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)
Yep, looks rather gulag-y.
Insert art, plants, colorful textiles/rugs, soft furniture, for a start.
view mirandabee's profile
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.
view visualingual's profile
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"!
view modernguy's profile
I think I might feel like I'd woken up in one of the Saw movies.
view lindyleech's profile
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.
view amazonikon's profile
The doors are what really creep me out. They'd make you feel like you were trapped in a meat locker.
view brittanykate's profile
"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!
view Lucy (SF Bay Area)'s profile
Wow, just looking at pictures makes me shiver. It looks so COLD.
view Tiamat_the_Red's profile
i like it, but i'm not sure i'd like it everyday.
view liam.'s profile
As a mood piece or a work of art, this is sensational.
As a real home, this is a nightmare.
view kellylc's profile
Where's the interrogation room?
view KatherineD's profile
I LOVE the bedroom. I'd take that as it is.
view dennisd's profile
hate it. within in two days of living in that, i would go on a killing spree.
view tallen5's profile
Interior design for the depressive soul?
view fabulissime's profile
My first impression is, prison cell. A very nice prison cell.
Too cold for my taste. I like the clean line look though.
view pier723's profile
Extremely depressing!
view sassydo's profile
Prison? A submarine? Not somewhere I'd want to spend much time. And that chair--it looks like a torture device.
view kelleyk's profile
This definitely seems to be drawing from the cold/bleak aspect of the Russian temperament rather than the boisterous portion.
view Max's profile
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.
view 1050908's profile
It looks like the lair of a stylish supervillain.
view bewarethebaobabs's profile
The drapes should really be camo, albeit grey & black camo.
view rapidtransitman's profile
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.
view sally305's profile
1st photo - fabulous
2nd photo - umm kinda industrial
3rd photo - love those chairs
4th photo - oh no industrial/prison
5th photo - yeah prison
view alexis's profile
nightmare
view orangered's profile
It's like Panic Room: The movie. And yet I sort of love it. Not for myself, but as a design statement.
view brenton's profile
Ultimate Man Cave. Don't change a thing. Unless you want to add a garage to stash the Batmobile.
view pauljr's profile
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...
view dunklekatze's profile
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
view niche's profile
this looks straight out of late 70s "High-Tech" decor styling.
view splendid's profile
Very Mickey Rourke or Jan Michael Vincent - right before they had to start paying for sex.
view JoeyBrill's profile
To me, it feels like someone would be living in a prison - LOL - not a home.
view ChrisGal's profile
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.
view manders's profile
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.
view Etherprojects's profile
love it, love it, love it!
view charlenemcbride's profile
Too cold and sterile for my style. The whole house feels like a prison cell...especially the bedroom.
view lilyruby's profile
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.
view morfydd's profile
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.
view lucica's profile
...and changing the curtains and the lights would have a huge impact.
view lucica's profile