CRÜ combines different terracotta textures in Barcelona apartment La Odette

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

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

Terracotta decor, with its warm, earthy shades, draws inspiration from ancient civilizations and is named after the Latin 'terra cocta,' meaning 'baked earth.' This unique color, distinct from red or orange, imbues any room with a distinct atmosphere. Historically, terracotta clay has been widely used for sculptures, pots, and architectural decorations. When incorporated into interior design, terracotta can serve as either an accent color or the primary backdrop of a scheme, bringing a year-round sense of warmth to a home. Its rich character is sometimes expressed with hints of burnt orange, chalky plaster pink, or rusty reds, but it consistently evokes the richness of the soil from which it originates. Terracotta's deep color makes it particularly effective for north-facing rooms, where it can add a glow to darker corners and create a cozy ambiance. While some may be hesitant to use vibrant colors, richer shades like terracotta and blood orange introduce significant warmth. These shades can be used as accent colors, effectively mixed with a calming, neutral palette. Incorporating terracotta in the bedroom, for example, through painted walls and headboards, creates a cocooning feel. A versatile hue like Burnt Sienna, described as evocative of sun-warmed rooftops and planters, complements both cozy and light, airy spaces, especially when paired with bright white for a crisp, clean look. Terracotta can also add a bold statement to living rooms. Painting window frames and shutters in a bright terracotta hue can highlight the view and alter the perception of light entering the room. This approach does not always require boldness, as seen when it's teamed with small-scale floral wallpaper featuring terracotta details, such as a hand-block-printed floral sprig design inspired by Mughal paintings. For dining areas, soft terracotta shades, like bare plastered walls, offer a calming and rustic charm, reminiscent of historical interiors where clay mixed into limewash was used for wall paint. This approach creates a relaxing dining experience, especially when combined with mid-century-inspired furniture. Statement wallpaper in a dark terracotta hue, featuring patterns like geometrics, hand-blocked floral prints, or ikat designs, can add personality and an immersive experience to small rooms like studies or cloakrooms. Terracotta also surprisingly complements country decorating styles, with patterned soft furnishings and upholstered vintage chairs in chinoiserie-style fabrics enhancing the cozy feel. In bathrooms, actual terracotta tiles can create a Moroccan-inspired look, especially when used for floor-to-ceiling applications in herringbone patterns with mixed shades. Styling with trailing plants and Moorish mirrors completes the aesthetic. For a sophisticated touch, spicy terracotta accent pieces, such as chairs and lamps, can be introduced against a neutral backdrop, enhancing a pared-back scheme with rich earth tones. Tactile finishes like velvet, wood, and lacquered ceramic further enrich the enticing feel. Dark terracotta walls in a bedroom, such as an orangey shade like Middle Buff, can evoke the relaxing warmth of evening sun, pairing well with dark stained floorboards and natural woven accessories. Even in kitchens, terracotta cabinetry, though an unconventional choice, can add an earthy warmth to monochrome schemes, particularly when paired with dark wood dining sets and white-painted exposed brickwork. Bold and beautiful statement terracotta fabrics, such as crewelwork geometric patterned fabrics, can add a 1970s chic to soft furnishings. When considering complementary colors, terracotta pairs well with white and off-white linen hues for a light, summery feel. For richer, jewel-box interiors, it can be contrasted with French Majorelle blues, indigo, and navy. For a more casual look, paler denim blues in upholstery and soft furnishings work well. A tonal approach, choosing other earthy hues, can create a calm and soothing scheme. Alternatively, teaming terracotta with deep rust or orange can create an eclectic North African-inspired interior, while blush pinks and pale stone hues offer a fresh contemporary pairing. #TerracottaDecor #InteriorDesign #WarmHues #EarthyTones #BedroomDecor #LivingRoomDesign #BathroomTiles #KitchenCabinetry #ColorSchemes

