colorful mosaic tiles take over this renovated penthouse in valencia, spain

DG Arquitecto has completed a minimalist renovation of a 1920s penthouse in Valencia's Ruzafa neighbourhood, transforming a previously compartmentalized 100-square-metre space into a modern living area while meticulously preserving its original architectural character. The design, led by Isabel Roger Sánchez and Daniel González López, focuses on integrating contemporary functionality with historical elements such as mosaic floors, decorative mouldings, and arched doorways. The penthouse, situated on the top floor of an apartment block, originally featured narrow corridors and small rooms. The clients tasked DG Arquitecto with adapting the layout for modern living while ensuring that the apartment's unique original features remained central to the design. A key decision was to retain and restore the decorative mouldings and doors, which were painted white to conceal any wear and tear. The vibrant mosaic floors, a hallmark of Valencia's early 20th-century architecture from a significant factory in nearby Meliana, were carefully cleaned and preserved to highlight their original colours throughout the entire apartment, extending from the kitchen to the office area. To create a more open and functional living space, the studio combined the living room and kitchen into a single, integrated area. This transformation involved thoughtful spatial reorganization, allowing for a seamless flow between these primary communal zones. Despite these significant changes in the main living area, the apartment's three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and the terrace largely maintain their original layout, demonstrating a balanced approach to renovation. The new additions and interventions are characterized by a minimalist aesthetic and a consistent material palette. Oak was chosen for new built-in elements, including the kitchen cabinetry, wardrobes, and bookshelves, due to its inherent warmth and uniform appearance. An oak floor and a dressing room were incorporated into the main bedroom, further enhancing its modern appeal, while an office area with built-in shelving was strategically placed between the bedrooms and the terrace, offering a dedicated workspace. The architects emphasized that the distribution changes were intentionally limited by the objective of fully preserving the original mosaic flooring and the integrity of the moulded ceilings. This careful consideration allowed the studio to transform the existing spaces effectively without compromising their historical essence. The project stands as an example of sensitive renovation, echoing similar Spanish apartment projects that have successfully integrated modern design with the preservation of historical tiled floors, such as those found in Barcelona where colourful mosaics delineate original room layouts. Photography for the project was provided by Mariela Apollonio. #ValenciaArchitecture #ApartmentRenovation #MinimalistInteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #MosaicFloors #DGArquitecto #OakWood #OpenPlanLiving #SpanishInteriorDesign

Tiles have been a prominent feature in Spanish interior design, particularly within homes in Barcelona. This article highlights seven remarkable examples from the city, showcasing diverse and striking tile applications in residential spaces. These projects demonstrate how tiles can be utilized to achieve various aesthetic and functional outcomes, ranging from preserving historical character to defining modern living zones. The first featured project, Laia and Biel's House by TEd'A, involved the renovation of a home belonging to the owners of a Mallorcan tile brand. The design creatively repurposed deteriorating terracotta tiles by crushing them into an aggregate and mixing them to form a terrazzo-style grout, resulting in unique ceramic surfaces throughout the house. Casa Conxita by Escolano + Steegmann uses terracotta tiles to delineate the 'static' areas of the apartment. This choice not only grounds the space but also draws inspiration from the reddish hues of Barcelona's rooftops. Contrasting yellow and forest green tiles are integrated to create a distinctive splashback in the open-plan kitchen, adding a vibrant touch. The End of the Roc apartment by Nook Architects showcases a meticulous preservation approach. During its renovation, the architects opted to retain existing ornate patterned floor tiling, a 40-year-old wall mural, and original wooden ceiling beams, ensuring the historical charm of this Gothic-quarter apartment remained intact. David Kohn Architects' Carrer Avinyó apartment features an innovative use of triangular tiles to create an ombré effect on the floors, transitioning colours from green to red. This subtle gradient helps to loosely define the private spaces for each of the two brothers sharing the home. Additionally, traditional sea-blue square tiles are applied to the kitchen's rear, overlooked by a mezzanine bookshelf, adding another layer of texture and color. In House 106, Raúl Sánchez implemented bold flooring by arranging simple black tiles in a herringbone pattern across the five-bedroom residence. These striking floors are contrasted by a curved oakwood panel at ground level, which cleverly encloses a small dining area, creating a dynamic interplay of materials and forms. Built Architecture's Casa AB, located in a 19th-century apartment, features original red, blue, and beige patterned floor tiles that introduce a burst of color. The apartment, described as an 'art gallery,' is further adorned with tall oak cabinetry, numerous paintings, and sculptural hangings, where the vibrant tiles complement the artistic environment. Finally, La Odette by CRÜ Studio demonstrates how warm-hued tiles can be used to delineate different living zones in a narrow home after removing partition walls. In the kitchen, terracotta tiles are applied in a unique back-to-front manner to create a textured feature wall, which is further enhanced by a panel of red polished marble behind the stove. This innovative application adds depth and character to the space. Each of these projects illustrates the versatility and enduring appeal of tiles in shaping distinct and functional residential interiors within Barcelona. #BarcelonaHomes #TileDesigns #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #SpanishTiles #RenovationProjects #TerracottaTiles

