Sigla Studio restores original features inside 1900s Barcelona apartment

Antoinette Allande Interiors, a luxury residential design studio based in Hoboken, executed a significant home renovation in Montclair, New Jersey. The project involved transforming a 19th-century house, built in 1902 and located at 191 Christopher Street, into a modern yet traditional living space for a young family. The property spans 3,174 square feet and originally featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The clients, Amy and Tristan Morel L’Horset, are a family with three young boys and a history of international travel. Amy works as a registered dietitian and nutrition professor, while Tristan is a senior managing director at a global service and consulting company. Their brief to Antoinette Allande was to update their traditional home with a fresh perspective, prioritizing beautiful aesthetics alongside practical, comfortable living. They required durable furnishings that were not overly delicate and could seamlessly integrate with their existing collection of French antiques. The home's original formal and ornate exterior and interior architecture necessitated a design approach that respected its historical integrity. Antoinette Allande's design philosophy for this project was coined "Eclectic Traditional with a touch of Whimsy." This approach allowed her to blend modern furnishings with the historical architectural details, incorporating elements of the clients' whimsical preferences. Key design choices included a large, comfortable family room sectional, intended for family time and movie nights. The dining area features vintage pieces—a table, chairs, and a chandelier—acquired by the clients while living in France. These ornate, classical French furnishings were complemented by rich jewel-toned textiles, contrasting with lighter architectural finishes. A contemporary hand-knotted rug from Rejuvenation and antique French chairs re-upholstered in sapphire blue velvet further enhance the eclectic mix. The home's walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine 0C-56, while trim and other white areas utilize Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65. The entry hall is designed to make a strong first impression, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the clients' personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. This space features a commissioned Moroccan carpet, a family tree display, a Mokum by Katherine Martin wallpaper from Holly Hunt New York, an antique British Colonial entry table, an Indian block-printed tablecloth by Roberta Roller Rabbit, a Kelly Wearstler light fixture from Circa Lighting, a CB2 cabinet, and an Arteriors Home table lamp, all contributing to a playful and youthful aesthetic. In the living and dining areas, original built-in cabinetry and millwork were preserved and enhanced by whitewashing dark beams, the fireplace, and paneling. This technique was employed to create a lighter, airier feel, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century designer Elsie de Wolf, known for transforming dark interiors with white and light colors. The project remained within budget and on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The property itself is a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, recognized for its ornate period details, symmetrical design, Ionic columns, white painted exterior, dormer windows with curved head sash detail, and black shutters, situated in Montclair's historic Marlboro Park area. Collaborators on the project included Franklin Nunez for painting, Orlando Silva of Golden Wallpaper for wallpaper installation, Ryan M. Brown Photography for documentation, and Brett Fixes for home improvements. Antoinette Allande Interiors operates from Hoboken, offering various design services including renovations, decorating, and art consulting, known for combining vintage and modern elements with contemporary art to achieve relaxed, layered, and eclectic interiors. #MontclairHomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AntoinetteAllandeInteriors #EclecticTraditional #LuxuryResidentialDesign #DutchColonialRevival #VintageModernMix #HistoricalPreservation

