- Interior
- Architecture & development
Previously, this Madrid home consisted of a lot of different compartments that prevented unity. De la Villa Studio took it up and broke open the original construction. Lots of light, a classic elegance that still looks contemporary and an optimal use of space are the basic elements of the successful result. We are happy to show you around.
This commission kept the three-member team from De la Villa Studio in their hometown. As always, they were mainly inspired by light, textures, and the naturalness of the materials they choose. According to them, the uniqueness of a project starts with the location. It determines a significant part of the design. In their concepts, they develop a vital dynamic between the grandeur of architecture and the power of decorative elements. They also often deal with existing properties with original features that deserve to be preserved and/or recovered. In this way, they give a second life to the space while doing their own thing with it. They also design their own furniture and work with the best local experts to produce it. They are even available to restore existing pieces and antiques. They make every project special thanks to some unique creations. In this property, the main goal was to make the many separate spaces more unified, thus reversing the initial loss of light and mobility. Originally, a dark hallway acted as the backbone of the house. They changed this by providing a large continuous living space that brings together several separate zones. Aiming to minimise corridors, they worked towards an open concept with a palpable airiness. 
A successful evolution from an unfortunate layout to a thoughtful and impactful alternative
In its essence, the property shows a successful evolution from an unfortunate layout to a thoughtful and impactful alternative. The most decisive materials include natural oak and travertine. Wood was crucial both for the floors and in the customisation. In the bathrooms, the team chose Caliza Alba limestone and microcement cladding. Whereas the ensuite of the master bedroom was given a darker shade, they selected a neutral sand colour for the other bathroom. In terms of layout, the house now consists of two discernible zones: the communal areas and the private rooms. Not unimportantly, the designers deliberately worked around geometric shapes and the elegance they can introduce. In several places, you can also see clever solutions that simultaneously respond to a need for storage space and the separation of zones. In the kitchen, for example, there is a built-in cupboard that also marks a boundary with the adjacent laundry room. Finally, we like to dwell on the recurring focus on art and decorative objects. Various wall works contribute to the interior concept; in fact, they often play on a colour accent that is also present elsewhere and thus deepen the palette on several levels. With daring for here and there unexpected shades, they expand the style beyond safe neutrality. 
De la Villa Studio gave way – literally and figuratively – to a new chapter for this property. By opening up the initial layout and listening to their instinct for light, residents now have significantly more opportunities in their daily lives. The classic-contemporary style blends seamlessly with the revised construction, good for a home full of enduring charm. 
Photography by Erlantz Biderbost
Text by Cara Jacobs