Hailey and Ryan Weller, partners at Concrete Collaborative, undertook a renovation of their 20-year-old home in San Clemente, California, with the goal of creating bright, relaxed spaces for their family and pets. Their primary objective was to lighten the existing dark and dated finishes, infusing a coastal aesthetic inspired by the nearby beach environment. Given their professional background, concrete and terrazzo architectural finishes played a central role in the home's redesign, featuring natural materials reminiscent of sand and rock, abstract patterns suggesting surf culture, and playful color accents. The open-plan ground floor was designed with a neutral palette of whites, creams, and warm grays, serving as a sophisticated foundation for more vibrant elements. Geometric patterned tiles from Concrete Collaborative's Strands x Half Moon collection, designed by Natalie Meyers with a "Scandi-fornian" ethos, were incorporated around the fireplace. The kitchen, characterized by white cabinetry complemented by rattan and timber details, adopted a coastal chic style. Countertops were outfitted with expansive slabs of Concrete Collaborative’s Pacifica extra small marble chip terrazzo, paired with a backsplash from the Strands collection featuring a beige accent that subtly echoed the brass hardware and evoked sandy beaches. Terrazzo tiles were strategically used to establish a seamless flow across the entire ground floor, with their large, rectangular format enhancing the open-plan layout. This design extended to an outdoor entertaining area through large glass doors, facilitating an indoor/outdoor living experience year-round. The outdoor space includes a pool and lounge area paved with Concrete Collaborative Trails pavers and a bar clad in Dwell Tails tiles from the Strands collection, featuring bold, midcentury-inspired colors like Acacia. Additionally, Trestles Circle Breeze Blocks in Beige provided an elevated architectural pattern for a simple block bench. The playful approach to materials and patterns continued into the home's private areas, particularly the four distinct bathrooms. Each bathroom was given a unique character. The guest bathroom, connected to the pool area, aimed for a "lush feeling" using Strands x Dwell collection tiles in Universal Green and Ivory, with color inlaid using the traditional encaustic process for durability. The children’s bathroom adopted a dramatically different palette, featuring a Large Pink Chip terrazzo on the floors and pink striped Strands tiles on the shower walls, balanced with black hardware and a black speckled basin to avoid a overly cutesy appearance. Overall, the renovation successfully integrated Concrete Collaborative's products to achieve a harmonious and functional living space. The design choices, from the natural raw materials of the tiles to the beach-inspired color schemes, were tailored to the San Clemente beachside setting, resulting in a simple, relaxed, and cohesive aesthetic that fulfills the homeowners' vision. #HomeRenovation #CoastalDesign #ConcreteCollaborative #TerrazzoTiles #GeometricTiles #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #BathroomDesign #KitchenDesign

This article highlights the transformative renovation of a 1980s Spanish revival house in Montecito, California, by Dmar Interiors. The primary goal was to modernize and brighten a tired, dated home while preserving its original character, particularly its impressive vaulted ceilings. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design updates can significantly enhance a property's aesthetic and functionality. One of the most impactful changes involved the original 1987 bright orange wood paneled ceilings and beams. Instead of painting them white, the design team opted to stain them a darker, more natural shade, which paradoxically contributed to a brighter feel in conjunction with fresh, warm white walls. This decision helped integrate the existing architectural elements into a contemporary 'California coastal meets Spanish revival' aesthetic, a signature style of Dmar Interiors, led by Mollie Ranize with Kim Serani and Maria Aramburu. A key aspect of the renovation was to increase the sense of light throughout the house and create a cohesive, fresher look. This was achieved by unifying the flooring across different spaces and introducing new furnishings and finishes with layered textures rather than relying on bright colors. This approach allowed the eye to flow seamlessly through the interiors and also draw attention to the surrounding lush landscaping, maximizing natural light and outdoor views. The kitchen, described as the 'star' of the home, underwent a dramatic transformation from a dark and drab space. The design team implemented a new layout, including a functional and social island. A significant structural modification involved relocating a load-bearing post to create a large, usable island. Aesthetically, the kitchen now features light surfaces, rich Calacatta Gold countertops, and a vibrant patterned backsplash. The original cabinets were updated with solid, Shaker panel doors in a lighter color, and a cheerful blue Casablanca tile backsplash was chosen as a nod to the Spanish style while maintaining a coastal feel. This new layout also allowed for the inclusion of a built-in breakfast area, catering to the family's needs. In the living room, the existing vaulted ceilings were a strong feature, but the space lacked a focal point. Dmar Interiors addressed this by designing a double arched built-in with a central window seat. This addition not only framed the view of the front yard but also provided extra storage and display units, which helped manage clutter and enhanced the room's sense of light and spaciousness. The furniture selection, including a white sofa, traditional rug, and grey armchairs, contributed to a balanced and inviting atmosphere. The dining room, which opens to a poolside outdoor lounge, was designed to maintain its connection to the outdoors while achieving a more formal ambiance. This was accomplished through high-contrast and detailed furnishing pieces, a mix of angular and curved patterns, full-height natural linen drapery panels, and subtle pops of color from the area rug and lamps. The bedroom was transformed into a serene retreat with a palette of coastal blue-grays and sandy neutrals, making it brighter and more airy. The original ceiling treatments were stained to match the home's overall scheme, and light, bright walls further promoted relaxation. The bathrooms also received comprehensive makeovers. The main bathroom, originally dark and cramped, was completely reconfigured to accommodate an expansive vanity, a freestanding bathtub, a larger open shower, and a private water closet. An arched detail over the bathtub alcove tied the design to the rest of the home, complemented by patterned floor tiles. The children's bathroom, characterized by its long, narrow footprint and lack of natural light, was optimized with a new double vanity, a floor-to-ceiling storage tower, and light finishes, including a patterned floor tile and a custom vanity with a quartz countertop. Looking ahead, the homeowners and Dmar Interiors plan further enhancements, including a guest house with a kitchen, bar, and lounge, as well as an outdoor fireplace, kitchen, and covered dining space, underscoring a continued commitment to maximizing the property's potential. #HomeRenovation #CaliforniaCoastalDesign #SpanishRevival #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #BathroomRemodel #CeilingStaining #NeutralPalette #Montecito

