Family of Four Living in 1000 Square Feet
Housing in Russia differs from what y'all find in Europe or the U.S. The forms of ownership, communal and private spaces, balconies equally a luxury, and noisy neighbors behind thin walls – these are just some of the peculiarities of Russian residential living.
If you think an apartment that'due south 300 foursquare anxiety in size is not fit even for a college student, then you'd be amazed to learn that many Russian families oftentimes raise children in such tiny properties. Let's take a look at how Russians brand their home in these small spaces.
The first distinct characteristic of Russian housing is ownership – every bit of 2016, over 87 percent of families ain their identify of residence (a issue of privatization in the 1990s and 2000s). Merely much of these Russian houses and flats were built before 1970. The average Russian family, comprised of three to four people, lives in a two-room apartment that is approximately fifty square meters in size.
In fact, 64 percent of Russian families live in apartments smaller than 60 foursquare meters. How do they exercise it? Let'southward take a short tour of a typical Russian apartment.
Entrance
Most Russians live in apartment buildings. The stairwell is considered public space, and is cleaned by communal services. Thus, most Russians don't bother keeping information technology tidy. Not surprisingly, you tin't proceed your belongings in the stairwell, which is a violation of fire rubber rules. Nevertheless, because of the small size of apartments, items such as bicycles and strollers are sometimes kept at that place.
Hall
In buildings dating to the 1980s and afterward, many entrances have small corridors with an additional iron railing door. This is because during the 1990s crime rates skyrocketed, and people used the railing to lock their bikes, strollers, sometimes pieces of furniture, stacks of winter apparel and what not.
The original Soviet-era apartment doors were thin and useless, then many people struggled to find coin to install a thicker door, which is why many apartments now have double doors. Halls are usually very pocket-sized, enough for a wardrobe, a mirror, a shoe stand up and space to take off one's coat. Guests must take off their shoes and put on slippers. "The floor is clean, but notwithstanding," – a usual slippers invitation goes.
The hall also has an entressol (a French discussion familiar to all Russians). These under-the-ceiling shelves, with doors similar cupboards, usually offer huge storage spaces that are not and then obvious at first glance. Why are they and so important and tin be found in nearly every flat? Considering Russians LOVE storing things.
Kitchen
The smallest kitchens in Russia start at four.v square meters in size. Surprisingly, one can fit in a fridge, a gas (or electric) stove, a table for iii, several cupboards and a sink. Every bit in almost countries, the kitchen is a place for cooking and eating, merely in Russia it's also a place for late-dark discussions over a bottle of anything, or endless cups of tea.
If yous're non close with the host (for example, you're a social worker, a doc, or salesman), you'll exist invited to the living room, but if you're a family friend, then walk direct into the kitchen where you'll be offered any is in the refrigerator; (get set up for a lavish meal, a Russian fridge is never empty).
Also, don't be surprised that a father will kick his wife and kids out of the kitchen if his buddies drop in for a potable. Besides, the father volition be sent away when the wife's girlfriends gather to melt or accept a conversation.
Rooms
In Russia, "dining room" is a concept known simply to wealthy people. Today, much similar in the Majestic era, only wealthy people can afford a separate room to accommodate guests for dinner or a political party. What is called a "dining room," or a "guest room," is ordinarily just the largest room in the apartment.
In most cases, the big sofa is a convertible, and at night the 'dining' room turns into the 'primary sleeping room' for the parents; while the "small room," or "children'southward room," is where the kids sleep, play and do their homework – and where drunk guests are immune to crash, on a blanket on the flooring.
When children abound up and go out the nest, this spare room might become the 'dining' room; something which normally marks the beginning of retirement.
Another important part of residential life is the balcony, which frequently doubles as a storage space, a modest parlor, a place to hang and dry clothes, a place to smoke if your family is against smoking inside. In curt, a balcony is a highly sought-later feature in Russian apartments.
If yous thought a separate room forms a private infinite, then think over again. In most Russian flat buildings, walls are thin (to save space and resources), then yous and your neighbors can hear each other very well, which greatly affected the private lives andsex life of Soviet people.
Bath/toilet
Bathrooms and toilets are oft in the same room, merely many people prefer them to be dissever because in the morn when children are getting ready for schoolhouse, and parents are getting gear up for work, information technology'south better to have the toilet and bath in separate spaces. Non all apartments, however, savour this "privilege."
On the other hand, combining the toilet and bath saves much space, too as energy – both spaces are lit with ane seedling (detect the small window from the bathroom to the toilet?) Bathrooms, fifty-fifty those that are combined, are ordinarily very small-scale – about 4 square meters. And there'southward most no chance to install a jacuzzi.
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Source: https://www.rbth.com/lifestyle/329033-what-does-typical-russian-home-like
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