Navigating the Beauty and Brawn of Historic Renovations

Working within the elegant skeletons of centuries-old buildings offers a rare kind of magic. High ceilings, crown moldings, original floorboards—these features whisper stories from long ago. But for modern-day installers, designers, and renovators, old buildings bring more than just charm. They demand ingenuity, precision, and a whole lot of muscle.

Six Flights to Glory

One of our most memorable challenges? Delivering and installing furniture—including full-sized showers and beds—into an 18th-century building with no lift, and a winding wooden staircase that’s survived hundreds of years of footsteps. Every item had to be hoisted up by hand, manoeuvred around tight corners, and placed gently into a space designed long before plumbing and power tools were ever imagined.

Preserving Character While Elevating Function

Renovating old structures isn’t just about fitting the modern into the ancient—it’s about protecting the soul of the space. We work carefully to install contemporary solutions that complement rather than compete with historical features. That might mean customizing cabinetry to match antique skirting boards, or routing wiring discreetly behind centuries-old plasterwork.

Trust Built on Experience

At Setup Studio, we take pride in pairing respect for heritage with practical design. Our team understands the intricacies of working within architectural time capsules, and we love making these spaces not just liveable—but extraordinary.