The article details the design philosophy and interior of "The Ochre Home," the residence of artist and freelance stylist Geraldine Toh and her husband, Vincent Lim. The name "Ochre Home" was chosen by Ms. Toh to reflect the predominant color palette and earthy sensibility of their space, which primarily features shades of brown, yellow, and orange, reminiscent of the natural clay pigment. As an artist, Ms. Toh often uses ochre in her paintings, further solidifying its significance to her home's aesthetic. The home's style is described as mid-century modern inspired with an eclectic mix. Ms. Toh, who studied fine arts, showcases a keen eye for color, proportion, and design. The couple selected a 30-year-old apartment for its spaciousness, airiness, and square layout, which simplified space planning. Key layout modifications included removing a kitchen wall to create an open entrance, repositioning the common bathroom door for discretion, and moving the master bedroom door to facilitate an open-concept walk-in wardrobe. The initial impression upon entering the apartment is one of expansive open space. A central tenet of Ms. Toh's design approach is the belief that furnishing a home should be a gradual process, allowing for the collection of unique pieces with personal stories. She views her home as "forever a work in progress," emphasizing modularity and movability to allow for frequent rearrangements and to maintain visual interest. She favors eclecticism over perfectly matched sets, choosing standalone pieces that complement the overall color scheme and texture, ensuring that new additions enhance rather than disrupt the aesthetic. This approach creates pockets and corners with distinct functionalities within the larger open space. Throughout The Ochre Home, visual interest is evident in various details. Ms. Toh painted a mural of a flower on one wall, and customisable fabric outer jackets on the Toshiba Haori air-conditioning units blend seamlessly with the interiors. The couple dedicated time to assembling their furniture, often thrifting pieces or carefully selecting others for their historical significance and narrative. For instance, their Commune leather sofa was acquired from an expatriate family, and their stackable dining chairs are vintage 1980s Casala Obo Formsitz pieces sourced from AA Furniture, specializing in vintage Japanese furniture. The study area, carved out from the main living space without walls, features a 1960s Danish kidney-bean-shaped desk from local store Noden. Lighting fixtures also hold historical value, such as a vintage 1970s Louis Poulsen Panthella lamp from Aria Design Store, which exhibits a beautiful patina. Other notable pieces include a 1960s Danish coffee table, a thrifted Marcel Breuer cantilever chair, and a Flos Arco floor lamp. A 1970s pinecone wall lamp from a Danish vintage store in Vancouver was hand-carried home by Ms. Toh. Mid-century design signatures are prominent, with an Eames lounge chair, Hans J. Wegner’s CH24 Wishbone Chair, and a special-edition Safari chair by Kaare Klint. Personal touches include a pinewood side table and a kapur wood bench, both crafted by Mr. Lim. Beyond aesthetics, the home was conceived as a creative hub for the couple's artistic and hobby pursuits. A dedicated creative room stores art-making equipment, and plain white walls serve as a canvas for photographic prints, abstract paintings, and Ms. Toh’s first mural. The article concludes by noting that the couple's personal touches and years of inhabiting the space have successfully actualized their vision for The Ochre Home, creating a lived-in and deeply personal atmosphere. #EclecticHomeDesign #MidCenturyModern #OchreHome #ArtistHome #VintageFurniture #CreativeSpace #HomeStyling #SingaporeDesign #PersonalizedInteriors

This article highlights the remarkable transformation of a Paris apartment, meticulously redesigned by the interior design studio Uchronia, founded by Julien Sebban. The project’s objective was to convert a classic Haussmann apartment, which, despite its elegant proportions and original features, was perceived as 'cold, pretentious and beige,' into a vibrant, 'architectural jewellery box.' The clients, a couple working in couture jewellery, provided Uchronia with a distinctive brief inspired by Fabergé eggs, aiming for a home that would reveal a 'treasure trove of jewels.' The redesign centered on injecting personality and color, moving away from the apartment's former staid aesthetic. Uchronia meticulously integrated various gemstones as a guiding principle for the design, selecting malachite, sapphire, opal, pearl, ruby, tiger-eye, and peridot for their unique colors, patterns, and textures. These choices influenced the specific ambiance and decor of each room, creating a cohesive yet diverse interior narrative. The studio's approach involved a significant amount of experimentation, particularly in developing custom dégradé walls in collaboration with Atelier Roma. This innovative technique creates an ethereal background, with color gradients that seamlessly merge into sheer silk curtains, producing a dynamic and 'alive' effect as they flutter. Beyond color and texture, the apartment's functionality was reimagined to accommodate the clients' social lifestyle, with a focus on creating convivial zones suitable for both intimate gatherings and large parties. The layout of the apartment was largely maintained, preserving its inherent Haussmann elegance, while custom furniture, drapery, vintage pieces, and art were introduced to redefine the spaces. Noteworthy design elements include low-level seating in the living room, inspired by Moroccan desert nights, and a dressing room strategically positioned to allow interaction with guests from the adjacent platform bed. The dining room features a unique marbled resin table, designed by Julien, which evokes malachite and can be reconfigured from a two-person setting to accommodate up to twenty guests. Lighting plays a crucial role in the apartment's design, with light being refracted through various materials such as fabric and colored glass, and bouncing off lacquered surfaces. This deliberate manipulation of light creates an effect akin to being inside a fantastical kaleidoscope, contributing to the apartment's overall enchanting and dynamic atmosphere. The project underscores Uchronia's innovative approach to interior design, blending historical elegance with contemporary vibrancy and bespoke craftsmanship to fulfill a highly imaginative client brief. #ParisApartment #UchroniaDesign #ColorDrenching #OmbreWalls #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #GemstoneInspired #CustomFurniture #HaussmannApartment

