Interior DesignFlorence LOctober 02, 2024Czech Republic, Prague, Residential Interior Design, Interior Design

1930s APARTMENT || Renovation of a Historic Prague Apartment with an Aesthetic Bridging Past and Present

Interior DesignFlorence LOctober 02, 2024Czech Republic, Prague, Residential Interior Design, Interior Design

In the heart of Prague's Bubeneč district lies a 1930s apartment, lovingly transformed by Studio COSMO into a modern-day haven that retains the charm of its origins.

The renovation, completed in 2023, reinterprets the apartment’s original design with a fresh aesthetic that bridges past and present. This 107-square-meter space highlights thoughtful craftsmanship, seamlessly blending historical details with contemporary functionality.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a striking green vestibule, a feature that sets the tone for the entire apartment. The vestibule is lined with stained plywood shelving and is punctuated by a circular mirror that draws the eye into the heart of the home. This bold entrance is visually compelling and practical, offering ample storage for books and personal items.

*A dramatic green vestibule welcomes visitors with custom shelving and a circular mirror, setting the tone for the apartment.*

One of the key challenges the architects faced was reorganizing the apartment’s layout. Stripping the original floor plan down to its load-bearing walls allowed the team to create a more open and cohesive space. The central hallway now acts as a natural connector between the apartment’s rooms, dissolving the traditional notion of a corridor as a mere passageway. Here, space and light are prioritized, enhanced by the oak parquet floors that flow throughout the apartment.

*The open-plan living area features a minimalist white kitchen and a custom solid oak dining table that anchors the space.*

The living area is designed with openness in mind, merging what were once narrow, street-facing rooms into a single expansive environment. A broad opening between the rooms allows the kitchen, dining, and living spaces to flow seamlessly into one another. The minimalist kitchen is integrated into the wall with white lacquered cabinetry that complements the marble backsplash. The freestanding furniture, including a bespoke solid oak dining table, anchors the space, its warmth contrasting against the cool elegance of the white kitchen. The space is further animated by a large, dynamic painting, which injects colour and personality into the living area, while a street-facing balcony invites the outdoors in.

The material palette throughout the apartment was carefully chosen to reflect its historical character. Oak plays a starring role, from the floors to the bespoke furniture pieces, grounding the modern interventions with a sense of timelessness. The attention to detail extends beyond the visible, with brass accents on the original lacquered doors and windows—a nod to the apartment’s 1930s roots.

The bathroom's use of round mosaic tiles creates a serene spa-like environment. The soft, rounded edges of the concrete slab and brass accessories add a layer of luxury to this intimate space. Subtle, indirect lighting enhances the atmosphere, creating a calming retreat within the home.

*The bathroom’s mosaic tiles, brass fixtures, and soft lighting create a serene escape.*

The bedroom continues the theme of understated elegance. Its clean lines and neutral palette offer a respite from the busier areas of the apartment. A sliding door conceals a workspace niche, providing a functional yet discreet area that can be closed off at night. This room's choice of light, muted tones emphasizes tranquillity, while the wardrobe, custom-designed in lacquered MDF, offers both practicality and beauty. The bedroom’s ensuite completes this serene enclave.

Throughout the renovation process, Studio COSMO demonstrated a deep respect for the apartment’s historical context while incorporating elements that meet the demands of contemporary living. The result is an apartment honouring its past while embracing modern aesthetics, offering its inhabitants a perfect balance between history and innovation.