Project: Mallorca Apartment
Interior Design and Decoration: The Room Studio
Author: Meritxell Ribé & Josep Puigdomènech
Construction: The Room Work
Location: Mallorca, Spain
Area: 200m2
Photography: Meritxell Arjalaguer
Courtesy of The Room Studio
Alvar Aalto used to say that “Man cannot create without simultaneously destroying”, and in this charming 200 m2 apartment located in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample we have adopted this philosophy to give life to a space that perfectly embodies the beauty of transformation. A renovation project that has managed to revitalize an apartment that lacked charm and personality, turning it into a cozy second home for our distinguished Clients, who are passionate about the city of Barcelona.
Project
The Mallorca apartment had several pre-existences that could not be changed, such as common ducts that have been integrated into the design, and very clear needs on the part of the Clients: they wanted to preserve and enhance the Mediterranean charm of Barcelona, a cozy atmosphere with lots of natural light, flowing, giving priority to open spaces and bedrooms. We found an elegant and serene environment that integrates contrasting details that reflect the personality of the couple: she is a cheerful and extroverted person, lover of bright colors and textures, while he prefers relaxed environments. To achieve the perfect balance, a neutral base has been chosen in the design, adding touches of color in the decoration.
The new layout of the apartment is organized around a large and elegant central hall that divides the space into two very distinct areas. The day area, which is structured as a large open space, bright and welcoming, where the kitchen, living room and dining room are integrated in perfect harmony. The kitchen, for example, has a light and structural central island that rises from the floor, exposing the beautiful colored ceramic tiles of the floor.
On the other side of the apartment is the sleeping area, fully functional and comfortable. The clients wanted three bedrooms: a suite for themselves, one for their son and an additional one to receive their visitors. In this part of the house every corner has been used to the maximum.
The lighting project has been key to achieve different atmospheres. The abundance of natural light is enhanced thanks to the new distribution and the opening of spaces. In addition, the artificial lighting has been meticulously worked on, creating unique and versatile lighting environments that adapt to the different needs of the Clients. Indirect lights have been incorporated to enhance the architecture and details of the house, decorative lamps that provide warmth and personality and recessed spotlights that offer functional and adaptable lighting.
The choice of natural and high quality materials has been essential to provide the space with warmth and authenticity. In the noble areas of the house, such as the living room and bedrooms, there is an elegant herringbone parquet that adds a point of sophistication and classic style to the environment. For the more functional areas, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, resistant and durable materials have been chosen, such as ceramic and porcelain tiles, which add a modern and coherent touch to the overall design.
The furniture made to measure in wood is one of the most remarkable aspects as it has been designed to make the most of every corner and available space, optimizing storage and functionality of housing, while maintaining stylistic consistency and warmth that brings natural wood.
In short, this renovation project has managed to transform an old and compartmentalized apartment into a modern and bright home that reflects the Mediterranean essence of Barcelona and the balance between the personalities of the owners. The home has become a true oasis of tranquility in the vibrant heart of Barcelona and is the perfect example of how the beauty of transformation can bring a space to life. Welcome to this exciting journey!
