Walking through the winding streets of Mondorf-les-Bains, there’s a palpable sense of history in the air, as though the past is whispering through every cobblestone and weathered brick. In the old village center, time seems to flow differently, lingering in the shadows of narrow alleys and sunlit facades.
The contrast is striking: while the modern parts of town embrace clean lines and contemporary aesthetics, there’s something profoundly grounding in the timeless charm of this quiet corner, where some homes have stood for over a century.
A glimpse into the historic charm of Mondorf-les-Bains' old village center. This serene corner, with its facades and timeless architecture, stands as a testament to the enduring whispers of history amidst a rapidly modernizing townscape.
Our own home with its blue facade, built in the 1880s, sits amidst this mix of old and new, holding onto its character with quiet dignity. When we first stepped through the door, I was struck by the way it seemed to tell its own story - through its high ceilings adorned with stucco, the wall tiles that line the hallway, and the original cement tiles underfoot that have witnessed countless footsteps over a century. There’s an authenticity to these spaces that you simply can’t replicate, a sense of continuity that connects us to the generations who came before.
In Luxembourg, where so much of its architectural past has been sacrificed in favour of modern developments, choosing to preserve rather than demolish feels almost like an act of rebellion.
The old village center, once home to craftsmen, builders, and farmers, tells a different story from the now mostly vanished glamour of the Jugendstil properties that once graced the thermal bath area. As I walk through our hallway and sitting room, past the antique fireplaces and the original wooden flooring, I can’t help but feel that we’re caretakers of something worth preserving - not just for ourselves, but for the history embedded within these walls.
A closer look at the heart of the home: the antique fireplace, historic stone walls, and carefully chosen details that keep the stories of the past alive.
This is the starting point for how I approach design. It’s not simply about making a space look good, but about listening to what a place has to say and honoring its past. Because at the end of the day, design is not just a matter of aesthetics - it’s about the stories we choose to tell and the ones we choose to keep alive.
The Emotional Weight of Old Homes
Mondorf-les-Bains: The historic entrance to the park, where past and present converge. This charming scene captures a time when the town's elegant streets led visitors to the lush greenery of the thermal park, a place of relaxation and social life. The grand facades, tree-lined avenues, and timeless atmosphere remind us of an era when Mondorf thrived as a destination for leisure and well-being.
Stepping into an old home is like opening a well-worn book - each corner, crack, and creak has a story to tell. It’s an experience that goes beyond the visual; it’s something you feel the moment you cross the threshold. There’s an almost palpable energy to these spaces, where the walls seem to hum with the echoes of laughter, whispered conversations, and the everyday lives of those who came before.
When we first moved into our house, I found myself wondering about the lives lived within its walls. Who were the people who walked across these tiles, who lived and laughed in these rooms? What stories did they leave behind, quietly embedded in the worn wooden floors and the ornate stucco ceilings? There’s something profoundly reassuring and soothing about inhabiting a space that has seen the world change around it for over a century.
But with that sense of history comes a responsibility - a duty to honour the past while making the home our own. It’s a delicate balance. In many ways, the design choices we make are less about imposing a new vision and more about uncovering what’s already there. It’s not simply about restoring period features for the sake of nostalgia but about recognizing the value they bring in grounding the space, giving it soul and substance.
In a world that often prioritizes the sleek and the new, there’s a quiet rebellion in choosing to preserve.
Older homes in Mondorf’s old village center, carry the weight of a community’s history. The hand-laid tiles, the timeworn doors, and the high ceilings - they’re all reminders of a time when things were built to last. To strip that away in favour of something modern and efficient feels like erasing a chapter of the town’s story.
A renovated farmhouse in Mondorf – an example of how old structures can be modernized with charm and care.
Preserving these elements isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about keeping the connection to a bygone era alive. It’s about understanding that the quirks and imperfections - those little nicks in the woodwork, the slight unevenness of the floors - are not flaws to be fixed but rather reminders of the passage of time. They ground us in a way that new builds, however perfectly polished, simply cannot.
So, when I look at the old fireplace in our home or run my hand along the cool, smooth tiles in the hallway, I’m reminded that design is as much about honouring the past as it is about creating something new. It’s about carrying forward the stories that matter, the ones that make a house feel like more than just walls and a roof - it makes it a home.
Lessons from the Past: The Craftsmanship of Older Homes
There’s something undeniably special about the craftsmanship of period homes, a kind of artistry that seems to have faded in the rush of modern construction. Walking through our house in Mondorf: the original wooden floors that have weathered more than a century, and the solid wooden doors that still close with a satisfying weight. These elements are more than just remnants of another time - they are testaments to an era when creating something durable and beautiful was a matter of pride.
In today’s world, where speed and efficiency often trump quality, it’s easy to forget that homes were once built to stand the test of time. Back then, floors weren’t just laid down; they were hand-fitted with precision, meant to endure generations of footsteps. This is why, when renovating our own home, we made the conscious choice to preserve these features wherever possible. It wasn’t just about maintaining the aesthetic; it was about respecting the craftsmanship and care that had gone into creating them.
The charm of imperfection: exposed beams and slightly uneven floors in this luxemburgisch townhouse from 1912 remind us that older homes carry a warmth and humanity that modern construction often misses.
