Renovating in Moda: Character-Preserving Renewal for Older Apartments (2026)
With its seafront walk, cafés and older apartment buildings, Moda is one of Kadıköy's most characterful neighbourhoods. Renovating a flat here is about making room for today's life without erasing the building's era.
2026-09-25 · 5 min read
Photo: Oktay Köseoğlu / Pexels
With its seaside promenade, street cafés and an air that's both bohemian and elegant, Moda is one of the best-known neighbourhoods on the Asian side. High ceilings, timber floors, tall windows and original door details turn up often in its older apartment buildings. The real question for anyone renovating here is usually this: how do I renew the flat without losing what makes it a Moda home?
What to keep, what to renew
The first step in an older Moda flat is separating what carries the home's character from what's simply worn out. Timber floors can be sanded and refinished, doors and architraves restored, ceiling details repaired — while plumbing, wiring and wet rooms are usually redone from scratch. Drawing that line also points the budget in the right direction.
Bringing old and new into one design language
A modern kitchen or bathroom can easily look out of place next to period details. That's where interior design planning makes the difference: materials, colours and lighting are chosen so old and new complement each other. A 3D visualisation lets you see that balance before any work begins.
Practical realities in an older building: walk-ups and close neighbours
Some of Moda's older apartment buildings have no lift, or only a small one, so carrying materials up and debris down takes more planning. Neighbours are close in these buildings and shared spaces are tight. Planned working hours, protected stairwells and shared areas cleaned every day are what keep the job running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can old timber floors be saved?
- Often, yes — sanding, repairs and a new finish bring them back into use. Badly damaged sections are patched in with material that matches the existing floor.
- Does a renovation take longer in a building without a lift?
- Carrying materials and debris takes more labour, but a well-planned schedule keeps the effect limited. The real timeline comes after the site visit.
- Can I see a 3D visual of the flat before the work?
- Yes. Our interior designer prepares a 3D visual of your space, and we don't charge for the design when we carry out the build.
Planning a renovation?
Free survey, written fixed price, contract and warranty. No obligation — see the price first, then decide.