Narch, an architecture studio, undertook the renovation of a 65-square-metre historic apartment located in Barcelona's Eixample district. The primary objective of the renovation was to transform the living space into an area capable of accommodating family events, which necessitated a more expansive layout. To achieve this, the design strategy involved the removal of most internal walls, resulting in an open-plan configuration. A significant outcome of this structural modification was the creation of a visual collage from the apartment's existing decorative floors. These floors, consisting of traditional Barcelona encaustic tiles dating back to the early 20th century, were originally confined to individual rooms. With the removal of partitions, different tile patterns now appear adjacent to one another, forming an eclectic and unified composition. Encaustic tiles are characterized by their method of production, where differently pigmented ceramics are poured into a mold and then pressed, ensuring the pattern extends throughout the tile's thickness. During the renovation, the Narch team meticulously preserved existing mosaic tiles. They carefully removed, cleaned, and reinstalled usable original floor tiles. For areas like the kitchen and bathroom, which previously lacked original mosaics, the team sourced additional encaustic tiles from the same historical period from an antique shop, integrating them seamlessly into the design. The new apartment layout features two bedrooms positioned at opposite ends of a dog-legged plan. These bedrooms are separated by a large central living space that incorporates a kitchen, dining area, and lounge. The entrance to the apartment opens directly into this living space, eliminating the need for a separate lobby and maximizing usable floor area. French doors in the living area provide access to two balconies. The varied patterned flooring serves as a visual testament to the apartment's original compartmentalized layout and its historical context. To further emphasize the flooring's intricate details, Narch strategically placed appliances and storage units along the perimeter walls, maintaining an uncluttered central floor space and promoting spatial and visual continuity. Glass sliding doors, made from semi-opaque laminated glass, were incorporated to partition the bedrooms from the main living area. These doors offer flexibility, allowing the space to be opened up into one large area when desired. The choice of semi-opaque glass enables light to penetrate deeply into the apartment, which is approximately 14 meters long, thereby creating a sense of lightness and reflecting the surrounding environment while still ensuring privacy. Addressing the client's preference against exposed ceiling beams, the architects designed a dropped ceiling. This design cleverly conceals lighting within recesses around the edges of the room, contributing to a clean and contemporary aesthetic. The overall design aimed to cultivate a peaceful and comfortable environment, characterized by abundant natural light and fresh air circulation throughout the rooms. This renovation exemplifies a thoughtful approach to modern living within a historically rich architectural shell, preserving and highlighting original features while adapting the space for contemporary needs. #BarcelonaApartment #ApartmentRenovation #InteriorDesign #EncausticTiles #OpenPlanLiving #HistoricPreservation #NarchArchitects #SpanishArchitecture

In Barcelona, a meticulously renovated loft, formerly a 1961 factory, is on the market for €1.45 million. Located on Passatge de Còrsega, a quiet residential street close to Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, this 3,153-square-foot property offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and modern living. The conversion project, completed in two stages in 2018 and 2019 by architect Pedro Ayesta of Ayesta-Daban Arquitectura, sought to preserve the building’s original industrial character while integrating contemporary design elements. The loft features four bedrooms, with one currently serving as an office, and three full bathrooms. Its layout includes a spacious primary living area encompassing an open kitchen, two lounge spaces, and a designated area for a pool table. Natural light floods the main living space, largely due to a skylight integrated into the barrel-vaulted ceiling. Sustainable features are also incorporated, with photovoltaic solar panels installed on the rooftop to supply a portion of the building’s electricity. The original factory ceased operations in the early 2000s and remained vacant for over a decade before its current owners acquired it. They were captivated by the factory's expansive, naturally lit interiors and aimed to retain its industrial essence. The renovation emphasizes the factory’s existing materials, celebrating their imperfections. This approach is evident in the exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, industrial factory windows, steel ceiling beams and stairs, and barrel-vaulted concrete ceilings that are prominent throughout the home. Several original elements were retained and repurposed. An old water tank, for instance, was preserved and given a new navy-blue paint finish, transforming it into a sculptural piece in the main living area. Other preserved elements include an original steel stairway and tall wooden drawers. The two-car garage is connected to the main living space via reclaimed stained-glass sliding doors, and it also offers potential for an additional live/work studio. The principal bedroom is located in a penthouse-like area, featuring a wall of factory windows that overlook a large roof terrace. This terrace, with its glazed openings, allows natural light to penetrate the living area below. One of the bathrooms maintains its original floor-to-ceiling white tiles, further highlighting the blend of old and new. A glass-walled shower and bath have been integrated into a corner of the principal bedroom, adding a contemporary touch to the industrial backdrop. The bedrooms also showcase barrel-vaulted concrete ceilings interspersed with steel beams, maintaining consistency with the overall design. The property's listing with Barcelona & Costa Brava Sotheby’s International Realty highlights its inspiring loft-style design, parking, and terrace in the Sagrada Família area. #BarcelonaRealEstate #LoftConversion #IndustrialDesign #SagradaFamilia #ArchitecturalRenovation #SustainableLiving #ModernHome #FactoryToHome #HistoricPreservation