The beauty of older homes lies in their imperfections. The slightly uneven floors, the gentle creak of old wood underfoot - these are the details that give a space character and warmth. In contrast, modern construction often strives for perfection, leaving little room for the charm that comes with age. But it’s precisely these “flaws” that can make a space feel more inviting, more human. They remind us that homes are meant to be lived in, to age and evolve just as we do.
When it came to updating our home, my goal wasn’t to erase these marks of time but to enhance them. In the hallway, for instance, we chose to keep the original patterned cement tiles, allowing their faded beauty to shine through.
The juxtaposition of these traditional elements with more modern materials - like sleek metal lighting fixtures and minimalist shelving - creates a dialogue between past and present. It’s a way of honouring the history embedded in the house while bringing it into the 21st century.
In a world where everything is becoming increasingly homogenized, there’s something refreshing about choosing to preserve what’s unique. It’s not just about holding on to the past for nostalgia’s sake but about understanding that these older materials and techniques have a quality that can’t be replicated. The thick plaster walls, the hand-carved mouldings, the way light filters through old glass windows - these are qualities that give a space its soul.
Preserving the craftsmanship of older homes doesn’t mean shunning modern design; rather, it’s about finding a balance. It’s about taking the best of what was and blending it with what is, to create spaces that feel timeless, not trendy. In this way, the home becomes a canvas where old and new coexist, each highlighting the other’s strengths.
The Impact of Design on Well-being
Design is often seen as a luxury - a way to make spaces more beautiful, more stylish. But at its core, design is about much more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating environments that enhance the quality of life. In older homes like ours, the design choices we make can have a profound effect on how we feel, how we interact with the space, and even how we experience the world around us.
One of the most surprising aspects of renovating an older home is realizing just how much the design of a space can influence your mood. It’s not simply about choosing the right colours or materials; it’s about creating an atmosphere that feels right. In our home, the decision to keep the original features - the high ceilings, the old wooden doors, the patterned tiles - wasn’t just about preserving history. It was about creating a sense of continuity, a feeling of being rooted in something enduring. There’s a certain comfort in being surrounded by elements that have stood the test of time, that have witnessed the passing of years and still hold their own.
Research has shown that the spaces we inhabit can have a direct impact on our well-being. Natural materials like wood and stone, soft lighting, and thoughtful layouts can help reduce stress and create a sense of calm. This is why, when updating our home, I focused on incorporating elements that promote a feeling of warmth and security. The blend of antique features with modern touches was a conscious choice to create a space that feels both grounded and current, a place where we can relax and recharge.
The combination of natural materials, soft lighting, and a thoughtful mix of antique and modern elements creates a warm, calming retreat that invites relaxation and recharge.
One of the most powerful tools in creating a sense of well-being is light. The way light filters through a room can transform how we experience a space. In our hallway, for example, we opted for a combination of soft ambient lighting and natural light from the stained glass panels on the front door. This creates a gentle glow that feels welcoming, almost like a warm embrace as you step inside. It’s these little details that can turn a house into a sanctuary, a place where you can truly feel at home.
But it’s not just about the physical aspects of design; it’s also about how a space makes you feel emotionally. I’ve always believed that a well-designed room should tell a story, that it should evoke a certain feeling as soon as you walk in. Whether it’s the cozy warmth of a reading nook, the inviting energy of a kitchen designed for gatherings, or the serene calm of a bedroom retreat, each space has the potential to enhance our daily lives in subtle but significant ways.
As we continue to live in and update our home, I’ve once more realized that design is less about following trends and more about understanding what truly brings joy and comfort. It’s about creating spaces that feel authentic, that reflect who you are and how you want to live. And in the case of older homes, it’s about embracing the past while designing for the present, creating a bridge between what was and what is.
Conclusion: Honouring the Past, Designing for the Future
Preserving the history embedded in older homes is not just about maintaining their aesthetic charm - it’s about recognizing the value of what’s come before us and allowing it to shape the spaces we live in today. By thoughtfully blending old-world craftsmanship with modern elements, we can create homes that are both beautiful and meaningful, places that support our well-being and reflect who we are.
In upcoming posts, I will explore topics like sourcing high-quality materials, collaborating with skilled craftsmen, and finding trusted suppliers who share a passion for timeless design. I will explore the details that can elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary.
I invite you to join me on this journey as we continue to explore the art and science of design. Let’s discover how we can create spaces that honor the past, enrich our present, and inspire the future.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
If you’re interested in further exploring the themes I have touched on here, I highly recommend the following books:
1. “The Architecture of Happiness” by Alain de Botton: A philosophical exploration of how the design of our surroundings influences our emotions and sense of happiness.
2. “The Decoration of Houses” by Edith Wharton & Ogden Codman Jr.: A timeless guide on the principles of interior design that balance historical elements with modern functionality.
3. “A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction” by Christopher Alexander: A classic that delves into how spaces—from small rooms to entire cities—can be designed to bring joy, comfort, and functionality.
4. “Restoring a House in the City” by Ingrid Abramovitch: Filled with stunning photographs and practical advice, this book explores how to breathe new life into old urban homes while respecting their historical integrity.
5. “The New Old House: Historic & Modern Architecture Combined” by Marc Kristal: A collection of case studies that showcase how old homes can be thoughtfully restored and modernized, blending the past with the present.