Despite the fact that the times of the USSR are long gone, in many apartments there are items of the Soviet interior. Some of these things are dear as a memory, while others simply do not have the financial means for more modern repairs. In any case, old batteries, chests of drawers, floor lamps, sideboards have the right to life, so do not rush to throw them in a landfill. Novate.ru tells what attributes of a Soviet apartment will only decorate a modern interior - in original or updated form.
1. Batteries
Heating radiators, in principle, are not the most aesthetic element of the interior, regardless of whether they are made of cast iron or modern material. However, you should not rush and hide them from prying eyes. If you get creative, you can turn old Soviet batteries into a real work of art. First, look at what state they are in. If you are satisfied with what you see, arm yourself with a brush, paint and paint in a new color. The shade can be matched to the curtains, carpet, walls, or make contrasting radiators. Batteries in neutral colors, such as black, gray, white, are a good option for loft or minimalist styles. And colored radiators will look great against the background of neutral walls.
Note: In the nursery, old-style cast iron batteries can be painted in different shades and thus turned into crayons.
2. Parquet
In Soviet times, a very high-quality parquet was made, which could retain its original appearance for a long time. If you are lucky enough to live in an apartment with herringbone parquet flooring, do not replace it with a trendy laminate, but try to keep it. The fact is that removing the old version and changing it to a new one, even of not very good quality, is expensive. Plus, if you restore your parquet flooring by scraping and varnishing, it will last you another decade. And the last argument in favor of this floor covering: it fits perfectly into any interior style, especially Scandinavian.
3. Wooden frames
In most apartments and private houses, the owners have long since replaced wooden window frames with plastic ones. This decision does not surprise anyone - plastic retains heat better, so there is no need to insulate windows for the winter. However, if you have not had time to make a replacement, look at the wooden frames from the other side - they look much more aesthetically pleasing and more comfortable than plastic. Moreover, wood is an environmentally friendly material. Therefore, many designers advise spending money on frame restoration rather than replacing them.
If you are firmly convinced that your apartment needs exactly plastic windows, at least do not throw away the old frames. They can be divided into sections, colored and used as photo frames. It looks very nice and vintage. And vintage, as you know, is now in vogue.
4. Plaster molding
In stalinkas, you can often see ceiling rosettes made of plaster or stucco elements on the walls. They look luxurious and majestic, but they do not harmoniously fit into every interior. If your apartment is decorated in a classic style, then the decorative elements can be preserved and to restore - they will serve as a real decoration of housing, emphasize the geometry of the walls, make space more graceful. But minimalism, Scandinavian style, hi-tech, loft do not accept such decor. The exception is the ceiling plinth with a laconic pattern.
5. Wall
At one time, many dreamed of a large-sized group of cabinets. Its presence in the apartment was considered a sign of high status, so it is not at all surprising that whole queues lined up outside the walls. Anything could be placed in the cabinets, from dishes, sets, and ending with vases, candlesticks and other elements. However, the spaciousness could not cover one significant drawback of the wall - massiveness. The piece of furniture occupied almost a third of the usable area of the room.
If you have a large apartment and you like the quality and appearance of the wall, you can modify it a bit and keep using it. There are several options: if you remove the extra shelves and replace the doors, you get a large wardrobe for clothes and shoes. Alternatively, you can remove the doors, add shelves, and enjoy the look of your newly acquired home library rack. Of course, you will have to tinker, spend time and money on the restoration. However, on the way out, you will receive a truly exclusive piece of furniture.
6. Round table
Such a table was an obligatory part of every interior. On weekdays, he stood in the kitchen and the whole family gathered behind him, and on holidays, the furniture was moved to the living room in anticipation of guests. The round table turned out to be much more compact than the square one due to the absence of corners. Many people fit behind it, especially if the model was sliding.
READ ALSO: No renovation needed: 8 ways to make your bedroom cozy without spending a lot of money
If you are the owner of this wonderful piece of furniture, devote a little time to the restoration, polish the surface, buy nice silicone mats to match the interior and put it on kitchen. You need to do this at least because the round table creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. You get the opportunity to see all the people sitting at the table, and not just those who are located opposite.
7. Clock
Despite the fact that the time can now be viewed on any electronic device (phone, laptop, fitness bracelet), the clock is still present in the apartment for the sake of a decorative function. Therefore, take a close look at the apartment and, if you still have an antique clock, place it in a conspicuous place. For example, a grandfather grandfather clock would look great in a classic living room with high ceilings. And the wall model with a cuckoo is a great addition to a country-style kitchen. As for the fashionable Soviet watches from the factories "Luch", "Slava", "Vostok", they can be placed on a chest of drawers, a bedside table or a coffee table next to books.
>>>>Ideas for life | NOVATE.RU<<<
8. Suitcases
Previously, suitcases were used not only for travel and business trips. They performed many functions: they kept seasonal items, old books and magazines, letters important to the owner. Unfortunately, in the modern world it is hardly possible to use Soviet suitcases for their intended purpose, since they do not have wheels and telescopic handles. However, you can turn on your imagination and turn them into an original piece of furniture. For example, a rigid model can be placed on a stool and used as a coffee table. Another option is to stack several different suitcases on top of each other to end up with a bedside table. And if you have a pet, build a crib for him from a suitcase by simply separating the lid from it and placing a pillow to fit.
Continuing the topic, read the article 9 household appliances from the USSR that will find a place in a modern home
A source: https://novate.ru/blogs/140320/53683/