes, washed out grays and right angles are appealing on their own, pulled together in this way makes the space feel like a prison!

 
 

Even though I long to inject some color and softness into the space, Peter Kostelov has implemented some great ideas for turning a small studio apartment into a seemingly endless space! Doorways, counter tops and ceiling heights are proportionately scaled for a uniform look. Single function spaces like the bathroom and kitchen are much smaller than they could be to maximize living space.

What simple things would you do to soften this space? I'd add large-scaled artwork to diminish the effect of the metallic finishes and some jewel-toned textiles would keep the space looking sophisticated but add some color depth.

Via: Dezeen | Apartment in Moscow by Peter Kostelov.

(Images: Zinon Razutdinov)

Comments (38)

Yep, looks rather gulag-y.
Insert art, plants, colorful textiles/rugs, soft furniture, for a start.

posted by mirandabee on August 11th 2009 at 5:33pm
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WOW. I love it for showing off a treasure trove of great ideas to bring into one's home, but I'd carry out one, maybe two, of them. This is too much for me, but it is a great example of taking the aesthetic to the extreme.

posted by visualingual on August 11th 2009 at 5:37pm
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I'm all for modern and clean but this looks so cold and sterile. This is what I'd imagine if the guys from Saw or Dexter started doing interior design. "Blood stains won't be a problem here"!

posted by modernguy on August 11th 2009 at 5:43pm
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I think I might feel like I'd woken up in one of the Saw movies.

posted by lindyleech on August 11th 2009 at 5:45pm
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I think it's great as is and provides an inspiring alternative to Mid-C, etc. However, being the klutz that I am, there're just too many sharp edges. I wouldn't last a week. Still...a beautiful and inspiring piece.

posted by amazonikon on August 11th 2009 at 5:54pm
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The doors are what really creep me out. They'd make you feel like you were trapped in a meat locker.

posted by brittanykate on August 11th 2009 at 5:54pm
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"Meat Locker" is what I was thinking also. Still, I like certain elements (the kitchen and bathroom in particular) and since I love grey the color palette is okay by me. But jeez, that sterile, hospital-like bedding? The bed is an obvious place to inject some softness!

posted by Lucy (SF Bay Area) on August 11th 2009 at 6:15pm
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Wow, just looking at pictures makes me shiver. It looks so COLD.

posted by Tiamat_the_Red on August 11th 2009 at 6:15pm
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i like it, but i'm not sure i'd like it everyday.

posted by liam. on August 11th 2009 at 6:17pm
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As a mood piece or a work of art, this is sensational.

As a real home, this is a nightmare.

posted by kellylc on August 11th 2009 at 6:28pm
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Where's the interrogation room?

posted by KatherineD on August 11th 2009 at 6:30pm
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I LOVE the bedroom. I'd take that as it is.

posted by dennisd on August 11th 2009 at 6:35pm
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hate it. within in two days of living in that, i would go on a killing spree.

posted by tallen5 on August 11th 2009 at 6:40pm
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Interior design for the depressive soul?

posted by fabulissime on August 11th 2009 at 6:43pm
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My first impression is, prison cell. A very nice prison cell.

Too cold for my taste. I like the clean line look though.

posted by pier723 on August 11th 2009 at 6:55pm
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Extremely depressing!

posted by sassydo on August 11th 2009 at 6:59pm
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Prison? A submarine? Not somewhere I'd want to spend much time. And that chair--it looks like a torture device.

posted by kelleyk on August 11th 2009 at 7:17pm
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This definitely seems to be drawing from the cold/bleak aspect of the Russian temperament rather than the boisterous portion.

posted by Max on August 11th 2009 at 7:20pm
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Ya'll really need to get into a New Jersey State Prison. (state vs federal), then you'll stop saying places "look like a prison." I mean into the actual cells, with big cockroaches and leaky ceilings. God, really, inmates wished they had it so good. The unit is stark but so damn unprison-like. And before you ask; I work in one.

posted by 1050908 on August 11th 2009 at 7:32pm
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It looks like the lair of a stylish supervillain.

posted by bewarethebaobabs on August 11th 2009 at 7:38pm
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The drapes should really be camo, albeit grey & black camo.

posted by rapidtransitman on August 11th 2009 at 7:54pm
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I think the metal finishes are beautiful. It's just that there's no relief. Somehow these rooms make me want to add hot pink velvet and fur everywhere.

posted by sally305 on August 11th 2009 at 8:07pm
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1st photo - fabulous
2nd photo - umm kinda industrial
3rd photo - love those chairs
4th photo - oh no industrial/prison
5th photo - yeah prison

posted by alexis on August 11th 2009 at 8:19pm
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nightmare

posted by orangered on August 11th 2009 at 8:55pm
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It's like Panic Room: The movie. And yet I sort of love it. Not for myself, but as a design statement.

posted by brenton on August 11th 2009 at 9:05pm
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Ultimate Man Cave. Don't change a thing. Unless you want to add a garage to stash the Batmobile.

posted by pauljr on August 11th 2009 at 9:58pm
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I love this, and the idea of it. I wish we could do a custom house where, bear with me, it would be a bit of Frank Lloyd Wright, mixed in with the Oakley Factory out in CA. That place is just gorgeous... my only problem with this whole thing is that I know I wouldn't do well without windows...

posted by dunklekatze on August 11th 2009 at 10:59pm
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it looks cool, in a it would be a great home base for the evil guy in an comic book turned movie kind of way. would i live in it? no way but its really interesting

posted by niche on August 11th 2009 at 11:11pm
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this looks straight out of late 70s "High-Tech" decor styling.

posted by splendid on August 11th 2009 at 11:26pm
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Very Mickey Rourke or Jan Michael Vincent - right before they had to start paying for sex.

posted by JoeyBrill on August 12th 2009 at 12:14am
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To me, it feels like someone would be living in a prison - LOL - not a home.

posted by ChrisGal on August 12th 2009 at 5:34am
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Shows real commitment to the concept. It could use more signs of life; sunlight, more plants, a colorful bunch of flowers, breathable air, something. Other than that, it's perfect for me.

posted by manders on August 12th 2009 at 10:10am
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I think industrial luxe is the term for this. I actually think it has potential in the bathroom concept. Imagine the tile having alittle more yellow for warmth, get rid of the blackened steel cabinetry, and have less geometries in the room. In fact, David Barton's new gyms have bathrooms inspired by public YMCAs with the old prison showerheads and heavy plumbing fixtures. Its made 'luxurious' by its grand scale, continuous long mirrors and countertop. But again, its interesting bc its incredibly sparse.

posted by Etherprojects on August 12th 2009 at 12:30pm
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love it, love it, love it!

posted by charlenemcbride on August 12th 2009 at 8:05pm
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Too cold and sterile for my style. The whole house feels like a prison cell...especially the bedroom.

posted by lilyruby on August 13th 2009 at 9:59am
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I love it. I don't know that I could live in it forever, but I love it. I think trying to soften it just breaks the concept.

posted by morfydd on August 13th 2009 at 10:12am
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I love it! I would put a lot of japanese-inspired art and millions of plants to soften it up and put a bit of personality in there.

posted by lucica on August 14th 2009 at 2:03am
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...and changing the curtains and the lights would have a huge impact.

posted by lucica on August 14th 2009 at 2:04am
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