Partial Renovation Preserving Period Details in Eixample Esquerra, Barcelona

This apartment renovation in Eixample Esquerra, Barcelona focused on recovering original character while creating a brighter, calmer, and more contemporary home. The property is a 78 m² apartment on the fourth floor of an early 1900s building near Carrer del Consell de Cent. It benefits from three-sided natural light and retains several original architectural features.

Among the most valuable elements were the plaster crown moldings, the hydraulic mosaic tiles in the entrance and corridor, and the tall timber sash windows. The renovation was designed to protect and enhance these features. At the same time, it updated the apartment fully for modern living.

The Starting Point

Before the renovation, the apartment had been altered by a 1980s overlay that concealed much of its original identity. A dropped suspended ceiling reduced the sense of height. The hydraulic tile floors were covered with PVC laminate. The kitchen felt heavy and dark due to wall-mounted cabinetry. The bathroom was outdated and finished in small-format pink tiles.

Key Interventions

The most important structural move was the removal of the false ceiling. This recovered a greater sense of volume and revealed new exposed timber ceiling beams. As a result, the spaces feel taller, lighter, and far more connected to the building’s original character.

In addition, the original hydraulic floor tiles were carefully restored and preserved. This kept a key part of the apartment’s historical identity intact. In the bathroom, we introduced large-format light stone-look tiles in a 60 × 120 cm leathered travertine finish. This creates a more spacious and timeless atmosphere.

Kitchen and Finishes

The kitchen features custom oak-fronted cabinetry with brushed brass fittings. This balances warmth with understated refinement. Throughout the apartment, smooth plaster walls painted in a warm off-white tone help reflect natural light and create a cohesive backdrop for both original and new elements.

Result

This apartment renovation in Eixample Esquerra respects the heritage of the property while giving it a fresh and functional identity. Original details, natural materials, and a restrained palette work together. The result feels warm, timeless, and authentically Barcelona.