A Prague apartment renovation recently honored in the Interior of the Year competition showcases a remarkable blend of preservation adn resourceful design. Architect Eliška Nekolová of Interien studio transformed a compact, two-room flat in Smíchov into a living space deeply rooted in the homeowners’ family legacy. The project, lauded for its budget-conscious approach and sustainable practices, highlights the beauty of repurposing inherited pieces and uncovering hidden architectural details. The stunning result demonstrates how past elements can be seamlessly integrated into modern living.
A small apartment in Prague’s Smíchov district has been transformed into a stunning homage to its owners’ family history. The 47-square-meter, two-room flat feels plucked from a classic film, thanks to a meticulous renovation focused on preserving and repurposing inherited pieces. Architect Eliška Nekolová, founder of Interien studio, spearheaded the unique and budget-conscious project.
Hidden Wall Revealed
Despite its diminutive size, the renovation proved to be a significant undertaking. Rather than purchasing new items, the homeowners prioritized restoring existing family heirlooms. During the initial stages of work, a hidden original brick wall was discovered. While the initial plans called for something different, the team adapted and decided to expose the brick, carefully preserving it with a protective coating.
Practical updates centered around maximizing functionality, creating ample storage space, and ensuring effective lighting. Located on the ground floor, the apartment receives limited natural light. A clever storage loft was built above the hallway, accessible by an elegant, gold rolling ladder. A full-sized bathtub wouldn’t fit in the bathroom, but structural reinforcement allowed one to be installed in the bedroom.
Generations of History
Furniture inherited from great-grandparents was completely renovated, lending the apartment an irreplaceable character. A console discovered in the attic was repurposed from an old vanity. A 19th-century ironing board stand now serves as a coat rack, and a dragoon boot holder belonging to a great-grandfather has been cleverly transformed into a handbag rack. A window frame from a historic family property is displayed as a decorative element. Original hallway tiles were refinished and relocated to the kitchen.
The entire interior is unified by brass and gold accents, drawing from the historical elements. Any items not originally gold-toned were sent for a specialized finish. The only exception is the stainless steel pins in the electrical outlets.
The project prioritized sustainability, reusing materials, and restoring antique furniture. Even the dinnerware is exclusively sourced from family heirlooms. As the project’s author describes it, the apartment exudes a strong atmosphere, paying tribute to ancestors and celebrating 19th-century craftsmanship.
Photo: Archive of the Institute of Housing Design
Interior of the Year Competition
Exceptional private and public interiors designed by Czech and Slovak architects and designers are annually recognized in the Interior of the Year competition. Seznam.cz is the main media partner of the competition. View the winners of various categories from the tenth edition. Authors from the Czech Republic and Slovakia can submit interiors completed during 2025 until February 2026. The winners will be announced at the Living Forum, an international congress on housing, design, and architecture, held at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague.
