The Mid-Century Apartment: Modern Comfort Meets Retro Charm

The Mid-century Apartment, designed by Vera Borisova and photographed by Maxim Kanakin, is where retro charm meets modern comfort. In this project, the designer was tasked with creating a cohesive concept that honored feng shui principles while integrating the client’s existing furniture. It was expected to respect the apartment’s history. With high ceilings, parquet floors, wooden doors, and beautiful wood-framed windows already in place, the space had a strong foundation. The final design blends mid-century style with vintage polish, using thoughtful furniture placement, balanced colors, and curated textures.

The foyer sets the tone of the space. A slim console table keeps the entry light and uncluttered, styled with fresh lilies and a few personal accents. The natural wood door brings warmth the moment you step inside, while the soft pink pouf adds a gentle touch of color without overwhelming the palette.

The hallway opens up into what feels like a mini gallery. The herringbone parquet guides you forward, while bold artwork adds energy to the otherwise serene layout. A sculptural console sits along one wall, pairing clean lines with organic decor pieces. Opposite it, a soft bench and floor lamp create a quiet pause point—somewhere to sit, read, or simply enjoy the apartment’s natural light.

The living room is where the full design concept unfolds. Plush boucle armchairs sit across from a warm, structured sofa. This creates a cozy conversation zone anchored by a geometric rug and a sleek pedestal coffee table. The wood-framed windows flood the room with natural light and are a focal point all on their own. The feather-like chandelier overhead adds whimsy.

Every piece in the room feels intentional, from the sculptural floor lamp to the bookshelf filled with personal objects. Feng shui recommendations informed the furniture placement, giving the space a harmonious flow. The palette stays grounded in warm browns, creams, and muted greys, with deeper accents adding depth.

The dining room feels calm and collected. It is washed in natural light that bounces beautifully off the soft grey walls. A round table anchors the space with gentle curves, paired with upholstered chairs. The oversized artwork adds drama without overwhelming the room, while the sculptural vases and candles add a vintage touch.

The kitchen sits just beyond a wall of mirrored tiles, making the entire area feel brighter and more expansive. Sleek black cabinetry meets glossy red accents, creating a bold, modern contrast to the apartment’s softer rooms. Reflections from the mirrors pull in greenery, artwork, and daylight, tying everything together visually.

The bedroom leans fully into comfort. It uses soft layers and muted tones to create a restful mood. The upholstered bed is piled high with pillows in balanced neutrals, giving the space a lived-in feel. A sculptural round artwork hangs quietly above the headboard, adding texture without pulling focus. Warm wood returns through the tall bookshelf and window frames, grounding the room in the apartment’s mid-century roots. In the corner, a deep blue armchair adds a bold touch, paired with a vintage cabinet that showcases personal keepsakes.