Modern Renovations: Historical Spaces Reimagined

Historical spaces have an unexplainable magic to them, and yet by their definition (read: old), most are in danger of coming down. Luckily, architects and designers around the world are engaging in creative, modern renovations of these spaces and breathing new life into them while retaining the charm that made them worth saving in the first place. 

A contemporized top floor of a pharmacy in Brugge, Belgium (pictured above) fits unassumingly into the city's historic streetscape (below). 

Traditional structures don't always fit the footprints we've grown accustomed to in the present day. Buildings are narrow and tightly packed, as in this renovated warehouse in Tribeca, New York.

To combat the lack of open floor or garden space, the Dean-Wolf Architects incorporated voids of empty airspace across the three floors of the townhouse.

Tokyo is notorious for tightly squeezed spaces. Like the Tribeca space, this home by Keiji Ashizawa (pictured below) utilizes open airspace to compensate for limited floorspace.

In Adelaide, Australia, the street-facing side of this Victorian home honors the historical provenance of the neighborhood.

The rear of the house however opens up in modern splendor. Wide glass windows are thrown open and versatile outdoor chairs can be used inside or out to complement a casual modern lifestyle that's decidedly less-than-Victorian.

With modern renovations, the sky's the limit on what lighting fixtures and furnishings you can bring into the home. The blend of historic and contemporary influences is perfect for an eclectic mix.

 Rebound White Contemporary Armchair, Crystal Burst Possini Euro Design Mini Pendant Light, Zuo Liftoff Black Dining Table

When it's time to outfit your renovated historic space, we'll bring the mod and contemporary styles. The historical and keepsake stuff is all up to you.

Images: Room & Room, Arch Daily, Dwell