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THE NEW LANGUAGE OF EUROPEAN APARTMENTS
BY TOP 100 INTERIOR DESIGNER
In cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Milan, the grand old apartments of Europe are quietly entering a new chapter. These homes, layered with architectural detail and cultural memory, are increasingly being reimagined as modern sanctuaries that reflect both the lives and values of a globally connected generation.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR EUROPE’ S HISTORIC APARTMENTS
While these apartments once served traditional living arrangements, today they are being adapted into secondary homes, creative hideaways, or lock-up-and-go bases for international business travellers. Their charm lies in their balance of intimacy and stature.
“ High ceilings, ornate mouldings, worn parquet floors, and deep-set windows tell a story that newer builds often cannot replicate,” says Michele Rhoda, ARRCC Director and Designer.“ Yet the way people live has changed, and designers are stepping in to interpret this evolution with clarity and grace.”
European apartments offer a sense of place that is hard to find elsewhere. Often situated in cultural hubs, they combine rich heritage with vibrant city living. Their scale, location, and architectural detail make them ideal foundations for thoughtful reinvention.
However, the layout of these spaces often reflects an older mode of living. Rooms can be fragmented and disconnected, with structural columns or thick interior walls shaping circulation in unexpected ways. The design challenge lies not in erasing these quirks, but in refining and celebrating them. Heritage elements like detailed cornices, patterned wooden flooring, and original window proportions add character to a contemporary style.