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

Los Angeles designer Jennifer Miller, known for her nuanced approach to neutrals, draws inspiration from the local landscape's soft, earthy palette to create warm and textured interiors. This article features Miller's latest flat lay, developed for a Montecito project where she was tasked with injecting character and personality into a newly remodeled home with white walls and flat finishes. The design scheme is grounded in dusty roses and tawny grays, showcasing a harmonious blend of rich earth tones and light organic accents, aiming to create a haven immersed in natural elements. The mood board details various elements, starting with drapery. The 'Lana Fabric in Ivory' by Natasha Baradaran, a linen-and-mohair blend, adds dimension and tactility. Custom cast bronze finishes by Fisher Weisman Collection, handmade in Mexico, contribute a beautiful patina to the custom table for the client. For the kitchen, the 'Zagora Glossy Zellige Field Tile in Ivoire' by Bedrosians is proposed as a natural-toned mosaic backsplash, and a Lacanche range knob highlights the designer's preference for special, albeit long lead-time, appliances. Textiles play a significant role in Miller’s design. The 'Olives Fabric in Mushroom' from Miller House is a sneak peek of her upcoming fabric line, intended for easy layering with its muted colorway. The 'Fossil Hand-Painted Wallcovering in Beton' by Porter Teleo offers an artisanal and artful wall treatment. 'Zanzibar Fabric in Natural' by Coraggio provides a soft, sheer filter, while 'Jalousies Handwoven Window Shade Panel in Dusk Matte' by Anne Corbiere introduces unique craftsmanship from Thailand. Custom fabric by Soie de Lune, with its subtle variations and neutral palette, adds casual elegance, and 'Bella Vita Fabric in Argento' by Coraggio demonstrates the intentional and timeless use of boucle. Decorative and functional objects include a vintage carved wood piece, repurposed to take on new life, and the 'Ancient Hinoki Candle' by Tatine, chosen to engage the senses. A 'Crystal Dome Magnifier by Longwin at Amazon' is selected for its aesthetic appeal and dual function. Custom hardware by Ornementisme, sourced through Alden LA, is inspired by nature, featuring a hand-forged pull shaped like a tree branch. Additional wallcoverings presented are 'Vines Wallpaper in Cognac' and 'Succulents Wallpaper in Cognac' by Miller House, offering playful yet elegant options for children’s bathrooms and guest bedrooms, respectively. 'Bene Weave Wallcovering in Light Grey' and 'Steel' by Coraggio are chosen for guest suites, providing textured linen walls that impart a soft layer. For surfaces, 'Rosewood Marble with Tumbled Finish' by Castelli Marble reveals burgundy, rose, and blue accents against a muted white background, creating an antique look. Flooring is addressed with 'Manoir Premiere Cognac Clair French Oak Flooring' by Exquisite Surfaces, providing naturally oiled wide-plank floors for a soft and grounding feel. A 'Willow Rug in Cumin' by Armadillo, made of wool and jute, offers a casual, durable, and soft underfoot option for California living. The selection also includes 'Des Stripe #38 Leather in Argilla' by Bordoni Leathers at Alden LA, representing timeless design through traditional craftsmanship. 'Textured Linen Fabric in Meringue' by Rose Uniacke, with its unexpected weave, is perfect for a bedroom throw. 'Multi Glossy Hex Zellige Mosaic' by Country Floors, a glazed terra cotta zellige tile, provides an unexpected scale and shape. Finally, found Palo Santo wood is included for its instant softening scent. #InteriorDesign #NeutralPalette #MontecitoProject #TexturedInteriors #MaterialSelection #HomeDecor #LuxuryFinishes #JenniferMillerStudio

