Living in a tenement is a choice for people who value history and original spaces, but also ready to invest in renovations and accept certain compromises. Architect Hanna Pietras talks about the fashion for interiors in historic buildings.
Interiors in tenements have many interesting details
Photo: Mood Authors
An apartment with a soul
Until recently, some people might have associated tenement houses with their deplorable technical condition and neglected staircases. Today, thanks to revitalizations, historic buildings have become desirable places to live. The fashion for living in historic properties is not just a temporary trend. More and more investors appreciate the authenticity and uniqueness of this architecture. Apartments in historic tenements are also a good investment. The unique nature of such properties makes them more resistant to changing tastes. What are the other advantages of living in a tenement?
Tenement apartments have a unique character
Photography and styling: Follow The Flow
Excellent location
Historic townhouses are usually located in prestigious parts of the city, usually within the historic center. Their proximity to atmospheric cafes, restaurants, cinemas, museums and theaters, as well as universities is appreciated by old and young alike. This saves residents time commuting and allows them to enjoy the delights of city life. In addition, townhouses located in city centers are usually well connected. The high availability of public transportation and numerous bicycle paths make it easy to get around the city without a car. Moreover, many townhouses are adjacent to parks, squares or urban gardens. This allows residents to enjoy contact with nature despite living in the city center.
Tall double doors are one of the distinctive interior features in historic townhouses
Photography and styling: Follow The Flow
Unique character
Historic stone apartments are distinguished by unique details. We can find in them, for example, double-leaf wooden doors or original stucco. High ceilings and windows make the interiors perfectly lit, and the apartment seems even more spacious. In addition, thick walls provide good sound and thermal insulation. The buildings themselves are also often architectural gems decorated with majestic facades.
- Often when I enter an apartment in a tenement for which I am to prepare a project, I see magnificent wooden parquet floors, stone window sills, tiled stoves or unique stucco. I always feel a sense of excitement then," emphasizes the architect.
Large windows make the apartments in the tenement perfectly illuminated
Photography and styling: Follow The Flow
Combining history with modernity
Renovating and then decorating a tenement apartment gives us great design possibilities. It is worth betting on a mix of vintage style with modern conveniences. For example, you can juxtapose stylish sideboards, armchairs or chests of drawers from the era with modern sofas of minimalist design or tables made of concrete and glass.
- I love to combine what is historic and unique with modernity. Clients often say that when living in a historic space, they feel the history of the place. By gaining an eclectic character, it becomes even more special and close to them," says Hanna Pietras.
When arranging an interior in a tenement, it is worth juxtaposing vintage elements and modern furnishings
Photo: Mood Authors
Are you decorating your apartment? We have more inspiration for you!
Compiled by:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
