Natalia Nerantzaki renovates 1970s Heraklion apartment with terrazzo floors intact

In Heraklion, Crete, architect Natalia Nerantzaki has refurbished a 1974 apartment that had remained unchanged for almost 50 years. Behind its dated surfaces, the flat revealed generous ceilings, original terrazzo floors and a long corridor that gives the plan a soft elegance. The renovation builds on these qualities rather than replacing them. Even the electrical system was rerouted through the walls to avoid lowering the ceilings and disrupting the apartment’s proportions. The most significant change was moving the kitchen. Previously tucked into the private side of the home, it now occupies the former sitting room and opens directly onto the living area. The old kitchen, facing the courtyard, was converted into a calm bedroom. With three different terrazzo patterns already present, new materials were chosen carefully. In two rooms where the original flooring was missing, beige porcelain tiles were introduced to subtly echo the tones of the hallway without competing visually. Walls remain white and soft beige, allowing the floors to stand out. A plywood kitchen with white quartz countertops adds warmth and a contemporary note. In the living room, Danish design pieces sit alongside bold artworks. Repeated Flowerpot pendant lights above the island and dining table create a quiet sense of rhythm. The result is a renovation that feels light and respectful, preserving the apartment’s 1970s character while making it comfortable for today.