Terracotta offers a soft, warm, and grounding alternative to traditional accent colors like black or gold, adding warmth and depth to any space. Its earthy tones and associations with nature make it a versatile choice, capable of acting as a neutral or providing a dramatic pop of color, depending on its application. Interior designer Emma Beryl notes that terracotta shades range from burnt-orange to chalky pinks, allowing for diverse integration into various design schemes. Nicholas Kaiko of Kaiko Design highlights terracotta's ability to counterbalance cooler shades and its natural, often unglazed texture, suggesting its use as a floor material like brick. Ericka Violett of Sill Design Co. emphasizes terracotta's connection to nature, making spaces feel inviting and comfortable, and recommends incorporating it through planters, sculptures, accents, or tiles, particularly when seeking to add warmth or contrast to cool palettes. This exploration details ten distinct approaches to integrating terracotta into interior design. One effective method involves using terracotta tiles to introduce unexpected depth and texture. Architect Anshuk Punmia of House of Lines demonstrates this by using terracotta tiles to connect rooms in a Chennai home, notably creating an accent wall behind a bedroom headboard. These tiles, vernacular to the Indian subcontinent, impart a sense of warmth and a deep connection to nature, guarding against heat and adding a rustic feel. Another bold application is using terracotta paint to create a cocooning effect. Kaiko Design utilized two-tone terracotta walls and ceilings in a living room to warm up cooler elements like a silver-grey sofa and rug, showcasing how terracotta can complement grey. The design also incorporated textured paint, a nod to 90s aesthetics, grounding the furniture and adding historical depth. Terracotta can also be introduced through furniture accent pieces. A deep terracotta velvet sofa, as seen in a design by Sarah Rosenhaus, provides a warm contrast against a grey concrete wall. Emma Beryl suggests that terracotta upholstery can evoke diverse styles, from mid-century modern with velvet to California-cool with linen. For a statement accent wall, terracotta wallpaper, especially textured variants like those by Living with Lolo, can define a zone, highlight a feature like a fireplace, or add a dramatic effect. Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight notes that an accent wall or ceiling in terracotta creates an eye-catching focal point. For bedrooms, terracotta bedding offers a less permanent but impactful way to incorporate the color. A terracotta duvet cover or throw can easily update a bedroom's color scheme, as illustrated by Cedar + Suede's design which uses autumnal terracotta shades to provide subtle contrast to saturated greens. Smaller accents, such as pendant lighting made of clay or ceramic, are a growing trend. Kitty Lee Architecture used terracotta pendant lights in a kitchen-diner to add warmth and dimension to an otherwise neutral space, complementing timber and a pink splashback. Additionally, terracotta can be the focal point of kitchen units, with terracotta door fronts creating a striking contrast with black countertops, or it can be integrated into the work surface for a softer impact. A more conservative yet classic approach is using terracotta tiles for a kitchen backsplash, which adds a unique touch compared to typical kitchen tiles, as demonstrated by Quality Cut and Emily Peuringer. Emma Beryl sees this as a good alternative to classic grey or beige stones, providing a lived-in feel while remaining somewhat neutral. Finally, adding a terracotta rug offers a softer way to incorporate the color. Whether a large living room rug or a smaller bathroom accent, as seen in a design by Kate Marker Interiors, terracotta rugs instantly warm up a space and offer a humble, timeless aesthetic. For those experimenting, smaller pops of color through cushions, vases, or planters, as used by Joshua Smith in a bedroom with a round terracotta throw pillow, can dramatically enhance a neutral scheme of beiges, creams, and whites. #TerracottaAccents #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #EarthyTones #AccentWalls #TextileDesign #KitchenDesign #BedroomDecor

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

Terracotta tiles, traditionally associated with rustic Mediterranean interiors, are experiencing a significant resurgence in modern design. This revival is characterized by a blend of their inherent warmth and authentic appeal with contemporary innovations in style and application. Tile of Spain manufacturers are at the forefront of this trend, introducing new collections that reinterpret terracotta for today's interiors. These collections showcase a variety of designs, from bold geometric patterns that introduce movement and depth to spaces, to glazed accent tiles that offer a subtle sheen and help rooms feel airy. The versatility of these new terracotta offerings allows them to be incorporated into diverse interior styles, providing both a nostalgic feel and a modern aesthetic. Maria D Arráez, director of Tile of Spain UK, highlights the unique characteristics and unlimited aesthetic possibilities of Spanish tiles, emphasizing their role as a global benchmark for innovation. The reimagined terracotta tiles are suitable for various applications, including statement floors, kitchen splashbacks, and feature walls. Manufacturers are exploring different finishes and textures, ranging from softly sun-washed tones to richly pigmented, clay-like surfaces that evoke a baked effect. This diverse palette ensures that terracotta can be integrated into any space where style, trend, and warmth are desired. Specific examples from recent tile launches demonstrate this modern take on terracotta. Peronda's FS Nonna tiles exemplify the blend of tradition and innovation. Natucer's Colonial Petal Mud and Colonia Kite Newport Tiles showcase how traditional forms can be updated with contemporary sensibilities. Onix's Penny Dunna Matte Tiles offer a textural dimension, while Equipe Cerámicas' Wadi Decor Terra Tiles introduce intricate decorative patterns. Gres Aragón's Amores Tiles contribute to the modern narrative with their unique designs. Harmony's Crunch Clay tiles, with their elongated rectangular shape and linear glazed finish, add structure and sophistication to the classic terracotta hue, often paired with Awen Sand Decor Tiles for a complementary effect. Another example from Natucer, the My V Deluxe Clay and White Tiles, illustrates the broader range of colors and patterns available within the terracotta revival. These new collections honor the earthy origins of terracotta while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of design, offering timeless yet contemporary solutions for homeowners, specifiers, and designers. The enduring appeal of terracotta's warmth and character is now combined with modern versatility and design-forward possibilities, making it a relevant choice for contemporary living spaces. The trend reflects a broader appreciation for authentic materials and a desire to infuse homes with a sense of calm, character, and Mediterranean charm. #TerracottaTiles #MediterraneanDesign #ModernInteriors #TileOfSpain #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #HomeDecoration #CeramicTiles #InteriorDesignTrends