Designers Dominique Brammah and Shannon Shlom of Duet interior studio transformed a 1930s Spanish-style home in Avalon, Sydney, into a warm, European-inspired retreat. The property, initially featuring existing Sydney red gums, tree ferns, and cabbage tree palms, was enhanced by landscape architects Spirit Level and stone masons Farley Roberts, who integrated native plantings and a network of sandstone flagging, stepping-stone paths, and boulders. This extensive landscaping connects the home with its Australian surroundings while maintaining a European feel. The 1930s structure, although humble, had robust timber windows and masonry walls that were retained. The redesign focused on reshaping the interior spaces and expanding the footprint. A nursery and a 'wet block' containing the main ensuite, powder room, and laundry were added to the rear. An old lean-to was removed to create a north-facing loggia, which now houses an open-plan kitchen, dining area, and breakfast banquette that seamlessly connects to an alfresco terrace. New French doors and casement windows were installed to improve airflow and integrate the indoors with the outdoors. The external laundry was repurposed into a multi-functional butler’s pantry, and bespoke tumbled mosaic floor tiles were designed by Duet. The internal layout of the home is arranged around a central sandstone fireplace, optimizing space and eliminating unnecessary hallways. Upstairs, the study was updated with sisal carpet and a caramel sofa, and a new bathroom was added for the guest room. The primary bedroom was expanded to include an ensuite and a generous balcony offering garden views and a distant water vista. The designers employed a courageous and cohesive color palette, drawing inspiration from the natural environment and the client's preference for feminine softness. Common areas, initially white, were given a buttery gloss finish, using Dulux Rice Crop on walls and high-gloss Bread Crumb on ceilings to enhance natural light. Private spaces, such as bathrooms, were adorned with rose pink and cloudy blue, while the nursery and a downstairs bedroom featured midnight and Dulux Blue Balm, respectively. Tadelakt plaster was used to create textured surfaces, contributing to the home's distinctive character. The furniture and lighting selections involved a mix of cleverly sourced vintage pieces and custom-designed items, including warm upholstery and textile panels in cabinetry, and fabric-covered joinery doors. These elements, combined with dramatic drapes, add a layer of romanticism and quiet luxury, reflecting both the home's architecture and the client's spirit. The overall design successfully blends the romance of the past with contemporary functionality, creating a unique and inviting living space. #SpanishStyleHome #AvalonRenovation #InteriorDesign #DuetStudio #LandscapeArchitecture #HomeRemodel #ColorPalette #VintageFurniture #EuropeanInfluence

The La Odette apartment, originally a dark and cramped three-bedroom dwelling from 1877, has been transformed by Barcelona-based architecture studio CRÜ into a spacious two-bedroom residence. The renovation focused on optimizing space and enhancing natural light and ventilation within the 65-square-meter property. CRÜ, formerly known as RÄS, initiated the project by removing existing partition walls, creating an open-plan layout that significantly brightened the interior. Key to the redesign is the strategic use of contrasting natural materials. The studio aimed to break up the volume of the apartment into distinct planes, utilizing surface finishes such as white-painted exposed brickwork, various terracotta tiles, and terracotta-painted walls. This material palette was chosen to introduce warmth and help delineate specific areas within the otherwise open space. For instance, terracotta floor tiles extend to a section of a wall near the kitchen and entrance, serving as a visual anchor and a textural contrast to the surrounding white-painted surfaces. An innovative application of the terracotta tiles involved installing them back-to-front on a wall section, exposing their ribbed undersides. This technique created a unique vertical terracotta texture, adding depth and a tactile dimension to the space. The design also incorporates smaller, square maroon tiles in the hallway and bathroom, providing a further textural and color contrast against the terracotta-painted walls in the bathroom and the raw brick near the entrance. The bathroom itself features a wall adorned with medium-sized white tiles, distinguished by terracotta-colored grouting, reinforcing the overall material theme. Functional rearrangements include relocating the bedrooms to the rear of the building, with one offering views of a courtyard and the other accessing a balcony. The living area is positioned at the front, overlooking the street. A sliding corrugated glass door allows for the separation of the master bedroom from the living space while permitting light to diffuse between these areas. The minimalist kitchen is outfitted with a red polished marble backsplash, sourced from the south of Spain, adding a touch of elegance and a subtle pop of color. CRÜ studio is led by architects Clàudia Raurell, Joan Astallé, and Marc Peiró. Their portfolio includes other notable Barcelona apartment renovations, such as a minimalist apartment featuring dark grey tiles and a monochrome palette, and a project where a polycarbonate-walled mezzanine level was inserted into a previously concealed gabled ceiling, showcasing their expertise in inventive spatial solutions and material contrasts. #BarcelonaApartment #Terracotta #InteriorDesign #ApartmentRenovation #CRUStudio #MaterialContrast #OpenPlanLiving #ResidentialArchitecture #Spain #TileDesign

