Across Europe’s cultural capitals, from Paris to Milan and Barcelona, a quiet revolution is taking place. The grand, historic apartments that line their storied streets are being thoughtfully reimagined for a new, globally connected generation. This is more than just renovation; it is a delicate conversation between past and present. Leading this charge is ARRCC, a Top 100 interior design studio, whose work on a stunning Barcelona apartment exemplifies this new, sensitive approach to luxury apartment interior design in Barcelona. The project offers a masterclass in how to honour architectural history while designing for a thoroughly modern life.
The challenge is significant. How do you infuse contemporary needs into spaces layered with cultural memory and architectural detail? The answer, as demonstrated by ARRCC, lies not in erasing the past but in celebrating it with a new, refined language of design.
A New Chapter for Historic Apartments
Many of Europe’s grand apartments were built for a different era, with layouts that can feel fragmented and disconnected to a modern resident. Today, these spaces are being adapted as secondary homes, creative retreats, or sophisticated bases for international business. Their intrinsic charm is undeniable. “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.
However, the way people live has fundamentally changed. The demand is now for spaces that are both intimate and impressive, open yet private. This is where the designer’s role becomes crucial. According to Rhoda, “designers are stepping in to interpret this evolution with clarity and grace.” The goal is to create modern sanctuaries that feel both vibrant and deeply rooted in their location.
The Design Philosophy: Celebrating, Not Erasing
When approaching a historic apartment, the temptation might be to erase its quirks in favour of clean, modern lines. ARRCC’s philosophy, however, is the opposite. The design challenge lies in refining and celebrating the unique character of the space. This means working with, not against, the building’s inherent structure.
Structural columns and thick interior walls that once dictated circulation are not seen as obstacles, but as opportunities. These heritage elements—detailed cornices, patterned wood floors, and original window proportions—are carefully preserved. They are not relics of the past but foundational elements that add immense character and a sense of place to a contemporary style. The result is a home that feels authentic and thoughtfully reinvented.
Mastering Light and Flow in Luxury Apartment Interior Design
To truly transform these historic spaces, ARRCC wields one of the most powerful tools in design. “One of the most powerful tools in reworking these spaces is light,” states Rhoda. The firm’s strategy focuses on maximizing natural light and creating an effortless sense of flow, making even compact layouts feel generous and expansive.
This is achieved through several key techniques:
- Opening Orientations: Designers avoid placing heavy furniture near windows, instead opening the apartment’s orientation towards its best views.
- Extending Sightlines: Carefully placed joinery, concealed lighting, and feature shelving at the back of rooms draw the eye inward, creating a profound sense of depth.
- Enhancing Volume: Ceilings are kept clean and uncluttered to heighten the feeling of space, allowing for statement flooring below—such as marble inlays or richly patterned rugs—to ground the room visually.
By working with the original window placements, the design ensures that natural light maintains its rhythm, harmonizing with the historic architecture.
The Soul of the Space: A Focus on Craftsmanship
“But the evolution is not only structural,” Michele Rhoda points out. In an age of mass production, there is a growing desire for tactile pieces that feel meaningful and reflect personality. This renewed emphasis on craftsmanship is taking hold across Europe.
ARRCC, a Cape Town-based studio, brings a unique perspective to this movement, echoing the design sensibilities of artists rooted in places like South Africa. This philosophy translates into a focus on bespoke, art-focused pieces that merge contemporary needs with architectural memory. This “culturally rich design language” is central to the studio’s work, ensuring each project feels personal and deeply considered.
Designing With Purpose: The ARRCC Process
The reimagining process begins long before any plans are drawn. For ARRCC, understanding the client’s emotional and lifestyle needs is the first and most critical step. “Through detailed questionnaires and one on one conversations, the team builds a holistic picture of how the client wants to live, entertain and recharge,” says Rhoda.
This deep understanding informs every decision, from the overall layout to the smallest detail. Outdoor spaces, whether a hidden courtyard or a narrow balcony, are treated with reverence, framed to maximize views and make even compact apartments feel expansive.
Renovating within Europe’s heritage buildings presents unique challenges, often including strict preservation guidelines. Yet, within these boundaries lies an opportunity for immense creativity. ARRCC’s work demonstrates an innovative approach that respects the past while gently modernizing the experience of the space. This sensitive balance is embodied in their projects, from the heart of Paris to the Riviera in Monaco, reflecting a refined understanding of how history and innovation can, and should, coexist.
All images © ARRCC. Feel free to find other inspiring interior design projects here at WE AND THE COLOR.
