You're fortunate enough to own or rent an old building—a place with history, charm, and character. But how can you best capture that unique character of the old building and integrate it into your space? In this article, I'll give you practical furniture tips to help you make the most of your old building.
Insight into the old building character
To preserve the character of an old building, it is important to first understand the peculiarities of this type of apartment.
The special features of old building apartments
Old apartments are typically characterized by high ceilings, stucco decorations, large windows, and robust materials. These architectural features give the rooms a unique charm.
Why get the old building character?
Preserving the original building character is important to maintain the building's special charm and atmosphere. Moreover, an authentic amenity is also an investment in the future, as older apartments often gain value.
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Another characteristic feature of old apartment buildings is the often existing hallway floors. These floors consist of wide wooden planks, which give the room warmth and coziness. They are often lovingly restored and oiled to emphasize their natural beauty.
The importance of windows in old apartments for buildings
The large windows in old apartments are not only an architectural feature but also extremely important. They create a bright and airy atmosphere in the rooms and offer beautiful views of the outdoors. The old wooden frames and elaborate decorations also contribute to the apartment's charm.
Practical design tips for old building apartments
Now that you understand the old building character, I want to give you some practical tips for setting up your old building.
Old apartments are characterized by high ceilings, stucco decorations, floorboards, and often large windows. These architectural features can be taken into account when choosing furnishings to enhance the apartment's charm.
Selection of the right furniture
When choosing furniture for your old building, it's important to consider the character of the rooms. Select furniture that complements the architectural features. Old or vintage-inspired furniture can harmonize well with the old building.
Particular attention should be paid to the proportions of the furniture to make the most of the spacious room. Large, heavy furniture can complement the high ceilings, while delicate designs make the room appear airier.
Modular sofas are also suitable. Excellent for old apartment buildings, because with this the size of the property is completely advantageous and can also offer different variants.
Here's an example with the modular Louis sofa :
Colors and materials that emphasize the old building character
To emphasize the old building character of your apartment, use colors and materials that reflect this style. Warm colors like cream, beige, or earth tones create a cozy atmosphere. Wooden furniture and natural materials can enhance the rustic charm.
Another tip is to use textiles like velvet, corduroy, or linen, which emphasize the character of the old building while adding coziness and charm to the room. Carpets with oriental patterns or vintage rugs can also provide an interesting contrast to the apartment's historical elements.
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Integration of modern elements without losing character without losing character
Of course, it is also possible to integrate modern elements into your old building without losing the character of the building.
When designing an apartment in a historic building, it's important to find the right balance between old and new. An interesting approach is to combine historical elements like stucco ceilings or old wooden beams with modern materials like glass or steel. These contrasts can create an exciting visual effect while simultaneously emphasizing the unique character of the historic building.
Modern technology in old building 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 original building character.
An interesting approach to integrating modern technology into an old building is the use of concealed installations. Smart home sensors, for example, can be discreetly embedded in historic wall coverings to enhance the comfort and functionality of the room without affecting the aesthetic charm of the old building.
Combination of old and new: create a harmonious overall image
A successful facility in an old building 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 Bench, with antique pieces.
Another aspect to consider is lighting. In an older building, 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. The targeted placement of light sources can highlight certain architectural details and harmoniously round out the overall look of the apartment.
Apartment renovation tips for old buildings
If you want to renovate an apartment in an old building, it is especially important to preserve the character of the building.
Old apartments are not only living spaces but also contemporary witnesses to bygone eras. Their high ceilings, stucco decorations, and wooden floors tell stories from times long past and give the rooms a special atmosphere.
Dealing with typical old building problems
Older apartments often have their own specific problems, such as warped floors or leaks. It's important to address these issues effectively without compromising the building's character.
A common problem in old buildings is damp walls due to a lack of insulation. In these cases, it's advisable to use breathable materials that can regulate moisture without affecting the building's historic charm.
Save the old building character for renovations
Choose materials and colors for renovations that match the old aesthetic of buildings. For example, parquet floors, visual brickwork, or historic tiles can enhance the character of the house.
When choosing wall colors, it is advisable to use muted tones that emphasize the historical substance of the building and create a harmonious atmosphere.
Final thoughts: keep the charm of the old building and enjoy
Owning or living in an old apartment is something special. With these furniture tips, you can best embrace the unique character of the old building and integrate it into your living spaces. Enjoy the charm and ambiance while also incorporating modern comfort and style. Be inspired by the history and character of your old building and create a space that will stand the test of time.
The charm of a historic building often lies in its high ceilings, stucco decorations, and spacious floor plans. These architectural features give the room a unique elegance and spaciousness. It's worth emphasizing these elements with the right furniture and decor to preserve the historic flair.
Another advantage of older apartment buildings is often the large windows, which let in plenty of natural light and offer beautiful views. These windows can also present a design challenge, as they are often old and uneven. However, with custom-made curtains or blinds, the functionality can be improved while simultaneously enhancing the windows' charm.
