Inside Malene Birger’s Artfully Restored 18th-Century Townhome in Mallorca

Birger wasn’t necessarily searching for a new project when she came across her current home, Casa Birger—an 18th-century townhouse that had gone uninhabited for 40 years. “When I saw it, I knew immediately it had potential,” she says, adding that when she first stepped inside, the house was completely full of furniture across all three floors. “The space had a wonderful atmosphere, even though it was in need of care.” Though she is no stranger to home renovations (to date, she has completed eight), this was the largest of them all. The house is 600 square meters, and there were several original details that Birger and her team were determined to keep intact.

“I’ve always felt a responsibility to respect the history of the buildings I work on,” she says, pointing to traditional craftsmanship unique to older homes as a vital quality to maintain. “My role was to bring the house back to life without losing its character.” One of her most cherished vignettes is the central iron staircase that features a wooden handrail and ornate gilded detailing. “Also, the original hexagonal tiles from the first floor were salvaged and reinstalled on the second floor.”

Photo: Jean Marie del Moral

In the book, Birger describes the house’s history as guiding its future. “For me, every old house already holds the blueprint for what it wants to become,” she says. With Casa Birger, the history of the building was her starting point. “I didn’t want to erase anything. You can feel its age, but everything functions for how I live today. That balance between preservation and renewal is what guided every decision.”

In addition to protecting the historic details, Birger also wanted to keep an authentic Mallorquín feeling. “The handmade glass lamps from the Gordiola factory add a strong sense of place,” she says. These light fixtures have been locally made since the 1700s and possess imperfections that Birger describes as particularly beautiful. “Also, for me, the combination of the original wooden double doors, inner wooden shutters, ceramic tiles—and the fabrics, cushions, and carpets—are all a tactile connection to Mallorca.”