You're lucky enough to own or rent an apartment in an older building – a place with history, charm, and character. But how can you best preserve its unique character and integrate it into your decor? In this article, I'll give you practical decorating tips so you can get the most out of your apartment.
Understanding the character of old buildings
To preserve the character of an old apartment building, it is important to first understand the special features of this type of apartment.
The special features of old apartments
Older apartments are typically characterized by high ceilings, stucco decorations, large windows, and robust materials. These architectural features lend the rooms a unique charm.
Why preserve the character of the old building?
Preserving the character of the old building is important to maintain its unique charm and atmosphere. Furthermore, authentic furnishings are also an investment in the future, as older apartments often appreciate in value.
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Another characteristic feature of older apartments is the often-present plank flooring. These floors consist of wide wooden planks that lend warmth and coziness to the room. They are often lovingly restored and oiled to emphasize their natural beauty.
The importance of windows in old apartments
The large windows in older apartments are not only an architectural feature, but also extremely important functionally. They create a bright and airy atmosphere in the rooms and offer a wonderful view outside. The old wooden frames and elaborate decorations also contribute to the apartment's charm.
Practical furnishing tips for old apartments
Now that you understand the character of old buildings, I would like to give you some practical tips for furnishing your old apartment.
Older apartments are characterized by high ceilings, stucco decorations, wooden floors, and often large windows. These architectural features can be taken into account when selecting furniture to emphasize the apartment's charm.
Choosing the right furniture
When choosing furniture for your old apartment, it's important to consider the character of the rooms. Select pieces that complement the architectural features. Antique or vintage-inspired furniture can harmonize well with the character of an older building.
Special attention should be paid to the proportions of the furniture in order to make the best use of the generous space. Large, heavy pieces of furniture can complement a high ceiling, while delicate designs make the room appear more airy.
Furthermore, modular sofas are ideally suited for old apartments, as they allow you to fully utilize the size of the rooms and also to arrange them in different ways.
Here is an example using the modular sofa Louis :
Colors and materials that emphasize the character of the old building
To emphasize the character of your old apartment, you can use colors and materials that suit this style. Warm colors like cream, beige, or earth tones create a cozy atmosphere. Wooden furniture and natural materials can underscore the rustic charm.
Another tip is to use textiles like velvet, corduroy, or linen, which emphasize the character of the old building while simultaneously bringing coziness and charm to the room. Rugs with oriental patterns or vintage carpets can also offer an interesting contrast to the historical elements of the apartment.
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Integration of modern elements without losing the character of the old building
It is of course also possible to integrate modern elements into your old apartment without losing the character of the building.
When designing an apartment in an older building, it's important to find a balance between old and new. An interesting approach is to combine historical elements such as stucco ceilings or old wooden beams with modern materials like glass or steel. These contrasts can create a striking visual effect while simultaneously highlighting the unique character of the old building.
Modern technology in old apartments
You can use modern technology to improve your living comfort, for example with smart home systems or energy-efficient appliances. However, make sure that these elements are harmoniously integrated into the character of the old building.
An interesting approach to integrating modern technology into an older apartment is the use of concealed installations. For example, smart home sensors can be discreetly embedded in historic wall coverings to improve the comfort and functionality of the room without compromising the aesthetic charm of the old building.
Combining old and new: Creating a harmonious overall picture
Successful interior design in an old apartment is often characterized by the combination of old and new. For example, you can display modern artwork on the historic walls or combine minimalist furniture, such as the Harvey sofa , with antique pieces.
Another aspect to consider is lighting. In an older apartment, modern lighting systems such as LED spotlights or indirect lighting elements can be used to emphasize the room's historical features while creating a pleasant atmosphere. By strategically placing light sources, specific architectural details can be highlighted, and the overall look of the apartment can be harmoniously completed.
Renovation tips for old apartments
If you want to renovate an old apartment, it is particularly important to preserve the character of the building.
Old apartments are not just living spaces, but also witnesses to bygone eras. Their high ceilings, stucco decorations, and wooden floors tell stories from long ago and lend the rooms a special atmosphere.
Dealing with typical problems in old buildings
Older apartments often have their own specific problems, such as uneven floors or leaky windows. It is important to repair these problems professionally without compromising the building's character.
Damp walls due to inadequate insulation are a common problem in older buildings. In these cases, it's advisable to use breathable materials that can regulate moisture without compromising the building's historical charm.
Preserving the character of the old building during renovations
When renovating, choose materials and colors that match the aesthetics of the old building. For example, parquet floors, exposed brickwork, or historic tiles can emphasize the character of the house.
When choosing colors for the walls, it is advisable to use muted tones that emphasize the historical substance of the building and create a harmonious atmosphere.
Final thoughts: Preserve and enjoy the charm of the old building
Owning or living in an older apartment is something special. With these decorating tips, you can best preserve its unique character and integrate it into your living spaces. The goal is to enjoy its charm and atmosphere while incorporating modern comfort and style. Let yourself be inspired by the history and character of your older apartment and create a space that will stand the test of time.
The charm of an old building often lies in its high ceilings, stucco decorations, and spacious layouts. These architectural features lend the space a unique elegance and grandeur. It's worthwhile to emphasize these elements with the right furniture and decor to preserve the historical flair.
Another advantage of older apartments is often the large windows, which let in plenty of natural light and offer wonderful views. These windows can also present a design challenge, as they are often old and uneven. However, custom-made curtains or blinds can improve functionality while preserving the windows' charm.