Sigla Studio has completed the renovation of a 150-square-meter apartment in Barcelona's Eixample district, located within the 1904 residential building Casa Salvador Viladevall III. The project focused on preserving and restoring the apartment's original early 20th-century features while integrating contemporary elements for improved functionality and comfort. Unlike many other renovations in the building that disregarded historical characteristics, Sigla Studio meticulously rehabilitated existing details, aiming for a harmonious blend of old and new. Key original features preserved and restored include the vibrant mosaic floor tiles and decorative plaster mouldings on the ceilings. The mosaic floors, identified as creations by Teotim Fortuny—a prominent manufacturer of hydraulic mosaics in Catalonia known for intricate modernist and traditional Catalan designs—were carefully restored, with missing tiles painstakingly sourced to maintain their integrity. Solid wooden doors were also preserved, and original windows were updated with double-glazing to enhance energy efficiency without compromising their aesthetic or tactile qualities. Structurally, a significant intervention involved opening up the kitchen to the hallway and introducing an internal window between the kitchen and living room. These changes were implemented to improve natural light penetration and overall flow within the central areas of the apartment. The kitchen also received a vaulted ceiling and warm red Alicante marble floors, which create a striking contrast with the cool steel kitchen cabinets. In the living and dining areas, a large table designed by the studio, featuring a marine plywood structure and a Roman travertine marble top, serves as a focal point. A silver pendant lamp hangs above it, accentuating a ceiling rose, part of the decorative plaster mouldings. The bedrooms adopt a more subdued, natural color palette, balancing the vibrant restored floors with softer tones to ensure seamless integration of historical and modern elements. To accommodate the client's request for an additional bedroom, the main bedroom was divided into two using a custom-built dressing room. This adaptive design solution avoided alterations to the original mosaic floors or ceiling mouldings, respecting the apartment's historical layout while meeting contemporary needs. Bathrooms feature custom-made red marble sinks and detailing, designed to visually integrate with the rest of the apartment rather than being isolated spaces. When not in use, their open doors contribute to a greater sense of spaciousness and improved lighting. The project underscores a commitment to celebrating Barcelona's rich architectural heritage through thoughtful restoration and contemporary intervention. #BarcelonaApartment #SiglaStudio #ApartmentRenovation #HistoricPreservation #MosaicFloors #CatalanModernism #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRestoration #EixampleDistrict

This blog post details a 15-year renovation project of a 1920s Mediterranean Revival home in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights, undertaken by designer Palmer Weiss of Palmer Weiss Interior Design. The renovation was conducted in phases to accommodate the evolving needs of the homeowners, a family with young children and dogs at the outset. The initial phase focused on practical demands, transforming a dark dining room into an airy, adults-only living room and creating a kid-friendly family room within the kitchen. Over the decade and a half, as the children grew older, the emphasis shifted from sheer durability to spaces serving multiple purposes. In the latest phase, Weiss collaborated with architects at Charlie Barnett and Associates to refine the flow between rooms. The dining room was combined with a family sitting room and integrated into the kitchen, a setup now suitable for older children, with the dining table even doubling as a homework spot. The living room, designed for both family movie nights and sophisticated entertaining, features custom-painted high-gloss cobalt walls and arched windows adorned with ethereal mauve curtains. A significant challenge of this phased renovation was maintaining a fresh yet cohesive aesthetic throughout the home. To achieve this, Weiss consistently utilized a color palette of blues, mauves, and lilacs, chosen during the original renovation. This approach, employing hues adjacent on the color wheel, creates a unified and calm atmosphere by reducing competing colors. This consistent palette successfully ties the various spaces together over the years, demonstrating a thoughtful and adaptable design strategy. The article highlights several key areas of the home, showcasing specific design choices and furnishings. The entry features Jasper chairs in Katie Leede & Co. fabric, providing a playful touch while echoing the formal living room's style. The living room is brightened by south-facing windows and striking high-gloss cobalt walls, furnished with pieces from Soane Britain, Scalamandré, Hardesty Dwyer & Co., Lee Jofa, and a Stark rug. The kitchen, transformed with green high-gloss paint from Fine Paints of Europe on walls, cabinets, and trim, includes a Visual Comfort & Co. sconce, a Fox Marble table with a Villa & House base, and Alfonso Marina chairs. In the dining area, custom cerused cabinetry by Bo Williams and a dark table by Erinn V., upholstered in Schumacher and Fortuny fabrics, achieve a balance of family-friendliness and style. The ceiling is painted in Farrow & Ball's Light Blue. The primary bedroom exudes a "men’s haberdashery" feel with plaid drapes by Susan Lind Chastain in Holland & Sherry fabric and a corduroy-covered settee, despite a typically feminine palette. It also features a Nickey Kehoe bed, Soane Britain chandelier, and Crump & Kwash dresser, with walls painted in Farrow & Ball's Peignoir. The study features walls with a gray faux-bois finish by Katherine Jacobus Decorative Arts, offering a playful take on traditional wood paneling. This space includes art by Danielle Mourning, side tables from Go Build Studio, a sofa by Hardesty Dwyer & Co., a JD Staron rug, and an A. Rudin ottoman, with drapery fabric from Sandra Jordan. The comprehensive, long-term design approach illustrates how a home can evolve beautifully alongside its inhabitants while maintaining a consistent and elegant aesthetic. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #PalmerWeiss #SanFranciscoHome #MediterraneanRevival #PhasedRenovation #ColorPalette #LuxuryInteriors #DesignEvolution

