Why do some renovated homes feel more welcoming than others? Using a thoughtfully renovated townhouse in Lomas de Marbella Club Pueblo as an example, this article explores how empathy for the original design can create a home that feels both modern and full of character.
Should renovation projects show empathy for the original design?
We've written before about renovated properties on the Costa del Sol, and it's a subject that continues to fascinate us. If you've spent any time viewing this type of home, you'll probably have noticed that there are plenty on the market, offering buyers a wide choice.
Some have been modernised to such an extent that almost every trace of the original property has disappeared. Crisp white walls, large-format tiles, minimalist open-plan kitchens and designer lighting can look very impressive in photographs, but they don't always create a home with warmth or personality.
There are others, however, that seem to get the balance just right.
We recently saw a townhouse in Lomas de Marbella Club Pueblo which reminded us why some renovations feel so much more successful than others. It isn't simply because the workmanship is good or the finishes are attractive. It is because the renovation shows respect for the original character of the house, enhancing and building upon it instead of trying to replace it.
The result is a home that is both modern and established at the same time.
One of the most noticeable aspects of this home is how many of the original features have been retained. Upstairs, for example, the original flooring remains in place, while the wardrobe doors help give the bedrooms an authenticity that new materials often struggle to recreate. The replacement windows remain sympathetic to the original design while providing the benefits of modern double glazing. Together, these features add warmth and help preserve the identity of the home.
The bathrooms have obviously been modernised, but they are far from anonymous. They have a contemporary design whilst still feeling welcoming rather than clinical, with a subtle reference back to the original style of the house. In truth, they have a personality of their own, something that can easily disappear or be overlooked during a renovation.
The kitchen is perhaps the best example of this approach. Open-plan kitchens have become almost expected in modern homes, and this one certainly provides the practical, sociable layout that many buyers are looking for. What makes it work particularly well is that, rather than dominating the house, it integrates naturally with it.
The split-level layout gently separates the kitchen from the main living area without losing the feeling of open space. Combined with the choice of natural materials and the atmosphere of a traditional country kitchen, it feels entirely in keeping with the age and style of the property. It is easy to imagine it becoming the natural centre of everyday life.
Perhaps this is what the most successful renovations have in common. Rather than asking, "How modern can we make this house?", they ask, "What made the house special in the first place?" When that question guides the renovation, the result often feels more comfortable, more welcoming and ultimately more timeless.
When designing a renovation, the designers are walking something of a tightrope. They need to create a home that will appeal to the widest possible audience. Sometimes, when you try to produce something that is all things to all people, there is a danger that it ends up being special to nobody in particular.
Every buyer has different tastes, and many people genuinely prefer a completely contemporary interior. Others are naturally drawn to homes with more history and character. Neither approach is right or wrong.
If you are viewing renovated properties, it is worth looking beyond the quality of the fittings and asking whether the renovation has enhanced the atmosphere of the home or simply changed its appearance. Most importantly, will you enjoy living there? Will it give you pleasure?
The secret of good design is creating something that produces an emotional reaction. Whether that feeling is warmth, calm, comfort or inspiration, a successful home should make you want to spend time there.
This home succeeds, as do many others. The important thing is finding the one that works for you. If you would like help finding a renovated home on the Costa del Sol, call us on (0034) 952 90 52 00, WhatsApp us, or email info@michael-moon.com.