This article details the renovation of an apartment located on the third floor of an ancient building near the Palau de la Música in Barcelona, Spain. The project, undertaken by Colombo and Serboli Architecture, was designed for a young Italian fashion designer seeking a serene and warm living space in the Catalan capital. The architects were immediately captivated by the apartment's open proportions and five-meter-high ceilings, and sought to preserve and enhance existing charming elements such as massive wooden beams, wooden floors, a mezzanine overlooking the living area, and two-floor metal windows. A key challenge involved rationalizing a compact bathroom and replacing structurally compromised stairs leading to the second level. The design philosophy embraced a 'wabi-sabi' approach, integrating original features and imperfections while maintaining the apartment's inherent charm. Shapes employed are simple and bold, featuring recurring basic forms like squares, circles, and spheres, with sturdy solid surfaces to complement the monumental existing elements. The architects drew inspiration from the architectural styles of Luis Barragán and Carlo Scarpa, with Scarpa's influence particularly evident in the sculptural stairs and a central furniture piece that defines the entire project. The core concept revolves around a multifunction block, a layered central element around which the space and activities are organized, maintaining an open, loft-like layout. The dining area extends from the central stair element. On the kitchen side, the block incorporates niches, openings, and shelves for tableware and pantry storage. A substantial, arch-shaped travertine marble slab protrudes from the block, forming a one-legged dining table and an integrated bench. A small square niche cleverly conceals a spotlight, functioning as a disguised sconce. The stairs themselves are conceptualized as layers of materials, transitioning from a solid plinth to wooden block steps, then to a suspended micro-cement landing with a half-circle cutout designed to accommodate a tall plant. The final steps, made of light-colored wood, appear to float and double as a light source above the dining table through integrated LED strips. On the second level, the bedroom area remains open to the living space. A wicker panel serves dual functions as both a headboard and a balustrade. A suspended ledge, inspired by Paul Rudolph's Halston House, runs along the double-height space, forming bedside tables and a display shelf for the living area. The closet in the bedroom is designed as a warm monolith, clad in woven wicker screens. One screen cleverly conceals the entrance to a small bathroom, another hides a hand washbasin within a mirrored box, and a third integrates the stair's handrail through a diagonal cut. The bathroom is finished with vertical ceramic tiles featuring an elegant nacre finish, introducing a new texture to the apartment's overall palette of neutral shades. The architects utilized a neutral color palette but played with a variety of finishes, ranging from glossy to rough, selecting materials based on their tactile and textural qualities. These include white microcement for the stairs and seat block, light natural wood, and woven wicker panels. Enameled painted walls reflect light, contrasting with matte microcement, a rough travertine slab, and porcelain kitchen tops. A textured bouclé fabric was chosen for seat cushions, and brushed steel details, such as in the bespoke cooker hood, complete the material palette. #BarcelonaApartment #WabiSabiDesign #StaircaseDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColomboSerboliArchitecture #ModernLiving #MaterialPalette #FashionDesignerHome

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

This article showcases the renovation of a two-storey apartment in Barcelona's Eixample district by Spanish studio Bach Arquitectes, named Urgell Apartment. The project involved combining two existing flats, one dating from the end of the nineteenth century and beginning of the twentieth, and the other built in the 1960s, into a single residence for a young family. A key feature of the renovation is the creative reuse of traditional encaustic floor tiles, which were salvaged from the older apartment and augmented with additional tiles found during another refurbishment in the same building block. The original lower flat possessed some encaustic tiles, which are distinct for their patterns created by pigmented ceramics pressed into a mould. However, these were insufficient to cover the entire floor area due to previous replacements. The architects, Anna and Eugeni Bach, seized an opportunity to acquire more of these historic tiles when a neighboring apartment in the same block was undergoing refurbishment and its old tiles were being discarded. This allowed them to amass seven different types of these decorative tiles. With the expanded collection of tiles, the architects devised a unique flooring pattern for the entire lower level, which includes a spacious living and dining room, a children's bedroom, and a small bathroom. The tiles are arranged in distinct stripes, intentionally disregarding the room divisions and partitions, to create a sense of continuous space and flow throughout the floor plan. This design choice highlights the beauty of the reclaimed materials while providing a cohesive aesthetic. The apartment's organization revolves around a central staircase made of pine wood. This staircase is more than just a means of vertical circulation; it integrates functional spaces such as kitchen units and storage closets on the lower level, and laundry facilities and a desk on the upper floor. This strategic integration maximizes space utilization and streamlines the apartment's functionality. Two voids are incorporated into the stairwell design: a window that offers a view into the kitchen from the stairs, and a large opening on the upper studio that provides a visual connection to the kitchen below. These visual connections contribute to the perception of the flat as a unified whole, rather than two separate levels. The lower floor serves as the main living area, accommodating the entry, living room, dining room, kitchen, a children's room, and a bathroom. The upper floor is designed as a more private retreat for the parents, featuring a master bedroom, a bathroom, and a study room. In terms of external spaces, a decked terrace extends along the side of the upper floor. A folding metal staircase on this terrace provides access to a larger rooftop terrace, which is partially shaded by a canopy, creating an intermediate indoor-outdoor living experience. The renovation also preserved existing woodwork, including doors and windows, on the lower floor to maintain the architectural character typical of Barcelona's Eixample district, while new elements were introduced on the upper floor where original features were absent or unsuitable for preservation. #BarcelonaApartment #BachArquitectes #EncausticTiles #TileRenovation #DuplexApartment #PineWoodwork #StaircaseDesign #ReclaimedMaterials #InteriorDesign #EixampleDistrict

