Designing Modern Interiors in a Heritage Building

WORDS
Sharon Glover

THE PAPER
References

16th October 2024

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Designing interiors for heritage buildings is a delicate art. You walk into a space and the weight of its history is impossible to ignore. The challenge is clear: how do you create a design that honours its past without making it feel like a museum? How do you breathe new life into something so steeped in tradition whilst making it functional for the present day?

A recent visit to Crete, Greece, highlighted this balance. Wandering through winding streets, with centuries-old buildings and layered histories, we found ourselves captivated by spaces that tell stories through their design. From reimagined tanneries to intimate wine bars, each project revealed how old structures can be transformed with care and creativity.

What stood out to us was how these spaces embraced the imperfections of their history. Stone courtyards became natural stages for sleek furniture, whilst aged facades framed minimalist interiors.

The balance felt effortless, never overworked. Speaking with locals, it became evident that the success of these designs stems not just from Greece’s strict preservation laws, but from a respect for the building’s history, with updates thoughtfully integrated rather than imposed.

For interior designers working on similar projects, it starts with stepping back. Before diving into layouts or FF&E, consider the building’s story. Which features deserve to take centre stage? How can modern elements enhance rather than compete with the original architecture?

"My art spilled out into the space, creating an ever-changing environment that evolves with my work."

One space that perfectly illustrates this harmony of old and new is Maiami, a brasserie and artist’s studio in the harbour district of Koum Kapi.

Owned by artist and winemaker Alexandra Manousakis, this former 1950s family restaurant still carries echoes of it's past. The pastel pink doors and windows have been lovingly preserved, setting the tone for a space that connects its origins to Alexandra’s contemporary artistic vision.

The building itself guided every design decision. Original terrazzo floors and stone walls were uncovered and restored, grounding the space in its heritage. Alexandra’s hand-painted ceramics and furniture add bold, colourful abstraction, turning functional elements such as serveware and tables into artistic statements.

“We stripped down the walls and floors to uncover the original materials,” Alexandra shared with us. “From there, my art spilled out into the space, creating an ever-changing environment that evolves with my work.”

Sustainability played a central role in the project. Everything was crafted locally, and minimal intervention preserved the building’s authenticity.

"Sustainability and local craftsmanship was our focus "

In Tabakaria, a historic inlet framed by industrial buildings and ocean views, The Tanneries Hotel and Spa demonstrates how preserving details can breathe new life into heritage spaces. Once a collection of 19th-century leather tanneries, these buildingshave been reimagined into a luxurious retreat whilst retaining their industrial roots.

The original facade, with its roof tiles, tall chimneys, and arched doorways, remains intact. Inside, the design prioritises natural materials such as stone, wood, and marble, paired with a monochrome palette that allows the space’s architecture to shine.

“We made sustainability and local craftsmanship our focus,” Melina from their PR team shared. “The stones used are either from the original buildings or sourced locally.”

Thoughtful interventions like textured stainless steel ceilings, placed mirrors, and a glass floor create a sense of space and light without overshadowing the industrial character. The result is an example of how designers can use small details to elevate a space without compromising its history.

In the heart of old town Chania, The Bar by Monogram transforms a small 20-square metre space into an elegant cocktail bar. Set in a Venetian-era building with a striking vaulted ceiling, this former monastery called for a design approach rooted in simplicity.

The founders of The Bar by Monogram explained their philosophy: “Simplicity, truth, and local identity guided our decisions. We wanted materials that were honest, functional,and reflective of the space’s history.”

This philosophy is evident in every detail. A sleek stainless steel workbench runs the length of the bar, dividing the space whilst creating depth and practical storage. Mirrors cleverly expand the room, whilst contrasting materials like marine plywood and lime plaster add warmth and texture.

Sustainability was also a priority. The flooring, crafted from Rethymno’s hard stone, ties perfectly with the vaulted masonry, whilst eco-friendly lime plaster allows the stone walls to breathe naturally. Each element works with the building’s original features, enhancing its character without overshadowing it.

This, to us, is a perfect example of using the bones of an existing building as a foundation for design. Can you imagine approaching it any other way?