Fornace Brioni, a company renowned for its terracotta products, launched its "Grounded" exhibition showcasing new wall and floor coverings. The exhibition, designed by Snøhetta and Cristina Celestino, with the overall artistic direction by Cristina Celestino Studio, presents three distinct collections comprising five products. These collections were first unveiled during Milan Design Week 2024. The exhibition takes a museum-like approach, telling a material narrative through various vignettes that evoke the feeling of home, achieved by contrasting solid and void, employing absolute geometries, and utilizing surfaces imbued with warmth. The terracotta cladding used in these collections is crafted from fine clays naturally accumulated through sedimentation on the Po River's floodplain, reflecting Fornace Brioni's traditional process involving water, earth, and fire. The contemporary artisan tiles, despite their modern unveiling, possess a timeless quality, reminiscent of historical artifacts. This is attributed to a balance between hand-craftsmanship, technical precision, and a distinctive Italian aesthetic, which together create a sense of future nostalgia. One of the collections, the Void Collection, was designed by Snøhetta. This collection redefines the boundaries of hand-pressed terracotta with a minimalist design philosophy. It emphasizes material reduction, embraces imperfection, and features soft forms. The tiles are characterized by rich textures that interact with light and shadow, highlighting the passage of time. Their bilateral symmetry allows for numerous geometric compositions, offering designers flexibility. An optional glazing is available for those desiring a smoother finish. The deep curves and carvings in the Void collection add dimension while maintaining the structural integrity of the elements. The Araldica Collection, designed by Cristina Celestino, explores Euclidean geometry. Celestino, who also serves as the artistic director, uses points and lines to achieve precise congruence and symmetry in this collection. The rigid geometrical patterns are softened by chromatic variations in the tessellations, creating engaging surface designs. The interplay of joinery and material contrast further enhances the dimensionality. The Araldica collection is available in two patterns, Ducato and Corte. These simplified patterns and variegated terracotta tiles draw inspiration from Cosmati work, a mosaic technique from 12th and 13th-century Roman architects, adapting it for a contemporary aesthetic that achieves harmonic synthesis and visual illusion. Cristina Celestino also developed the Fluviale Collection, which includes Alveo, Plain, and Golena products. This collection adopts a different artistic approach, drawing parallels between the physicality of carving glyphs into stone and the fluid motion of brushstrokes. Each tile in this collection acts as a singular gesture contributing to a larger movement. The variations within the Fluviale Collection are inspired by elements of the natural world: plants found beneath rippling water, flora along riverbanks, and earth shaped by tidal forces. The collection offers versatility, allowing for compositions that can range from organically flowing to precisely structured, depending on whether designers choose to embrace natural entropy or impose intervention. These collections collectively underscore Fornace Brioni’s commitment to innovative design while honoring traditional materials and craftsmanship. The exhibition highlights the versatility and aesthetic potential of terracotta in modern interior applications. The Grounded exhibition successfully demonstrates how an ancient material can be reimagined for contemporary spaces through thoughtful design and artistic collaboration. #TerracottaTiles #MilanDesignWeek #FornaceBrioni #CristinaCelestino #Snøhetta #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TileDesign #ArchitecturalMaterials