Porto-based architecture studio Fala Atelier undertook a significant renovation of a 60-square-metre apartment located in a historic tile-clad building in downtown Lisbon. The project, named Príncipe Real Apartment, was led by Fala Atelier co-founders Filipe Magalhães and Ana Luisa Soares. The primary objective of the renovation was to transform a cramped and spatially disorganised flat into a bright, open-plan living space. The initial state of the apartment was characterized by an erratic spatial system, with interior walls creating a tightly packed and inefficient layout. The architects decided to completely remove all existing interior walls, effectively gutting the apartment to establish a clean slate. Following this demolition, only two new partitions were introduced, allowing for a largely open-plan configuration that dramatically altered the flow and perception of space within the flat. A key design intervention involved the strategic relocation of living spaces. The architects moved the primary living and dining areas from the north side of the apartment to the south, thereby maximising access to natural light and offering enhanced views of the city from the small, enclosed balcony. This reorientation not only improved daylighting but also capitalized on the apartment's urban context. The redesigned layout incorporates mirrored and glass sliding doors, which play a crucial role in enhancing the sense of openness and light. These doors connect the central living and dining space to bedrooms and bathrooms positioned on either side. The reflective surfaces of the mirrored doors contribute to the illusion of a larger space and help distribute light throughout the interior. The balcony, featuring two glazed sides, was conceived as a direct extension of the living room, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor areas through two doorways and an adjoining white brick wall. Material choices further contribute to the apartment's aesthetic and functional improvements. The floor in the main living area is adorned with black and white patterned tiles, a design choice that subtly references the decorative facade of the building itself. Bright white paint was used extensively on both walls and ceilings throughout the apartment, creating a neutral and expansive backdrop. This 'clear canvas' approach allows for a curated selection of furniture pieces, which are treated as independent objects within the space, to stand out. Custom-designed furniture elements add character and functionality. A deep green sideboard, featuring a tessellating geometric print, is positioned in the living space, serving as a preparation area adjacent to the kitchen. In one of the bedrooms, a chest of pale-blue drawers with a diamond pattern cut into its surface provides both storage and a decorative accent. The apartment's previous layout included a windowless bedroom in the centre, which lacked views. This was rectified by re-situating both bedrooms side-by-side across the north facade, with the master bedroom gaining French doors that open onto a small balcony. The project effectively addressed the spatial deficiencies of the original flat, creating a modern, light-filled, and functionally superior living environment through thoughtful demolition, reorientation, and strategic material and furniture selections. #ApartmentRenovation #LisbonArchitecture #OpenPlanLiving #InteriorDesign #FalaAtelier #ResidentialArchitecture #SpaceRedesign #ModernInteriors

