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Restoring Architectural Features: Honoring the Past, Designing for the Future

Eleonora Romano • 3 February 2025

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If there’s one thing I love as much as designing exquisite interiors, it’s the thrill of uncovering architectural history hidden beneath layers of time. My fascination with historical buildings isn't just a passing interest; it has shaped my entire career.

After earning my architecture degree, I immersed myself in the luxury design industry, but my love for history kept calling me back—so much so that I pursued a professional master’s in architecture and archaeology. Along the way, I was awarded several prestigious scholarships, allowing me to specialize in restoration through postgraduate studies. I’ve spent years working in the field, from heritage sites to private residences, where my expertise in architectural conservation is just as crucial as my eye for design.

The Art and Science of Restoration

Restoring a historic property is like solving a mystery. Before any intervention, an in-depth diagnostic analysis is crucial—this means understanding not only the construction techniques and materials but also the building’s evolution over time. A well-executed analysis helps prevent unexpected surprises mid-restoration (because let’s be honest, no one likes costly, last-minute discoveries).

In every project, I balance respect for historical integrity with the needs of modern living. Any intervention should apply principles of   compatibility, reversibility, and minimal intervention, ensuring that any work done today won’t erase the past. This is especially important in properties where the historical layers contribute to their character. The goal is to embrace these layers, not overwrite them.

Dialogue Between Past and Present

Great design isn't about freezing a building in time; it’s about crafting a conversation between centuries. Take a 19th-century townhouse, for example. Instead of stripping away its soul in favor of a hyper-modern aesthetic, I aim for a sophisticated dialogue—sleek contemporary elements that highlight and enhance the property’s original features. Stucco ceilings, worn stone staircases, and antique woodwork aren’t obstacles to be ‘fixed’ but treasures to be celebrated.

This philosophy extends to the interiors I design. Natural light is my ultimate tool—it reveals textures, highlights patinas, and breathes new life into spaces. My approach to interiors is always architectural: I design spaces that feel intrinsically linked to the bones of the building, rather than just decorating over them. Whether restoring a grand country house or a city apartment with a storied past, my mission is to bring these spaces into the present without severing their ties to history.

Why It Matters

Preserving architectural features isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about honoring craftsmanship, sustainability, and the cultural narrative embedded in every structure. By choosing to restore rather than replace, we extend the life of a building while maintaining its authenticity. In a world that often prioritizes the new, I see restoration as an art form that gives history a future.

If you’re considering restoring or renovating a home with historical character, I’d love to help you bring its story back to life. After all, the best designs aren’t just created—they’re uncovered, layer by layer.

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