The Spanish revival interior design style is experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity, offering a versatile foundation for blending traditional and contemporary aesthetics. This trend, drawing inspiration from European and Mediterranean influences, is characterized by unique architectural details, a warm color palette, and a remarkable ability to integrate with diverse design schemes. Interior designers Kristen Fiore and Mollie Ranize explain that Spanish revival interiors are a fusion of Spanish colonial and Moorish elements, focusing on natural materials such as wooden beams, arched passages, plaster walls, and rich colors often expressed through tiles and mosaics. The style prioritizes comfort and creates timeless, inviting atmospheres. Spanish revival interiors are about reintroducing life into traditional Spanish architecture by incorporating patterns and textures while accommodating modern lifestyles. The style evokes a sense of coziness, achieved through varied lighting sources, comfortable furnishings, subtle patterns, and softly textured wall surfaces. Its current popularity, especially in areas like Southern California with abundant historic Spanish-style homes, is attributed to a longing for unique and charming spaces, contrasting with the often-impersonal feel of modern constructions. The renewed interest in decorating with vintage and antique pieces also aligns with the Spanish revival’s appreciation for character-filled elements and a home's original features. Designers note that one-of-a-kind elements are highly valued, with a shift from discarding old for new to embracing historical characteristics. The trend is also influenced by the availability of Spanish-style homes and furniture on the market that features Spanish revival elements. Ultimately, this style is seen as a classic and enduring design form that emphasizes a beautiful blend of boldness and simplicity, suggesting it has never truly gone out of style but rather enjoys renewed appreciation. Decorating with the Spanish revival style involves several key principles. First, an earthy color palette is essential, with terracotta being a prominent hue, complemented by shades of red, green, brown, and orange. While terracotta often features in roofing, it translates beautifully into interiors as a natural, neutral red in tile flooring. Walls are typically kept clean and white, serving as a canvas for art, with green accents providing unexpected pops of color. Second, mixing old and new is crucial to maintain authenticity without creating an overly thematic or dated look. Integrating antique and vintage pieces with contemporary furniture helps to preserve the integrity of a Spanish-style home while making it feel modern and curated. Key decor pieces include rustic wood, leather, iron, oil paintings, tapestries, distressed pottery, statement lighting, sconces, and antique rugs. Third, selecting traditional and timeless decor is important. The understated and classic nature of Spanish revival allows for a variety of furnishings, but it's best to avoid mixing periods like Victorian or Art Nouveau. Traditional silhouettes and materials such as shaker or mission styles, leather, and linen are recommended. For larger furniture items, neutral colors are preferred as they are significant investments and contribute to a timeless feel. Wood tones, ranging from mid-tone to dark, also enhance this classic aesthetic. Fourth, infusing personal style is vital to transform a mere aesthetic demonstration into an authentic, lived-in home. The architectural elements should remain true to the style, but furniture and decor can be chosen for comfort, function, and individual taste, with handmade items and pieces with a history being particularly effective. Finally, making a feature of the architecture is paramount, as Spanish revival interiors are known for elements like red-tile roofs, arches, coves, tiled bathrooms, hardwood floors, exposed beams, and textured walls. While not all homes can incorporate these structural details, internal design elements such as arches, hardwood flooring, patterned tiles, and textural walls (e.g., lime wash paint) can be introduced to add character. Patterned tiles, especially those with Moorish designs, are an excellent way to integrate the style into homes without matching architecture, complemented by patterned textiles in upholstery and pillows in earthy colors. Creating textural interest through natural materials, imperfect finishes, and carefully chosen decor items like iron lights and sconces further enhances the charm and character of the Spanish revival style. #SpanishRevival #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #EarthyColorPalette #MixingOldAndNew #ArchitecturalDetails #PatternedTiles #TexturalInterest

Colombo and Serboli Architecture (CaSA) undertook the renovation of a 65-square-metre apartment located in a 13th-century residential building in Barcelona's historic El Born neighborhood. The client, a young Italian woman working in fashion, sought to incorporate additional storage and a new guest bathroom into the property. The original layout was dark and compartmentalized, with two street-facing bedrooms and one near the entrance obstructing natural light from reaching the central communal areas. CaSA initiated the renovation by demolishing all existing partition walls to open up the space, highlighting the four-meter-high ceilings and large balcony windows. To provide separation between the entranceway and the main living area, a full-height navy blue storage unit was installed. This unit features a contrasting pink display niche and a doorway, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes for storing clothes and other belongings. The adjacent living and dining area is distinguished by a coral-colored arched volume. This architectural element cleverly conceals the guest toilet, which is finished with blush-toned tiles and a circular mirror. The architects chose an arch shape for this volume to preserve the feeling of height in the living room, ensuring it almost touches the wooden beamed ceilings without creating dark or dusty corners that a full-height or half-height volume might have. The design's arched motif extends to the kitchen, where a curved breakfast island is topped with a terrazzo-like surface made from flecked quartz. The remainder of the kitchen and living spaces maintain a bright and airy atmosphere, characterized by oak flooring and whitewashed walls. A pale grey sofa from the Danish design brand Hay complements the contemporary aesthetic. A significant challenge of the project was structural. Over time, non-load-bearing walls had acquired structural value. Their removal, necessary to restore the apartment's grand spaces, necessitated the installation of steel beams to reinforce parts of the ancient structure. This intervention allowed the architects to emphasize the original architectural elements while enhancing the newly created open spaces and their proportions. The original woodwork of the apartment's window shutters was also meticulously restored. This project showcases CaSA's expertise in transforming historic properties. Based in Barcelona, the firm has completed several other notable projects in the city, including a co-working space in the Baró de Viver area where they integrated storage systems and various space-saving solutions. The renovation of the El Born apartment effectively blends historical context with modern functionality and vibrant design choices, addressing the client's needs for increased storage and a more open, brighter living environment. #BarcelonaApartment #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #StorageSolutions #ColorfulInteriors #HistoricRenovation #ArchitecturalArches #SpaceOptimization #ElBorn