In 1788, the Enlightenment society Felix Meritis, Latin for 'Happy Through Merit,' constructed its namesake clubhouse on an Amsterdam canal. The building, designed by Neoclassical architect Jacob Otten Husly, served as a hub for members to study various disciplines like music, natural sciences, drawing, commerce, and literature, embodying the rational principles of Enlightenment thought through its Corinthian-style facade and geometrically shaped rooms. A century later, after the society's dissolution, the building underwent several transformations, serving as a printing factory, the Dutch Communist party headquarters, and a 1960s cabaret, yet it remarkably maintained its architectural integrity despite wear and tear. In 2014, Amerborgh, an investment firm with a focus on the arts, acquired the landmarked Felix Meritis. The company aimed to repurpose it as a cultural center, leveraging its renovated spaces as event venues to support various programs. Tasked with revitalizing the 50,000-square-foot interior, i29, led by co-founder and partner Jeroen Dellensen, sought to bring the historic building 'into the now.' Their approach involved respecting the original architecture while infusing contemporary design elements to appeal to a younger demographic. This restoration project necessitated a careful balance between preserving historical aspects and introducing innovative designs. Working alongside MATH Architecten, which managed structural renovations, i29 co-founders Jeroen Dellensen and Jaspar Jansen focused on cultivating the individual character of each space. They found inspiration in the building's original use by the Felicians, who organized it by departments, allowing each room to retain its distinct function and story. The building's layout, divided by a five-story wooden staircase, comprises 11 staggered levels. A key requirement from the city was the meticulous restoration of two historically significant areas: the oval Concertzaal, renowned as one of Europe's premier small classical-music halls, and the Zuilenzaal, a colonnaded reception room. In the Concertzaal, where Beethoven's Ninth Symphony premiered in the Netherlands, a chromatic analysis revealed the original wall color between the pilasters was a brown-tinted beige, which was reinstated to restore the room's serene ambiance. To accommodate modern musical performances, i29 incorporated discreet, pivoting wall panels that optimize acoustics and conceal electronic equipment. MATH seamlessly integrated new mechanical systems within the existing structure, rendering them invisible in the auditorium. For the majestic Zuilenzaal, i29 opted for a more minimalist approach, stripping back boiserie and stabilizing cracked wood columns, leaving the room largely in its found state. This 'un-Photoshopped' authenticity required carefully dismantling and reassembling fragile woodwork to integrate modern ventilation and sound systems, making the Zuilenzaal a highly sought-after venue. i29 introduced significant visual diversity in the remaining rooms, utilizing color and texture as primary design tools. They incorporated crisply geometric, often mirrored, built-in cabinetry and furniture to create a striking contrast with the classical surroundings, thereby giving these spaces a unique identity and importance comparable to the historic rooms. The main entry is flanked by a reception area and Felix, a 100-seat restaurant. In the reception, custom tufted-shag wall coverings reproduce an 18th-century etching of a Felician meeting, offering a historical greeting to modern visitors. The restaurant's walls are adorned with woven textiles depicting Amsterdam's skies, immersing diners in a Dutch landscape. The Shaffyzaal, a domed, oval room above the Concertzaal, was once a physics lab and later a popular nightspot. Named after performer Ramses Shaffy, its acoustical perforated-steel panels feature an ombré effect, fading from deep to pale blue, evoking its psychedelic past. Jansen emphasizes that this contrast between contemporary and historical elements invigorates both. In the attic Koepelzaal, exposed timber roof beams lend a modern angularity. Dellensen highlights the firm's narrative approach, embedding stories within the design to add depth to the interiors. In the Teekenzaal, formerly the drawing studio, translucent fabric rectangles suspended from the ceiling diffuse light and symbolize the paper used by the Felicians, bringing the spirit of the Enlightenment to life. #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #HistoricalPreservation #AmsterdamLandmark #CulturalCenter #NeoclassicalArchitecture #i29Design #FelixMeritis #RestorationProject

