HISTORICAL APARTMENT RENOVATION & FULL FURNISHINGS IN LUZERN SWITZERLAND
Lindenhaus
Lindenhaus is a historic apartment in Luzern renovated and furnished for a professional couple seeking to honour its traditional character while introducing contemporary clarity. The brief was simple yet precise: preserve the soul of the home, refine its structure and layer it with meaningful, considered details. The result is a renovation that feels grounded, elegant and modern.
THE DESIGN BRIEF
When the new owners first approached us, their intention was clear: retain the apartment’s historic integrity while bringing in a restrained contemporary sensibility. Simplicity was key — but never at the expense of depth or character.
We began with structural refinements. With the exception of the kitchen and bathrooms, warm muted parquet flooring was installed throughout the home to create cohesion and visual calm. Ceiling beams and walls were painted in a neutral white to emphasise light and architectural rhythm, while the fireplace structure was highlighted in a warm grey inspired by the existing metal finishes in the kitchen.
Built-in wardrobes were modernised and reworked for functionality, and classical wooden curtain rods were introduced to reinforce the apartment’s historic language.
PROJECT SCOPE
KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM
The kitchen and dining area with stunning views of Mount Pilatus are defined by tonal contrast. Full-height drapery on classical black wooden rods softens the architecture and establishes visual continuity with the living room.
We layered varied wood tones and textiles to add depth without visual weight. The mirror was custom framed in wood, deliberately visible only from the sides and above — a considered response to the angled wall and the gallery opening overhead.
To anchor the kitchen within the open plan, we painted the back wall in a grey drawn from the existing cabinetry. We echoed a variation of this tone on the fireplace, thoughtfully connecting both zones.
At the centre stands a handcrafted dining table made by our client’s father. Restored to its original beauty, it anchors the room with both craftsmanship and memory.
ENTRYWAY AND LIVING ROOM
In the living room, we were clear about our priorities: views first, socialising second, television last. The apartment is blessed with exceptional views, so we positioned a solid yet inviting sofa directly beneath the windows — generous in comfort, but low enough to preserve the panorama. A projector and drop-down screen are mounted "hidden" behind the larger wooden beams.
The property has a loft-like quality, with open sightlines extending from the entryway through to the kitchen and living spaces. To enhance this sense of openness, we introduced reflective surfaces through lighting, paint finish and metals. They bounce natural light and add dimension without visual clutter.
We combined varied wood tones with a large custom herringbone wool rug to ground the space and unify the material palette. The aviator chairs — cherished family heirlooms — form a natural corner for enjoying the mountain views, the fire, or a moment of work.
A compact ottoman and custom side table add flexibility, allowing the room to shift easily between intimate evenings and larger gatherings.
TRANSITION AREAS AND GALLERY
To unify both levels of the apartment, we painted all metal and wooden railings in a dark grey — light, elegant and distinctive. What was once purely functional now reads as an intentional architectural feature connecting the lower and upper floors.
The gallery reinforces the apartment’s loft-like character, maintaining openness while defining circulation. Rather than introduce new elements unnecessarily, we repurposed a built-in vintage shelving unit with glass doors and relocated it to the upstairs library. This preserved the character of the home while adding meaning to the space.
The result is a transition that feels deliberate — an extension of the material language established throughout the home.
MASTER BEDROOM
"Analía hat nicht nur vor Freude und Enthusiasmus gesprüht, sondern auch mit Leidenschaft, Kreativität und Liebe zum Detail unglaublich viel Energie investiert."
SECOND HOME OFFICE
In the second home office, the primary challenge was maximising storage within the constraints of the slanted ceilings. We designed bespoke built-in cabinetry that utilises every centimetre of available space, carefully following the roofline to create a seamless architectural fit.
The cabinets operate on a push-to-open system, eliminating the need for visible hardware and allowing the storage to integrate cleanly into the room.
To soften the precision of the joinery, we introduced a vintage lounger - treasured by our client - reupholstered in a distinctive designer fabric. A custom cushion continues the earthy palette that runs throughout the home.
Curated selection featuring in this project:
Étaudoré - Artisan Pieces | Bolia
Moquetas Rols | Kuatro Carpets
Gardeco | Vical Home
Hay | Romo Fabrics
Kare Design