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

Jean-Christophe Aumas, an art director based in Paris, embraces an instinctive and fluid approach to interior design, viewing his apartment as an evolving laboratory rather than a static space. He frequently rearranges furniture, repaints walls, and groups objects in new configurations, emphasizing that "Nothing is permanent." His Parisian apartment is situated on the ground floor of an 18th-century hôtel particulier in Pigalle, a property that immediately captivated him with its cathedral-like ceilings, intricate plaster moldings, and original herringbone parquet floors during his initial visit in 2016. The stained-glass windows and a small courtyard were particular draws, and these glass mosaics significantly influenced the apartment's vibrant color palette, featuring vivid blues, burnt reds, and punchy lilacs. Aumas notes that this unique characteristic creates the feeling of living in a small garden, a rarity in Paris. Addressing a lack of natural light, Aumas incorporated a skylight in the living room and installed floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto the garden. This intentional design choice aimed to blend the indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a "little jungle" atmosphere where greenery seamlessly extends indoors from the purposefully overgrown outdoor area and an extensive houseplant collection. The interior design subsequently evolved organically, leveraging Aumas’s expertise in creating memorable visual experiences, a skill honed through his work on window displays and set designs for prominent brands like Cartier and Louis Vuitton. For instance, after designing a cobalt-tinted mirror for the fireplace, he extended this hue by painting a vertical block of French blue from the mantel to the ceiling. The kitchen reflects a fusion of Brutalism and Mediterranean influences, inspired by Aumas's trips to Procida, Italy, and his upbringing near Aix-en-Provence. Concrete countertops, reminiscent of London's Barbican building, are juxtaposed with a lavender wall color, evoking Mediterranean summers. To further enhance this contrast, wood salvaged from the renovation was repurposed into kitchen cabinets, left raw and treated only with a matte varnish to highlight its texture. The bathroom maintains this coastal European aesthetic with terracotta tiles from Siracusa, Sicily, laid in graphic stripes. Aumas created a distinct "shower capsule" by painting the upper half of the shower wall in a dusty pink and replacing a traditional glass door with a decorative, cinder block-esque partition. Despite the apartment's vibrant use of color, Aumas considers it minimalist compared to his previous loft, which was entirely painted in bright hues. His current approach focuses on using "just a touch of color in each room." Examples include a cobalt archway and radiator in the library complementing a Moroccan rug, and a sky-blue built-in bookcase in the bedroom against white walls. The dining room, notably, is an exception to the geometric paint treatments. With its high ceilings and plaster moldings, it is bathed in a pale, almost white blue, creating a serene and expansive feel, with only a crimson Moroccan rug anchoring the dining table. The apartment is also deeply personalized through furnishings and art collected from around the world, such as Carlo Scarpa chairs, vintage 1950s ceramics, and a painting by Lara Feldman. Aumas particularly cherishes his Vincenzo de Cotiis sofa, from which he can survey nearly his entire home, underscoring the cohesive and curated nature of his living space. #HomeTour #ParisApartment #InteriorDesign #CreativeDirector #Renovation #ColorPalette #SustainableDesign #BrutalistInfluence #MediterraneanVibe

The primary suite of the Hilltop Estate project is designed with a focus on creating a relaxing and warm atmosphere. The walls are painted in Swiss Coffee by Dunn Edwards, a color chosen for its warm white and creamy undertones, contributing to the serene ambiance of the space. A design challenge presented by an off-centered floor plan, which positioned the bed off-center relative to the light fixture, was addressed through an asymmetrical arrangement of bedside furniture. Instead of attempting to force symmetry with matching nightstands, the design incorporated a single nightstand on one side and a larger chest of drawers or a desk on the opposite side. To unify the differing heights of these pieces, a task light was placed on the taller side, its height aligned with a table lamp on the other side, effectively creating visual balance despite the asymmetry. The primary suite's bed is a central design element, featuring a custom canopy bed upholstered in a striped blue and cream fabric. The bedding combines various patterns and textures, utilizing soft linens and velvets. To introduce a contrasting visual element, vintage block print pillows in a bold reddish-orange hue were added, providing a 'punch' against the softer color palette of the bed and room. The primary bathroom is conceptualized as a beautiful and calming space, with design elements that incorporate a touch of glam as per the client's preference. Ornate paneling is integrated throughout the room's shell to achieve this elegant aesthetic. The flooring consists of smooth limestone, setting a neutral and refined base for the space. The color scheme of the bathroom predominantly features creams and warm whites, enhancing the serene and luxurious feel. A vintage patterned rug, with tones of olive and blue, is introduced to provide a subtle 'pop' of color that contrasts with the surrounding creamy hues. The vanity in the bathroom is detailed with reeded drawer fronts and hardware that includes 'coining' details, which are ridges carved into the metal edges, contributing to the vanity's sophisticated appearance. The countertops are crafted from Calcutta marble, adding a luxurious and classic touch to the overall design. The integration of these elements in both the primary suite and bathroom reflects a cohesive design strategy aimed at combining comfort, elegance, and practical solutions for design challenges, all while adhering to the client's aesthetic preferences. #HilltopEstate #PrimarySuite #BathroomDesign #InteriorDesign #BedroomDecor #AsymmetricalDesign #ColorPalette #TextileMixing #LuxuryInteriors