The Moiré apartment, a duplex unit in Brasília, Brazil, has undergone a contemporary renovation by CoDa Arquitetura. This project aimed to infuse modern drama into the existing structure while preserving and enhancing its original architectural details. The name 'Moiré' is derived from the optical effect of shimmering or rippling patterns created by the superposition of similar designs, a phenomenon subtly referenced by the metal mesh railing of the central staircase in the apartment. Spanning 294 sq m, the apartment serves as the primary urban residence for a doctor, a lawyer, and their small dog. The design brief focused on maximizing existing space and fulfilling specific client requests. These included the integration of a guest kitchen with the living room for entertaining purposes, alongside a more private kitchen for daily use. Additionally, the clients desired three suites, a guest bathroom, a TV room, and an office, emphasizing the need for a highly functional and integrated living environment. CoDa Arquitetura's design retained the exposed concrete beams and pillars, introducing an element of material honesty and rawness. The overall aesthetic is modern and contemporary, with the central staircase, an original feature now updated with a new metal railing and handrail, serving as a focal point. A distinctive honeycomb ceiling, with its metal grid and surrounding concrete, provides a visual contrast to the warm, dark tones of the staircase and wood elements, adding an intriguing design detail. The architects focused on creating harmonious and functional spaces that cater to the clients' lifestyle. The two distinct kitchens exemplify this approach: a formal kitchen seamlessly integrated into the living area for guests and a more utilitarian kitchen for everyday activities. The renovation also involved strategic spatial reconfigurations, such as converting one bathroom into two and creating a new powder room, which facilitated an expansion of the living room. The material palette employed in the apartment is diverse and sophisticated, ranging from feature wood paneling in the entertainment zones to the dynamic honeycomb ceiling. The sleek metal of the staircase and the luxurious Guatemala marble used for the kitchen countertop further contribute to the apartment's refined character. Each bathroom was designed with a unique personality, including a primary suite, a green suite, and a blue suite. The second floor features balconies that connect the main bedroom to an office and a secondary bedroom. The culmination of these design choices is a residence that is both timeless and understated, offering a balanced environment for contemporary living, entertaining, and personal relaxation. #BrasiliaApartment #CoDaArquitetura #MoiréDesign #ModernArchitecture #ContemporaryInteriors #OpticalIllusion #DuplexRenovation #BrazilDesign #LuxuryApartment

Maria Santos, founder of a renowned interior design studio established in 2015, presents a tour of her personal apartment in Madrid. Known for a timeless design approach that honors classical architecture while integrating modern elements, Santos emphasizes the use of natural materials to craft bright, functional, and relaxed spaces. Her Madrid residence serves as a prime example of her signature style, characterized by a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics. The apartment, originally an old and dimly lit property with numerous small rooms, underwent a complete renovation. Santos describes the process as challenging, particularly the decision-making for her own home, which she found more difficult than designing for clients. The extensive renovation involved new installations throughout and a significant re-arrangement of rooms; for instance, a former bedroom now functions as the kitchen, and the previous kitchen has been transformed into a bedroom. The completed apartment now boasts four bedrooms, two living rooms, a dining room, a kitchen, and a dressing room. A central challenge during the renovation stemmed from the property's age and poor condition of some walls. The kitchen, in particular, presented difficulties as it was initially a small, dark bedroom lacking any existing fittings. This transformation highlights the designer's ability to reimagine and restructure a space entirely. The chosen color palette reflects Santos's classic-modern style, with a predominantly white base punctuated by green accents to ensure continuity across the rooms. Texture is introduced through natural materials such as wood and stone, while textiles, furnishings, and accessories add splashes of color. The furnishings represent a mix of pieces from her previous home, new antique acquisitions, and custom-made items. Santos's forthcoming antique shop, Bingutti, is the source for many of the antique furnishings. She intentionally contrasts furniture from different eras, incorporating original Saarinen tulip chairs, Joe Colombo chairs, and a large antique French dining table. Key areas of the apartment are meticulously detailed. The entrance hall features an antique French table adorned with Chinese blue porcelain vases and a painting by Hugo Alonso, designed to ground the transient space. The kitchen, a favorite room, seamlessly connects to the dining area. Notable discoveries during renovation include two columns near the kitchen island, which were integrated into the design. The living room showcases a custom white linen sofa, an Italian antique marble coffee table, a painting by Zobel, and an antique French table, complemented by Joe Colombo's bold green chairs and a zebra carpet. In the dining room, personal paintings from Santos's architecture studies adorn the wall, alongside a French antique crystal chandelier and wall lights, contrasting with the Saarinen tulip chairs. The main bedroom is furnished with a gold metal chair and a French antique chandelier, creating a glamorous boudoir feel, balanced by Daphine table lamps by Lumina and a painting by Eduardo Lalanne. The children's bedroom features a distinctive wooden bed, adding grandeur and warmth. The photography for the feature was done by Montse Garriga. #MadridApartment #InteriorDesign #MariaSantos #HomeRenovation #ClassicModernStyle #AntiqueFurniture #NaturalMaterials #EuropeanDesign

