12 tips for the buyer of an apartment in Montenegro from a designer and an engineer

A house inland in northern latitudes and a house on the coast in the south are two completely different houses. The same applies to apartments. The difference is primarily in the climate, as well as in the features of construction and communications equipment.

Wherever you buy holiday accommodation abroad, in Montenegro, Bulgaria, Turkey, Thailand, Cyprus, you will encounter similar distinctive features and problems:

• a lot of natural colors;
• lots of natural light;
• high humidity;
• temperature differences in summer and winter;
• lack of central heating;
• absence of a central ventilation system;
• frequent small earthquakes (in some regions).

And one of the most unpleasant moments is that mold forms very quickly in buildings located in humid, hot climates.

We were told about how to properly equip real estate by the sea in MARO Studio, which has been designing and completing apartments and villas in Montenegro for 17 years. The company has also been providing services in Moscow for many years. Experts say: the Russian experience in the southern country does not work! What are their recommendations?

1.Use pastel colors in harmony with nature

The Montenegrin coast is famous for its bright sun, turquoise sea and lush Mediterranean vegetation. In order not to overload the interior with excessive brightness, experts recommend using natural, pastel colors. Soft shades of beige, sand, blue and olive will create an atmosphere of calm and tranquility, perfectly complementing the surrounding landscape.

2. Use natural materials

Natural materials are ideal for creating an authentic and relaxing space. Wood, in particular, will be an excellent choice. Its warm texture and natural color perfectly match the resort atmosphere. Avoid cold high-tech and give preference to styles close to eco-style, using wood or materials that mimic its texture.

3. Choose a soft light

The bright southern sun itself is a great light source, so there is no need for excessively bright artificial lighting. It is preferable to use small, dim lamps: spots, sconces, medium-sized chandeliers with warm light. The recommended color temperature of the lamps is 2700 3000 Kelvin, which will create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere without competing with natural lighting.

4. Install "underfloor heating"

After you have created a cozy and stylish interior, you need to take care of the comfort and microclimate in your home. Even on the sunny coast of Montenegro, it is important to provide engineering solutions that will provide warmth in winter and coolness in summer, as well as maintain an optimal humidity level.

Although severe frosts are rare on the coast, in the winter months (January-February), the air temperature can decrease significantly. Instead of energy-consuming air conditioners, which also dry the air, we recommend installing a "underfloor heating" system. Its advantages are obvious: comfortable warmth in winter, warmth for feet, as well as mold prevention due to uniform heating of the room (including corners and areas under furniture). 

However, it is worth remembering the disadvantages: installation costs (it is necessary to dismantle and re-lay the floor covering) and restrictions on the type of floor covering (tile or quartz vinyl is suitable).

5. Install a heat exchanger and a dehumidifier to combat humidity

The lack of a centralized ventilation system is a typical situation for many houses on the Montenegrin coast. The recuperator is an excellent solution to this problem: it provides fresh air supply and waste disposal, and some models even have an air heating function.

Together with the recuperator, it is advisable to use an air dryer, which is especially important in coastal areas with high humidity. 

6. Optimize the glazing

Avoid large areas of glazing, especially windows made of cheap and low-quality profiles. Such windows become "cold bridges" in winter and "heat bridges" in summer, worsening the microclimate and increasing heating/air conditioning costs. 

7. Use wall coloring, not wallpaper

In conditions of high humidity, wallpaper can quickly peel off, so it is better to give preference to wall painting. If you still decide to use wallpaper, choose vinyl and make sure of the quality of the glue and the professionalism of the master finisher.

8. Choose furniture made of high-quality MDF or solid wood

The right choice of furniture and decorative elements is the key to the comfort and durability of your home on the Montenegrin coast. Taking into account the peculiarities of the local climate, it is necessary to pay special attention to materials and workmanship.

Give preference to furniture made of MDF or hardwoods, such as ash or oak, known for their durability and resistance to moisture. Pine or birch products can deform due to high humidity, so it is better to avoid them, especially for elements such as doors and cabinets.

9. Choose upholstered furniture with moisture-proof upholstery

Choose moisture-resistant fabrics for upholstery of sofas and armchairs. Conventional materials are prone to mold formation, and leather, although it seems practical, becomes too cold in winter and hot in summer. The exception is chairs, for which leather upholstery may be quite acceptable.

10. Do not skimp on the quality of furniture!

Do not skimp on the quality of furniture, especially when it comes to products such as folding sofas. Too low a price should alert you: pay attention to the thickness of the mattress and the quality of the mechanism. Cheap mechanisms break down quickly, and it is impossible to sleep on mattresses thinner than 14 cm.

11. Consider the actual dimensions of the furniture

When planning the placement of furniture, we must not forget that the dimensions of furniture, especially beds, may differ from the actual size. The width of the bed is the size of the mattress.

Do not forget about the location of engineering communications, for example, sockets.

12. Focus on real furniture models

When making a design project, use furniture models that actually exist on sale. It is a common mistake to build a project around virtual models from catalogs, which may not be available in the right configuration or color.

Conclusion

When creating an interior in your home on the coast of Montenegro, remember the harmonious combination of beauty and practicality. Take into account the peculiarities of the local climate, use high-quality materials and proven engineering solutions. 

Following these tips, you will get a cozy and comfortable home that will delight you for many years to come!

The right approach to design and choice of materials will ensure you a comfortable life in your new home on the Adriatic coast. Have a good arrangement!