This article discusses the burgeoning interior design trend of combining blue and terracotta shades, highlighting its timeless appeal and ability to bring the outdoors inside. Robert Whitaker, creative and product director at Claybrook, identifies this pairing as a significant trend for 2021, noting its resurgence from the 1980s. The combination of warm, earthy terracotta tones with cool, serene blues creates a balanced and harmonious aesthetic, reminiscent of the land and sky. Terracotta pigments offer a grounding and stabilizing effect, connecting inhabitants with nature and providing a sense of stability. Blue hues, conversely, evoke feelings of calm, positivity, and serenity, making them ideal for spaces dedicated to relaxation, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. The article emphasizes the importance of incorporating varied textures to enhance the scheme, suggesting terracotta ceramics for their earthy contrast and ethereal blue glassware for its light-catching qualities. Materials like slubby linens and luxurious velvets are recommended for their ability to showcase the depth of these colors. Expert advice is provided for implementing this color trend effectively. Starting a color scheme with one or two key rich sienna tones is suggested, followed by the introduction of a brighter, crisper counterpoint hue to maintain freshness. The article acknowledges that darker colors absorb light but encourages embracing this characteristic to create mood and depth in a room. For those desiring a more airy feel, a paler floor shade can enhance the sense of space and light. Sampling paint colors with swatches is crucial, allowing designers to observe how the colors interact with different light zones and spaces throughout the day, ensuring the chosen shades perform as intended. The article also encourages experimentation with unexpected color combinations, asserting that there are no strict rules in mixing and matching. It highlights how a strong color can pop against softer shades, with matching accessories tying the overall scheme together. Layering is another key technique, particularly with cushions in cinnamon, caramel, and pecan tones, to soften contrasts and achieve a more lived-in, relaxed feel. Specific examples of how to integrate these colors are provided, such as using cinnamon, with its red and brown undertones, to warm up industrial-style interiors and cold spaces. For bedrooms, relaxed linens in earthy shades are recommended for a cocooning effect, complemented by a spectrum of indigo shades in throws and cushions to add depth. A woollen bedspread is suggested to bring coherence to the overall design. The article also includes a shopping wish list featuring various home decor items in earth and sky shades, such as two-tone ceramic mugs, dark blue vista cushions, ceramic dessert plates, blue ceramic plant pots, linen duvet covers, washed linen tablecloths, organic vases, terracotta pitchers, wire box shelves, framed blue prints, velvet cushions, ridged glass vases, organic cotton bath towels, navy French linen duvet covers, storage baskets, drum shades, terracotta pitchers, elements blocks navy cushions, terracotta bowls, and terracotta flower pots. These examples demonstrate the versatility of the blue and terracotta palette across different home accessories and furnishings, reinforcing its potential to create a cohesive and stylish interior. #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #Terracotta #BlueHues #ColorPairing #Homewares #TexturalElements #EarthTones

This blog post explores the concept of urban eclectic decor, highlighting its key characteristics and offering various examples of furniture and accessories that embody this style. Urban chic is described as a design aesthetic that doesn't require living in a downtown loft but instead focuses on multifunctional furniture, diverse textures, and smaller profiles. The style embraces a mix of old and new, industrial and comfortable, allowing for creative expression and personalization. It encourages blending materials, colors, and design periods to create a unique and lived-in feel. The article showcases several pieces from different retailers that exemplify urban eclectic design. From Art Van Furniture, the Loft II dining table, crafted from solid acacia hardwood with a recycled cast iron base, is presented as an example of multifunctional urban furniture. The 9-drawer Elliott Chest, also from Art Van, is noted for its multicolored mango finish and varied drawer shapes, colors, and textures, emphasizing the style's diverse nature. Art Van's Townsend Queen Bed, with its vintage mahogany finish, is also featured, with a buyer stating that urban decor “really has no rules.” Light fixtures are shown to be both functional and stylish, with examples like the Aspen Chandelier, featuring filament bulbs and a rope-wrapped base, and the industrial-vibe Sputnik Large Chandelier. West Elm contributes to the examples with its Box Frame Counter Marble Table, characterized by a burnished bronze-finished steel frame. The popular industrial storage glass-topped coffee table from West Elm, made of mango wood, offers open shelving and drawers for practical storage. Another West Elm item, the Industrial Bed, is highlighted for its solid wood construction, hand-planed distressed look, and iron base, combining rustic and refined elements. The Industrial Rolling Bar Cart, with its acid-washed, sandblasted metal and electroplating finish, provides a vintage appearance and ample storage, showcasing the fusion of industrial aesthetics with functionality. La-Z-Boy's Urban Attitudes Collection, introduced in 2013, is also featured, emphasizing cleaner lines and smaller profiles in its sofas, love seats, and chairs. The collection includes the customizable Structure sofa, notable for its “party arm” for extra seating, and the Gridiron Stationary Chair, available in numerous fabric options. The Uptown style, also part of this collection, further illustrates La-Z-Boy's take on urban design. The article also touches upon textile influences, presenting Alhambra's Urban Chic textile collection, which draws inspiration from the architectural elements of major cities like New York and Tokyo. This collection offers three color schemes that blend urban tones with metallic touches and vibrant colors. Accessories that complement this style include Nate Berkus's metal Inlay Tray from Target, Target's Angled Metal Mirror in black and gold, and the Threshold rose-gold dipped cement table lamp, all demonstrating the incorporation of diverse materials and finishes. Overall, the blog post illustrates that urban eclectic decor is about thoughtfully blending various design elements to create a distinctive, functional, and personal living space. #UrbanEclecticDecor #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MultifunctionalFurniture #IndustrialDesign #ContemporaryStyle #DesignTrends #Furniture #HomeAccessories