This article explores the transformation of a 1910 Mediterranean Revival home in Seattle, which underwent a significant modern update while meticulously preserving its historic essence. The homeowners, with a young family, aimed to integrate contemporary systems and design elements without compromising the residence's original grandeur and craftsmanship. This ambitious vision was realized through the collaboration of Studio AM Architecture and Kelly Hohla Interiors, who balanced modern functionality with historical integrity. The initial challenge involved updating the home's outdated layout, which featured segmented spaces typical of its era, including separate areas for servants. Studio AM reconfigured the downstairs space by removing a back staircase, thereby enlarging the entry and improving circulation to the mudroom, powder room, and kitchen. This adjustment also enhanced sight lines to the kitchen and the outdoors, creating a more open and cohesive flow. Kelly Hohla Interiors introduced calm and textural hallway designs that seamlessly connect the original front door and period detailing with the refreshed interiors. Contemporary consoles with gilt detailing were strategically placed to contrast with the wainscoting and moldings, while modern artwork with geometric patterns subtly echoed the historical architectural elements. The kitchen's design exemplifies the juxtaposition of old and new, featuring a traditional black range hood and stove alongside contemporary lighting and a striking geometric tile backsplash. This mid-century style geometric motif is recurrent throughout the home, appearing perfectly integrated with the existing architecture. An adjacent dining nook was enhanced with a glass table and banquette seating, offering uninterrupted views of the backyard. Enlarged windows and glass doors in the kitchen, coupled with an open floor plan, significantly increased natural light and improved the connection to the home’s entertaining areas. The dining room, leading into a sunroom, showcases pared-back furniture, including a dark wood table and contemporary chairs, allowing the room's original architectural details to stand out. The smaller family room adopts a cozy atmosphere with a wrap-around taupe color scheme and a gray sectional sofa, drawing inspiration from an original fire surround for its paint effects. In contrast, the main living room features a more formal arrangement of armchairs and couches, whose curved forms complement the home's arched windows, alongside a gilded cabinet that adds a touch of modern glamor. The study is a notable space, blending dark wood paneling and bookcases with a decorative plasterwork ceiling and contemporary furnishings. A patterned rug and curtain fabric echo the ceiling motifs, creating a cohesive design. The primary bedroom, benefitting from new windows, is a serene space with a harmonious scheme of soft neutrals and blue accents, highlighted by a mid-century style chandelier and an upholstered bed. A child's bedroom features nature-inspired butterfly wallpaper, paneled walls, and geometric bedding, combined with luxurious touches like a pink stool and a gold lamp. Off the child's room, a den created from a covered balcony serves as a vibrant hangout space with extensive windows, a hanging rattan chair, and sofa beds for sleepovers. The family bathroom incorporates matching geometric wall and floor tiles, enhancing the definition of the space with smart detailing such as square drawer pulls and brass/gold fittings. The exterior maintains its whitewashed Mediterranean Revival aesthetic. This renovation project, while not historically registered, successfully transformed a well-known community landmark into a modern family home. The architects and designers carefully integrated contemporary systems and elements, using new fabrication methods to recreate historical details and ensure the home's longevity for future generations. The result is a residence that seamlessly marries modern comfort with historic grandeur, demonstrating that thoughtful design can bridge the gap between different eras. #HistoricHomeRenovation #MediterraneanRevival #ModernInteriorDesign #SeattleArchitecture #LuxuryHomes #InteriorDesign #HomeTransformation #ArchitecturalPreservation