La Macchina Studio, an Italian architecture firm, recently completed the renovation of a 1950s one-bedroom apartment in Rome's Appio Latino quarter, named 'Retroscena.' The project focused on restoring original Venetian terrazzo floors while incorporating bold colors and theatrical elements to create a dynamic living space. Studio founders Gianni Puri and Enrica Siracusa aimed to enhance the apartment's "irreverent and surreal nature" by playing with color contrasts, graphic motifs, and unexpected design elements, likening the space to a "surreal set where reality and fiction coexist in a quasi-theatrical scene." The renovation began with the meticulous restoration of the apartment's existing terrazzo floors, with local craftsmen enlisted to bring them back to their original state. To provide a neutral backdrop for the vibrant additions, walls and certain architectural features were painted in bright white. Against this white canvas, primary colors were introduced to create striking visual accents. For instance, an arched doorway and a low, mid-century style cabinet in the living area are painted a bright blue. A pair of zesty lemon-yellow fabric curtains can be drawn to partition the living area from the kitchen diner and to provide privacy for the balcony door. The blue-lacquered wooden archway, extending almost a meter from the wall, serves to screen the kitchen from the hallway's view and defines the entrance to the bedroom. A red wall-hanging above the sofa further contributes to the primary color palette. The bathroom was conceived as a two-room space. The first section, featuring a bath and shower, is encased in white square ceramic tiles with dark grouting, forming a graphic check mosaic. A pointy arched doorway leads to the second part of the bathroom, which houses a toilet, bidet, and a sink framed by the arch. Peacock-blue enamelled walls and a dimmable ring light mirror above the sink amplify the theatrical aesthetic within this private space. In the bedroom, a brick-red micro cement treatment applied by La Macchina Studio gives the floor a ruddy hue, offering a warmer, softer contrast to the bolder living areas. A low-hanging orb-style pendant light and peach velvet curtains further contribute to this softer ambiance. The entryway also features pinkish cement flooring, differentiating it from the rest of the apartment. Built-in white wardrobes in the hallway cleverly conceal a hidden room, which functions as a study, maximizing the apartment's functional space. La Macchina Studio, founded in 2013 by Puri and Siracusa in Rome, has previously undertaken other notable renovations in the city, including an apartment with terracotta-colored walls and another featuring a reading den with a porthole-style cutout. This Retroscena project showcases their distinctive approach to residential interior design, blending historical elements with contemporary, playful interventions. #ApartmentRenovation #RomeArchitecture #LaMacchinaStudio #InteriorDesign #TerrazzoFloors #ColorfulInteriors #MidCenturyApartment #ArchitecturalRestoration #ResidentialDesign

The Neoclassical Apartment Renovation project by Mario Montesinos Marco Architecture & Interior involved transforming a 175 m² apartment in València, Spain, into a contemporary living space while preserving its historical essence. Completed in 2022, the renovation focused on a sensitive approach to existing neoclassical features, blending them with modern design interventions. The project aimed to create a coherent dialogue between the apartment's original character and new functionalities, emphasizing natural light, open spaces, and sophisticated material choices. Key design elements included the careful restoration of architectural details such as moldings, high ceilings, and original flooring, which were integrated into the new scheme. The layout was reconfigured to enhance flow and optimize spatial utilization, addressing contemporary living needs while respecting the apartment's historical proportions. The design strategy involved a nuanced balance of preservation and innovation, where traditional elements were highlighted and complemented by minimalist furniture and contemporary art pieces. This approach ensured that the apartment retained its grandeur while offering a comfortable and functional environment for its occupants. Material selection played a crucial role in defining the apartment's aesthetic. High-quality finishes were chosen to provide a sense of luxury and durability, including natural wood, marble, and polished concrete. The color palette was kept largely neutral, with subtle accents that draw attention to specific architectural features or design elements. This subdued background allowed the intricate details of the neoclassical architecture and the modern furnishings to stand out, contributing to a refined and timeless appeal. Lighting design was meticulously planned to maximize natural illumination and create different atmospheres throughout the apartment. Large windows were preserved and enhanced, allowing ample daylight to flood the interiors. Artificial lighting fixtures were integrated discreetly, providing functional illumination where needed and accentuating architectural details. The interplay of natural and artificial light helped to define spaces and create a sense of depth and warmth, contributing to the overall ambiance of the renovated apartment. The project also addressed the integration of modern amenities and technologies, seamlessly embedding them within the historical fabric of the building. This included updated kitchen and bathroom facilities, smart home systems, and efficient climate control, all designed to offer contemporary comfort without compromising the apartment's classic charm. The renovation by Mario Montesinos Marco Architecture & Interior serves as an example of how historical properties can be thoughtfully adapted for modern living, maintaining their heritage while embracing contemporary design principles. #NeoclassicalRenovation #ApartmentInterior #ResidentialDesign #HistoricalPreservation #ModernInteriors #SpanishArchitecture #ValenciaDesign #InteriorArchitecture #LuxuryRenovation