Terracotta, recognized for its warming and grounding qualities, acts as a versatile neutral in home design, seamlessly integrating into various palettes. Designers like Ashley Macuga emphasize its timeless appeal, noting its ability to complement diverse shades from teal to sage. This guide explores a range of color pairings for terracotta, whether it's used as a tile, a textured finish, or a paint color, offering insights into creating balanced and aesthetically pleasing interior schemes. One harmonious combination is terracotta with forest green. Interior designers, including Cortney Bishop and Kristen Fiore, highlight green as an environmentally sympathetic pairing. They suggest that deep forest greens or richer blue-greens create a bold, contrasting look, as exemplified by a kitchen design featuring glossy green wall tiles against a terracotta floor. Conversely, for a more serene ambiance, sage green offers a calming effect when paired with terracotta. This combination is often seen in spaces aiming for a natural, earthy connection, such as an entryway in a historic farmhouse that uses terracotta tiles alongside sage green paint to soften and ground the bold hues. Terracotta also forms a classic pairing with various shades of blue. Kristen Fiore and Julia Dempster describe this as a natural and dramatic combination, particularly with richer, deeper blues like royal blue or navy. The contrast between these colors on the color wheel evokes imagery of desert landscapes with sand and blue skies, adding a sophisticated and playful touch. Another unconventional yet effective pairing is with pink tones. Designers like Cortney Bishop and Ashley Macuga find that pinks, especially those that exude coziness, create a fresh, energetic, and youthful feel when combined with terracotta. This palette works well with terracotta as an accent against pink walls, resulting in a lively yet grounded space. For an uplifting and sunny atmosphere, terracotta can be paired with yellow. Kristen Fiore notes that both yellow and orange are analogous to terracotta on the color wheel, creating a chill, earthy, organic, and calm vibe that is popular in contemporary color palettes. Integrating terracotta with cooler shades like gray helps introduce warmth and contrast, transforming stark neutral schemes into something more inviting. Brigette Romanek appreciates terracotta's ability to be strong yet soft and calming in such contexts. For those seeking a more dramatic aesthetic, terracotta paired with black offers a striking contrast. A softer alternative involves combining terracotta with brown. Designers like Sarah Solis and Julia Dempster highlight that both are grounding pigments, creating a rich, inviting, and soothing palette suitable for various aesthetics. Browns, particularly chocolate brown, add depth and warmth without the intensity of black or orange. Brigette Romanek envisions this combination in powder rooms or conservatories, noting how the rich, warm tones complement each other. Finally, terracotta can be effectively used in monochromatic schemes, leveraging its inherent variations from deep red to lighter, softer hues of oranges and pinks. Designers like Kelly Wearstler and Sarah Solis utilize this approach to create dramatic and cocooning spaces by layering different shades within the terracotta family. Beyond traditional applications like tiled floors, terracotta can be introduced through paint, textiles, wallpaper, and accessories. Its natural origins make it compatible with popular wood tones like walnut and oak, offering visual impact without harshness. Ultimately, the use of terracotta is about embracing its organic richness and timeless design energy, allowing it to stand strong as a grounding and inspiring material within any interior scheme. #TerracottaColors #ColorPairing #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #EarthTones #ColorTheory #DesignTrends #AccentColors