When Malene Birger left her own fashion brand more than ten years ago to focus on art and interior design, she was already deeply in love with Mallorca. Though she has lived in many beautiful places around the world—from the Greek island of Skyros to Lake Como—the self-described nomad keeps coming back to Mallorca. She has lived on the Balearic island several times in different spots, and most recently settled in the rural town of Felanitx, where she spent two years renovating the townhouse she now calls home. This careful restoration is the focus of her new book, Creating a New Home in Mallorca, available now.

“I’ve always felt more at home under a palm tree than a birch,” Birger says, reflecting on why Mallorca became her chosen sanctuary. Originally from Copenhagen, she describes the island as a place where she feels completely at ease. “I’ve lived here for over 15 years, in two separate periods, and the island’s blend of authenticity and warmth still inspires me.” She was drawn to Felanitx for its unspoiled charm. “People take their time here, greet each other on the street, and live with genuine manners and calm energy. There’s a sense of community that feels rare today.”

Birger wasn’t actively looking for a new project when she discovered Casa Birger, an 18th-century townhouse that had stood empty for 40 years. “As soon as I saw it, I knew it had potential,” she says. When she first stepped inside, all three floors were filled with furniture. “The space had a wonderful atmosphere, even though it needed attention.” Though she’s no stranger to renovations—this was her eighth—it was her largest project yet. The 600-square-meter house had many original features that Birger and her team were determined to preserve.

“I’ve always felt it was important to respect the history of the buildings I work on,” she explains, noting that traditional craftsmanship in older homes is something worth protecting. “My role was to bring the house back to life without losing its character.” One of her favorite details is the central iron staircase, with its wooden handrail and ornate gilded touches. “We also salvaged the original hexagonal tiles from the first floor and reinstalled them on the second.”

In her book, Birger writes that the house’s past guided its future. “To me, every old house already holds the blueprint for what it wants to become,” she says. With Casa Birger, the building’s history was her starting point. “I didn’t want to erase anything. You can feel its age, but everything works for the way I live now. That balance between preservation and renewal guided every decision.”

Along with protecting historic details, Birger wanted to maintain an authentic Mallorcan feel. “The handmade glass lamps from the Gordiola factory add a strong sense of place,” she says. These lights have been made locally since the 1700s and carry small imperfections that Birger finds beautiful. “The combination of the original wooden double doors, inner shutters, ceramic tiles—along with fabrics, cushions, and carpets—creates a tactile connection to Mallorca.”

Naturally, the interiors reflect Birger’s signature monochrome palette, which she says reflects her love of simplicity and balance. “It also creates a calm backdrop for art and vintage furniture, which I like to rotate and rearrange over time,” she adds. “For me, it’s not about minimalism, but about creating a space where…””Every detail has room to breathe.”

Photo: Courtesy of Malene Birger

With the restoration finished, Birger now spends her days cooking in the kitchen, relaxing on the poolside sunbed, and working in her studio. She has also recently opened a gallery and studio nearby in Felanitx, just around the corner from her home. “It felt like a natural next step for my creative work—a way to be more visible and stay connected to both the local community and the wider world, especially since Mallorca is so international,” she explains. She notes that the village is a blend of Mallorcans and Moroccans and remains largely untouched by commercialization. “After living in the countryside, it took some getting used to being near neighbors and the sounds of village life again, but now I love it. It feels real and vibrant.”

Malene Birger’s book, Creating a New Home in Mallorca, published by teNeues, is now available.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Inside Malene Birgers beautifully restored 18thcentury townhouse in Mallorca designed to be clear concise and natural

General Beginner Questions

1 Who is Malene Birger
Malene Birger is a renowned Danish fashion designer who founded the brands BY MALENE BIRGER and Studio B She is now celebrated for her work in interior design and creative direction

2 Where exactly is this townhouse located
Its located in the historic center of Palma de Mallorca within the Old Town district

3 What style is the townhouse decorated in
The style is a unique blend of classic Mallorcan architecture and modern bohemian slow living aesthetics It features rustic elements like stone walls and wooden beams mixed with contemporary art and global textiles

4 What does 18thcentury townhouse mean
It means the buildings original structure was built in the 1700s These homes are typically characterized by thick stone walls high ceilings and a central courtyard or patio

5 Can the public visit the townhouse
No it is a private residence It is primarily featured in design magazines books and online articles allowing the public to see it virtually

Design Restoration Details

6 What was the main goal of the restoration
The goal was to preserve the buildings historical character and original features while updating it with modern comforts and infusing it with Malene Birgers personal eclectic style

7 What are some key original features that were preserved
Key features include the exposed stone walls traditional wooden beams the central courtyard and the classic arched doorways and windows

8 How did she incorporate modern elements
She added a modern openplan kitchen contemporary lighting fixtures sleek furniture pieces and a curated collection of modern art to contrast with the ancient structure

9 What is the color palette used in the home
The palette is largely neutral and earthy with whitewashed walls natural stone and wood tones accented with terracotta black and pops of color from art and textiles

10 What role does the courtyard play in the home
The courtyard or