This article details the transformation of a 4,100-square-foot penthouse on Commonwealth Avenue in Back Bay, Boston, owned by Savannah and Henry Helgeson. The Helgesons purchased the unit in 2012, attracted by its ideal location—a block from Newbury Street and within walking distance of the Public Garden and Esplanade—and its two-floor layout with a private elevator, which was a more manageable alternative to their previous five-story South End walkup. However, the penthouse presented several challenges, including an awkward master suite and an outdated kitchen. The couple lived in the unit for a year with the previous owner's furnishings to fully understand its deficiencies before embarking on a major renovation. They enlisted the expertise of interior designer Nicole Hogarty with clear objectives: to open up the master suite, completely gut and redesign the kitchen, and optimize every square inch for functionality. Hogarty was inspired by Savannah's warm and inviting personality, aiming to create a home that mirrored this generous spirit, as the existing space lacked the elegance required for both entertaining and relaxation. Collaborating with Venegas and Company, Woodbourne Builders, and C & R Flooring, Hogarty oversaw a comprehensive kitchen renovation. This included installing tall Premier cabinets for enhanced storage, applying a custom stain to the existing oak floor to infuse warmth, and incorporating a wet bar that cleverly doubles as a breakfast bar. The living room received custom-designed large window seats, providing comfortable spots for the couple and their two dachshunds, Roscoe and Molly, to enjoy. In the master suite, Hogarty reconfigured two small closets into a single, spacious one. She also merged four awkward spaces to create an open, spa-like bathroom, which features a steam shower designed to accommodate Henry's height, his-and-hers Savoy sinks from Waterworks, and a large, squared-off tub. The bathroom's aesthetic was further elevated with Waterworks "Basketweave" tiles made from Thassos and Carrara marbles for the floor and shower walls. Hogarty adhered to Savannah's preference for a neutral color palette, predominantly using grays to establish a serene backdrop. This allowed for the introduction of rich textured details, such as a pieced-cowhide rug from Landry & Arcari, Parsons dining chairs from Restoration Hardware upholstered in Galbraith & Paul “Lotus” fabric, and an Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman sofa in Holly Hunt “Great Plains” mohair. The Helgesons' personal touches are evident throughout, with some artwork reflecting their travels, like a reproduction map of Paris from Restoration Hardware. The couple's passion for aviation is showcased through a custom bookshelf designed to display Henry's collection. To complement their growing art collection, the team worked with Jules Place, a South End gallery, to incorporate vibrant, eclectic pieces, including floral photographs by local artist Debby Krim and Karole Moe’s "Orange Wave" acrylic. A central feature of the renovation, and Hogarty's pièce de résistance, is a sculptural, floor-to-ceiling wine cellar. This design element was inspired by the Helgesons' annual trips to Napa and their frequent in-home sommelier-led wine tastings. The cellar, capable of housing several hundred bottles, is prominently positioned as the first thing guests see upon exiting the private elevator, serving as a significant conversation starter. Beyond the wine cellar, other subtle yet elegant details include an antiqued-glass backsplash behind the kitchen's wet bar and an oversized A. Rudin custom sectional sofa. This sectional was specifically designed with added length and lumbar support for Henry, upholstered in velvet with silk paisley pillows, enhancing both daily comfort and evening sophistication. Hogarty emphasized the versatility of the living space, noting its ability to comfortably host anywhere from two to twenty people, allowing the couple to relax informally or entertain formally. Original architectural elements, such as ebony and marble inlays and crown molding, were meticulously preserved to maintain the building's historical integrity. Additional design choices include Phillip Jeffries "Quartz" wallpaper that mimics stone veneer behind the custom wine rack and Kravet leather-wrapped dining room doors adorned with polished-nickel studs from Nanz, all contributing to the blend of modern elegance and historical charm. #HomeDesign #LuxuryPenthouse #BackBayBoston #InteriorRenovation #ModernLiving #CustomDesign #WineCellar #SpaBathroom #ElegantInteriors

Interior designer Vanessa Alexander of Alexander Design has completed a 4,500-square-foot loft conversion in Venice, California, located in a building originally constructed in 1926 for a telephone company. The penthouse-level residence, which also features a roof garden, showcases restored gray concrete floors and zinc windows, establishing a rugged and masculine aesthetic. The three floors below the penthouse are currently being developed by Alexander Design for additional office and gallery spaces. Despite the loft's expansive open layout, Alexander focused on creating a sense of intimacy by incorporating various compartments and separated seating areas to reduce the perceived scale of the interior. The design palette is characterized by dark tones, including blacks and grays, complemented by warm, weathered leathers in saddle and cognac, and organic textural linens. This dark palette works in conjunction with the abundant natural light, maintaining the space's inherent openness while adding depth and sophistication. Industrial influences extend throughout the home, from the living areas to the kitchen. In the kitchen, wall shelving is suspended from the ceiling to emphasize the extreme ceiling heights and to echo the design of the zinc windows. Alexander collaborated with local artisanal furniture brand Stahl + Band and design/build studio PSS Design Cult to construct the kitchen, which features a large island counter with concrete poured on-site. The faucets in the kitchen, made from copper pipe fittings, serve as a nod to the building's historical industrial roots. The dining area incorporates massive custom-made mirrors with metallic frames, strategically placed to provide privacy while also creating dynamic light and shadow effects. The bedroom features a bed platform crafted from reclaimed wood and a custom leather headboard. This bed structure strategically separates the bathroom from the sitting areas and is oriented towards a large picture window that offers views of the Santa Monica Pier and the Malibu Coastline. The bedroom is furnished with bedding by Society Linen, a striped throw by Tenfold from The Line, and vintage embroidered textile pillows. The rooftop garden provides an outdoor sanctuary with an olive tree, a Bocce court, an outdoor kitchen, a yoga platform, and a dining area shaded by a reed and metal pergola structure built by PSS Design Cult. The bathroom includes an oversized, custom-made concrete trough on a bronze base, paired with industrial copper piping and taps. A mirror, suspended from the ceiling by braided leather straps, was manufactured by PSS Design Cult, and the oval bathtub is from NativeStone. A vintage Beni Ourain rug from Mehraban adds a touch of warmth to the bathroom. The interior design thoughtfully integrates Danish antiques, including pieces by Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, and Ditto Heath, alongside textiles and furniture from Le Corbusier. Alexander also incorporated items from her own custom furniture collection. The project involved collaborations with builders PSS Design Cult, Stahl + Band, and Spark and Dowel. #PenthouseConversion #IndustrialDesign #VeniceCalifornia #LoftLiving #AlexanderDesign #VintageFurniture #RooftopGarden #HistoricBuildingRenovation

