This 52sqm apartment in Barcelona, Spain, once a modest living space, has been reimagined into a vibrant and inviting haven. Spearheaded by itsnotastudio, this extensive renovation project embodies the spirit of its young, single owner. The design seamlessly blends a relaxed, fresh, and playful aesthetic, creating a space that is both stylish and functional.
After years of sharing an apartment in Barcelona, Juanma yearned to create his own personal sanctuary. He reached out to the design team even before purchasing the property, seeking their expertise to navigate the search process, which primarily unfolded through digital platforms. The team quickly grasped his vision and needs, setting the stage for a stunning redesign.
Nestled on the fourth floor in the lively Poble Sec neighborhood, this compact apartment posed challenges due to budget constraints, necessitating a creative approach. The decision was made to preserve the original layout largely intact, with only targeted modifications, such as relocating the partition between the bathroom and kitchen to enhance and streamline the kitchen area.
This approach embodies the belief that spatial limitations can inspire innovative solutions. To foster a sense of fluidity throughout the design, the team removed doors connecting the hallway, dining room, and kitchen, while also rounding the corners of the walls near the openings. This design choice promotes continuity and cohesion among the various spaces, resonating with the principles of the Bauhaus movement, which emphasizes the harmony of form and function.
The project pays homage to the original architectural features, such as the beautifully restored Catalan vaults. In a striking contrast, the dining room wall underwent a delicate treatment, where superficial plaster was scraped away to unveil the historical layers that narrate the story of the space. This thoughtful juxtaposition of old and new fosters a visual dialogue that enhances the overall experience of the apartment.
The design not only reflects the owner’s personality but also creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages social interaction and relaxation. Each element within the apartment has been carefully curated to ensure that it resonates with the owner’s lifestyle while maintaining a sense of artistic integrity.
The selected color palette, primarily composed of soft pastel shades with a distinct influence from Bauhaus, accentuates the apartment’s unique characteristics while infusing it with a lively ambiance. In the bathroom and kitchen, a sand-colored microcement has been applied, while the remainder of the apartment features herringbone laminate flooring, elegantly finished in natural oak. These materials seamlessly flow into the dining room, where they are harmoniously integrated through graceful curves that echo the rounded contours of the walls.
Custom-designed kitchen and bathroom furnishings have been crafted using Ikea’s Metod structures, enhanced with fronts and countertops sourced from the Madrid-based brand Cubro Design. This choice exemplifies how aesthetics and smart design can coexist without straining the budget, proving that style does not have to come at a high cost.
Francia Xica emerges as a beacon of creativity within a compact space. Each design choice, from the selection of materials to the arrangement of spaces, embodies a whimsical vision that optimizes both functionality and the overall living experience. This project not only fulfills the client’s requirements but also serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of Bauhaus principles—form, function, and fun—in today’s urban landscape.
The intervention illustrates that constraints in space can be transformed into opportunities for innovation and creativity. By embracing these limitations, the design showcases how thoughtful planning and imaginative solutions can lead to a vibrant and functional home, reflecting the dynamic nature of contemporary living.
Ultimately, the renovation of this apartment serves as a testament to the power of thoughtful design, demonstrating how creativity can flourish even within the confines of a small space. The result is a vibrant home that embodies both the history of its architecture and the contemporary needs of its occupant.