Why are European and Russian European-quality renovations in an apartment not the same thing?
Bright advertising brochures with the promise of high-quality “European-quality renovation” can be found in every city today. But does it meet the standards of European housing? Most designers note that The Russian idea of housing and decoration is very different from the European opinion. More often, companies in our country provide major or cosmetic repair services that are far from Old World standards.
The content of the article
What is European renovation?
Every European resident imagines an apartment or house as a cozy and comfortable place where he wants to return, where he rests his soul and body. This is reflected not only in the design, but in the finishing materials, amount of decor and lighting of the rooms.
European-quality renovation requires reliable and well-thought-out engineering networks.
First thing craftsmen remove old finishing and replace all communications. This guarantees a long service life of the created design. Europeans make repairs for decades to come, and accordingly, they invest a lot of money in it.
Most apartments are a striking example of the minimalist style. Natural materials are used in decoration. Leaving brickwork or stucco exposed is considered good luck. Additional decor is rarely used.
What is Russian “European-quality renovation”?
For a long time our compatriots were limited in the choice of building materials. New apartments were rented with minimal finishing. The floors are covered with linoleum, standard plumbing fixtures in the bathroom, simple paper wallpaper with flowers, and plain tiles in the bathroom.
The new residents only had to purchase furniture and decor. Therefore, they did not stop themselves in choice and quantity.
In the late 90s of the last century, imported building materials began to appear in stores. This prompted new residents and people who began renovations to go to great lengths. Houses began to be decorated with bright wallpaper, laminate flooring, and stretch ceilings. Over the years, technology has only improved.
The repair industry today is oversaturated. It is typical for a Russian person pay great attention to decor and furnishings. Furniture is used to the maximum; a huge number of figurines, boxes and other items are placed around the entire perimeter of the room. Multi-level ceilings with chic chandeliers and lamps always attract attention.
Main differences
The difference is obvious, but still we will note the main points:
- Natural materials. Europeans prefer natural finishes. For example, they use parquet or boards to decorate the floor. This type of flooring lasts a long time and looks great.
- Lots of light. Europeans use spotlights in their rooms; you can hardly find complex and expensive chandeliers in their homes. They equip apartments with sconces, table floor lamps and a huge number of candles.
- Minimalism. Very little furniture is used - just enough to be comfortable and enough for everyone in the household. Sofas and armchairs are arranged so as not to block the space and free up wide passages.
Particular attention is paid to the thriftiness of Europeans. They strive to maintain naturalness in everything.If the house has old stucco or columns, they fit well into the interior. Exposed brickwork makes an excellent basis for loft-style design. And bathrooms in European apartments never fully tiled. It is placed only around the bathtub. The walls remain simply painted in a suitable color.