This article highlights a 3,000-square-foot home in Los Angeles, along with its 400-square-foot Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), designed by Shanty Wijaya and James Mulyadi from the firm Allprace. The design incorporates a soft interpretation of Catalan Modernism, also known as Modernisme, while honoring the home's original Spanish-style architecture, which is prevalent in the neighborhood. Unlike traditional Catalan Modernism, the design eschews elaborate stained-glass windows and mosaic-tiled exteriors in favor of a subtler approach. The residence maintains key characteristics of California-Spanish homes, such as an earthy color palette and smooth archways. However, the designers introduce distinct elements in the floors and ceilings to create visual interest and tension. For instance, the family room features a barrel-vaulted white oak ceiling, a bathroom showcases groovy Bibiena Variegato terracotta floor tiles, and the entry steps are adorned with a round Lucite baluster. These details intentionally shift focus from eye-level elements to the upper and lower architectural features. Wijaya shares several design insights from the renovation. The majority of the home's ceilings and walls are finished with European plaster, with some painted surfaces. The dining room, centrally located, acts as a focal point, featuring wallpaper with a detailed nature-landscape pattern in a neutral hue that aligns with the Catalan Modernism theme. Color is used impactfully, particularly in a bathroom where midnight port zellige tiles create a moody atmosphere. The texture and color of these tiles complement the wood ceiling and wall, adding depth to the space while keeping eye-level elements muted. Natural light is also thoughtfully integrated; in the guest bathroom, skylights complement a window, casting shadows that highlight the terracotta floor and add drama to the simple plaster walls. The ADU significantly enhances the property's value and functionality, offering flexibility for use as a guesthouse, office, or income-generating Airbnb. Throughout the main house, curves, arches, and geometrical designs are consistently applied, as seen in the round, curvy marble bullnose vanity in a bathroom, ensuring design cohesion. The barrel-vaulted ceiling serves as both an artistic element and a focal point, beautifully framing the view of the pool and complementing the cabana's ceiling, thus strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection. Regarding the budget, the biggest splurges were on high-quality finishes, including lighting, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and flooring. Conversely, a bio-ethanol fireplace in the living room represented a significant cost-saving measure. Wijaya particularly favors the Lucite stair baluster and the curved barrel-vaulted white oak ceiling, intending to reuse these unique, art-like details in future projects. #HomeDesign #SpanishStyleHome #CatalanModernism #ADUDesign #InteriorRenovation #ArchitecturalDetails #TerracottaTiles #NaturalLight #CustomFinishes

Ghislaine Viñas, a New York-based designer known for her unconventional approach to design, shares a mood board inspired by a custom floral wallcovering she created for Wolf-Gordon. Her current inspiration showcases a blend of bold prints, timeless materials, and striking color combinations, demonstrating her signature style of thinking outside the box. Viñas describes the mood as soft, kind, and nonaggressive, maintaining a gentle quality without being overly cute, and presenting a genderless palette through its tone combinations. The design incorporates a diverse mix of graphic shapes and scales, including faceted grid-patterned tile and heavily veined polished marble, which add an element of intrigue. The overall aesthetic is unified by cool, pastel-leaning tones, though unexpected bursts of sulfur yellow and black introduce disruption and depth to the palette. Viñas meticulously details each element contributing to this unique design vision. The selection includes the 'Ms. Quilty 2.0 Fabric in Pure' by Ghislaine Viñas for HBF Textiles, chosen for its high performance, bleach-cleanable properties, and suitability for both indoor and outdoor use, while maintaining a sophisticated appearance. For a plush touch, the 'Baird Fabric in 123' by Fabricut, a plum velvet with FibreGuard stain treatment, is selected for its durability and comfort. The foundational piece, the 'Blooma Wallcovering in Custom Colorway' by Ghislaine Viñas for Wolf-Gordon, is a modern interpretation of a classic floral print that has captivated the designer for years. The mood board also features the 'Calyon Fabric in Iris' by Jane Churchill at Cowtan & Tout, valued for its appealing texture, emphasizing the power of blending similar hues with varied textures. A custom maplewood finish sample in 'Blazing Orange' by Scott James Furniture & Design is highlighted as a vibrant and unexpected element, specifically crafted for a four-poster bed in an Aspen project to inject a surprising color. The 'Rosso Luana Polished Marble' by Stone Source is chosen for its alluring flow and moody, impactful presence, recommended for liberal use due to its unforgettable effect. Ceramic and tile selections further enrich the composition: a glaze sample in matte blue by Entler, celebrated for its organic and otherworldly beauty in light fixtures; the 'Diva 14 Ceramic Tile in Emerald' by Nemo Tile + Stone, a lush deep green that is a recurring favorite; and the 'Soap Tile in Green Glossy' by Kaufmann Keramik, which creates a mesmerizing wavelike pattern on walls, offering elegance and a bold statement. The color palette is extended with 'Nurture Green Paint' by Sherwin-Williams, a calming and uplifting minty green shade, and 'Mocca' faucet finish samples by Vola, marking a resurgence of chocolate brown in Viñas's palette after a long hiatus. Custom elements play a significant role, including custom tiles by Durat, praised for their extensive color options and design flexibility for terrazzo effects or matte countertops. 'Custom Cigarette Tile in Pink' by BDDW, named for its whimsical resemblance to a pink ashtray, is particularly endeared by Viñas for its delicate hue juxtaposed with a playful concept. Hardware like the 'Tortoise 01 Pull in Polished Brass Unlacquered' by Nest Studio provides a touch of 'bling' with its unique and bespoke craftsmanship. Textiles include 'Reflex Fabric in 0639' by Raf Simons for Kvadrat, a long-standing favorite for its vibrant color combination and seamless textural transition. A 'Mohair Rug in Lavender' by Marc Phillips is noted for its luxurious quality and mesmerizing color, functioning as a versatile neutral. The 'Clay Tile in NUD-02' by Clayworks offers a delicately feminine texture and a comforting color palette. Flooring is represented by 'Glaze Engineered Wood Flooring in Light European Oak' by Hakwood, essential for creating a Scandinavian feel. A custom green silk rug by Mark Nelson Designs, with its natural heathering and patina, adds authenticity and warmth. Finally, concrete samples in mint and teal by Nood Co. are featured for their breathtaking colors and exquisite organic concrete sinks, alongside 'Prism Matte Tile in Emerald' by Atlas Concorde, a versatile porcelain tile for accent walls beyond typical bathroom applications. #GhislaineVinas #InteriorDesign #MoodBoard #ColorPalette #MaterialSelection #HomeDecor #TextileDesign #TileDesign #CustomDesign