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

An economist with a keen interest in literature and Art Deco commissioned De la Villa Studio, a Madrid-based firm comprising architects Miguel Otero and Juan Esteve, along with interior designer Alberto Mirror, for a complete renovation of their 1,450-square-foot residence in central Madrid. The client sought to integrate their inspirations into their living space through architectural detailing and new furnishings. De la Villa Studio approached the project with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating numerous custom elements throughout the apartment. A central feature of the renovation was the library, which was designed to house the client's extensive book collection. Varnished oak shelving with leather-upholstered lower cabinets provided storage, while an aged, mirrored ceiling was installed to enhance the room's sense of spaciousness and brightness. The library also includes a reading nook furnished with an Eames lounge chair, a 265 wall lamp by Paolo Rizzatto for Flos, and a painting by Sabine Finkenauer. This versatile space doubles as a dining area, featuring oak dining chairs and gazelle leather-upholstered seats, illuminated by natural light from a balcony. Custom design elements are prevalent throughout the residence, crafted from materials such as stone, linen, and wood. The firm designed geometric flooring for the entry, bathroom, and kitchen, ensuring it harmonized with the overall aesthetic. Many furniture pieces were also custom-made, including the living room's bronze-smoked glass coffee tables with honed travertine. Specific design details pay homage to the Art Deco style, such as the arched bronze-and-glass doors in the bathroom and custom-designed oak sliding doors in the bedroom. Despite the extensive renovation, De la Villa Studio preserved the apartment's original architectural features, including its high ceilings and balconies. Located just steps from the bustling Gran Vía street, the residence has been transformed into a tranquil and inspiring sanctuary. The living room features a vintage B&B Italia sofa by Mario Bellini, complemented by Patricia Urquiola armchairs for Cassina. The entryway showcases a painting by Aythamy Armas alongside a black-stained oak console. The kitchen is equipped with bar stools by Leon Ransmeier for Hay, positioned at a stone island, while the dining area features oak chairs upholstered in gazelle leather surrounding a bronze-tinted smoked glass table designed by De la Villa Studio. These carefully curated elements combine to create a residence brimming with flair and Art Deco elegance. #MadridResidence #ArtDecoDesign #DeLaVillaStudio #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CustomFurnishings #ArchitecturalDetailing #LuxuryInteriors

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

In 1927, French diplomat Larz Anderson designed a guest house in Brookline, Massachusetts, drawing inspiration from his and his wife’s travels to Santa Monica, California. This Spanish Colonial-style residence, characterized by its red terra-cotta tile roof, adobe-colored stucco walls, and cast stone entrance, presented a unique architectural style in Brookline. Nearly a century later, the property found new owners with family ties to Spain, making the home's original design particularly fitting. However, the interior required a modern refresh to align with contemporary preferences. Alexandra Aquadro of AGA Interior Design spearheaded the renovation, aiming to brighten, clean, and open up the previously dark and heavy spaces. The initial state of the house featured heavy window treatments and dark wood, which contrasted with the client's desire for a warm environment that seamlessly integrated the outdoors. The renovation, which began in the fall of 2020, involved a collaborative effort with R L Clancy Builders, T.A. Hatcher Architects, and landscape architect Zen Associates. Significant structural changes were made, including opening up the kitchen, dining room, and back entrance. Walls were removed to create an expansive primary suite. After one year, the historic, two-story property was transformed, blending its historical integrity with a more modern aesthetic. The clients' taste was described as a mix of minimal, clean contemporary, and a fondness for midcentury modern design. Aquadro's goal was to balance these styles while remaining true to the home's historic character. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a neutral-toned seating area featuring A. Rudin chairs and a minimalist hanging light from Urban Electric. Adjacent to this space is a blue family room, which incorporates clean lines, traditional styles, and eclectic items collected during the couple’s travels. The blue hue, a favorite of the client, was integrated throughout the house, including the primary suite, providing a cohesive and calming palette that complemented the neutrals and warm woods. The primary suite on the second floor boasts an upholstered blue bed by A. Rudin, a modern magnifying glass-esque hanging light from Urban Electric, and early 1900s Japanese artwork. A walk-in closet leads to a bright, spa-like en suite bathroom, finished with bianco dolomite marble floors and a custom Jonathan Browning Studios ceiling light. Leaving the primary suite, a bridge offers views of the main living room, where the original Spanish Baroque-style white stucco wood-burning fireplace stands as a historical centerpiece. Contemporary elements, such as a neutral sofa and chairs from A. Rudin, an Evan Lewis glass coffee table, and a subtly detailed Patterson Flynn rug, were incorporated around this historical feature. Large windows extend to the ceiling, filling the room with natural light and offering views of the lush exterior. The kitchen, once described as dark and cramped, underwent a complete transformation. It now features leather Bright Chair bar stools, a glass backsplash, Caesarstone countertops, and a large picture window. The adjacent dining room, designed for entertaining, showcases a framed black shawl, a special family heirloom belonging to the wife’s grandmother, which she wore to church in Spain. This detail underscores the home’s connection to the couple's heritage, making the property a fitting blend of historical charm and modern living. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BrooklineHome #SpanishColonial #ModernDesign #HistoricPreservation #LuxuryHomes #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeDecor