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Italian and Spanish cuisine sharing a table

 

Proyect by Heres Arquitectura 
Stylism Miriam Almanzar
Photography: Xente Pastor
Find more about this Place

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DETAILS OF OUR HOMES

We show you details of our houses, spaces in which creativity has continued during the lockdown.

We introduce to you our personal places, details of our homes in Barcelona, where you will discover a little more about our own style. After this long period of lockdown, we wanted to prepare something special for all of you. Thanks for being here!

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Heres Arquitectura

Obras de líneas y volúmenes limpios, acompañados de detalles con mucha personalidad.

Heres es un estudio de arquitectura nacido en el 2001 de la mano de Héctor Restrepo y Cristina Cuberes. Places & Faces vuelve a sentarse con el arquitecto, tras abrirnos las puertas de su casa | ver post |, para presentarnos su espacio de trabajo y los proyectos que están llevando a cabo.

Se trasladaron a su nueva sede en 2008, en Torre Urquinaona (1970) de Antonio Bonet,  situada en el corazón de Barcelona, en uno del los edificios referentes de la Ciudad Condal.

 

En el interior nos encontramos con un espacio abierto, que destaca por su limpieza espacial. Un concepto muy diferente al anterior, según Héctor.

Cuando entramos estaba compartimentado con mamparas y con un suelo diferente, lo que hicimos fue quitarlas y rescatar el suelo original

 

En éste estudio no encontramos tabiques, las zonas y áreas de trabajo se distribuyen según la disposición de los muebles y la selección de piezas. Hay cuatro zonas delimitadas, que son ampliables a ocho, según el personal que haya trabajando.

 

Existen tres elementos fundamentales que ayudan a ordenar el espacio: La biblioteca, el archivo de materiales y el de proyectos.

Entre el mobiliario de oficina destacamos piezas de diseño Mid-Century, cuidadosamente rehabilitadas como las sillas Cesca de Marcel Breuer o la silla Wasilly, ésta es una pieza especial para Héctor, pues está hecha en la lona original y  proviene de un anticuario.

 

También cabe destacar la escultura de Homer Simpson del trasgresor artista Eugenio Merino, que destaca por las figuras realistas y los polémicos personajes.

 

 

Al situar ésta escultura en la esquina del estudio, modificamos la atención de todos los que entran por la puerta, explica Hector.

La gente ya no se va directa a mirar por la ventana 

 

 

La sobriedad de las paredes puras y neutras contrastan con la calidez de los múltiples detalles que encontramos: Piezas en clave de humor, diseño anónimo y conocido, entre libros y material de trabajo.

 

Los detalles son claves para todos los proyectos de Heres Arquitectura, su toque personal es el color naranja.

 En casi todos nuestros proyectos hay un poco de naranja, creemos que transmite energía 

 

Con una trayectoria consolidada, Heres Arquitectura ha trabajado en la renovación de la imagen corporativa de los locales de una multinacional para toda España y posteriormente ha ido ampliando su servicio al desarrollo de proyectos de viviendas unifamiliares y rehabilitaciones de locales comerciales, desarrollando actualmente proyectos varios de oficinas, hoteles, vivienda unifamiliar, plurifamiliar y urbanizaciones, siempre con un objetivo único de hacer partícipe el detalle constructivo dentro de la gran escala de la  arquitectura, para lograr una mejor calidad en los resultados.

ENTRE SUS PROYECTOS MAS RECIENTES DESTACAMOS:

Hotel Soho House – Barcelona.
Viviendas unifamiliar – Sant Julià de Vilatorta.
Restaurante Casa Palet – Barcelona.
Reforma de Plaza San Sebastián – Khovd, Mongolia.
Edificios de viviendas – Barcelona.
Oficinas RSM – Barcelona


 

Héctor Restrepo – Cuestionario

 

Un lugar donde viajar:  Nueva Zelanda, por la mezcla de la naturaleza.

Tu color favorito: El Naranja.

Qué te inspira: Los retos.

Tu lugar favorito del estudio: Mi silla al lado de la ventana.

Un libro: El artesano.

Quien te gustaría ser: Mi padre.

Una pasión: La arquitectura.

Una comida: La asiática.

Lo que siempre te acompaña: Un recuerdo de mi madre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A NEW YORK DESIGNER IN BARCELONA

Carrie Van Hise: from New York to Barcelona.

We asked Carrie what inspired her when decorating her home

 

 

She tells us:

In my design work, mid-century modernism and all those elements such as wood, textures, the lines the curves, and pallets with red accents; which

reminds me of Charles and Rae Eames.  Mixes of dark and light wood, very Scandinavian elements are really the big influences for me.

 

Below Carrie shows us her match box collection….a collection of boxes from her favorite places in New York and Barcelona.

 

 

I like to mix modern and classics things… and lots of the classic things come from my family, like my grandmother’s painting, that I mix with more modern things such as Phillip Stark.  If I could afford it I would have more. I like to mix. I like the mix from both of my worlds… New York and Barcelona.

 

 

 

How did you end up coming to Barcelona from NYC? We asked her.

In NY it was all about work, and a bit of social life, of course.

I was a principal and designer at an agency, working high-level projects for my age, so I just made a break and decided that I needed to be here…

Soon I had a Spanish boyfriend. Then I met my now-husband Marcos and we are now raising our children.

I have been in Barcelona for 14 years… it’s a long time.

 

 

 

So, do you do think of going back to NY someday?

Well, my husband and I have discussed it…to have more balance.  I think that’s what I want to do… go back and forth, with the kids, and show them part of their identity. After all, they are half American and half Spanish!

 

 

I miss New York for sure, but I wouldn’t change my life and my family, as it is now, for anything.

More about Carrie’s work: www.vanhise.com/es

 

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THE LIVING ROOM

Work out as if you were in your own home.

Practicar deporte como en el salón de tu casa.

The Living Room is located in the heart of Barcelona, a 120 m2 multifunctional space where personal training takes place. Nothing is what it seems. Like its name suggests, you literally feel as if you are at home, in your own living room. For this, the interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán brings his trademark in every corner of this place.


En pleno corazón barcelonés se encuentra The Living Room, un espacio multifuncional de 120 m2, donde se realiza entrenamiento personal deportivo. Nada es lo que parece, como su nombre indica, literalmente uno se siente como en el salón de su propia casa. Para ello, el interiorista Lázaro Rosa-Violán aporta su sello de identidad en cada rincón de este centro. 

 

 

SPORT & DESIGN.

A large fireplace dominates the entire space. Among the details, these stand out: large lamps and indirect lighting points that create a cozy atmosphere, high ceilings and mirrors that provide width and depth, and the wooden floor, which provides warmth and comfort in the absorption of the sports activity.


DEPORTE & DISEÑO.

Una gran chimenea acoge la totalidad de la sala de actividades. Entre los detalles destacan: Grandes lámparas y puntos de luz indirecta, para crear un ambiente acogedor, techos altos y espejos, que aportan amplitud y profundidad y el suelo de madera, proporcionando calidez y confort en la amortiguación de la actividad deportiva. 

 

At the entrance, there’s a small waiting area where clients can relax after training, and take advantage of the accommodations. One of the most attractive points is the colorful stained glass window, designed as a modernist screen, which separates the training area and private areas (changing rooms and showers), allowing the passage of light to both areas. It is a comfortable place, far from the aesthetics of conventional gyms.


El centro cuenta con una pequeña sala en la entrada, donde el cliente puede esperar o quedarse después del entrenamiento para trabajar, etc. El broche decorativo del espacio lo ofrece la colorida vidriera, diseñada a modo de biombo modernista, que separa la zona de entrenamiento y la privada (zona de vestuarios y duchas), permitiendo el paso de luz a ambas zonas. Un lugar confortable, que se aleja de la estética de los gimnasios convencionales.

 

The Living Room is one hundred percent committed to providing exclusive and personalized attention, where healthy living and lifestyle meet. To find out more about this great space, we interviewed its manager, Alberto Calvo

The Living Room apuesta por una atención 100% personalizada y exclusiva, en el que se une estilo de vida saludable y lifestyle. Está dirigido por Alberto Calvo con el que hablamos a continuación, para descubrir más sobre este gran salón deportivo.

 

EXPRESS MEETING WITH ALBERTO CALVO.

Alberto has a degree in Science of Physical Activity and Sports (INEFC) and a master in Business Sports Management. He is a personal trainer, owner and manager of this space.  The Living Room staff is complemented by two additional professionals, including one licensed in Physiotherapy.


HABLAMOS CON ALBERTO CALVO.

Alberto, licenciado en ciencias de la actividad física y deporte (INEFC) y master en gestión de empresas deportivas, es entrenador personal, propietario y gestor del centro. The Living Room se complementa con dos licenciados más, entre ellos un diplomado en fisioterapia.

 

To what type of individual is The Living Room directed?

Our client is usually a person who has little time, wants to take advantage of each moment, needs to achieve goals, wants to start changing habits, seeks results, and wants to be fully guided and counseled by a professional. Our installation takes you away from crowded facilities and allows you to receive five-star service. The Living Room has three private dressing rooms for personal use. Our clients can store personal belongings, leave clothes and shoes permanently, use towels, choose music to their personal liking, and enjoy other amenities.

¿A quién va dirigido The Living Room?.

Nuestro cliente suele ser una persona que tiene poco tiempo y quiere aprovecharlo al 100%, quiere conseguir sus objetivos y empezar a cambiar hábitos. Busca resultados y ser totalmente guiado y asesorado por un profesional. Además, nuestras instalaciones permiten alejarse de espacios masificados de gente y recibir un servicio cinco estrellas. The Living Room cuenta con 3 vestuarios privados de uso personal. En ellos el cliente puede guardar sus objetos personales, dejar su ropa y zapatillas de manera permanente, uso de toallas, jabón, elegir la música a su gusto, tomar agua, frutas, etc.

What type of training can be done?

The type of training will be based on the client’s objectives. We perform personal training and all that it encompasses (from programming, planning of training, stress management and changing eating habits). Our methodology is very broad; our philosophy is improving the efficiency of movement in each person. Firstly, we like to prepare the body so that it can move, stretch, etc., and always in a supervised manner, so that we can safely avoid injuries.

¿Qué tipo de entrenamiento se puede realizar?.

El tipo de entrenamiento irá en función de los objetivos del cliente. Realizamos entrenamiento personal y todo lo que ello engloba (desde la programación, planning de los entrenamientos, control del estrés y cambio de hábitos de alimentación). Nuestra metodología es muy amplia, en nuestra filosofía está la mejora en la eficiencia del movimiento en esa persona. Primero nos gusta preparar a ese cuerpo para que pueda moverse, desplazarse, etc. Siempre de manera supervisada, para poder entrenarlo posteriormente con seguridad y así evitar lesiones.

 

What material is used?

Our training machines are very functional and always deliver good results.  They are neither electric nor analytical. The materials we have are very practical and consist of the latest technology such as: The TrueForm Runner Treadmill, Assault AirBike, Surge 360, and others. We seek to train with our clients through global movements according to their tastes and goals (weight loss, toning, backaches, marathon preparation, competitions, etc.).


 

We offer an authentic and functional space, where simplicity and design coexist. Here, the best professionals look after the health of your body and spoil your mind. The Living Room has all the ingredients for making any sports activity a reality.

 

¿Qué material empleáis?.

Nuestras maquinas de entrenamiento son muy funcionales y con las que se obtienen muy buenos resultados, no son ni eléctricas, ni analíticas. El material que tenemos es muy práctico y de ultima tendencia (como la true form runner, assault airbike, suge 360, etc.). Buscamos entrenar con el cliente a través de movimientos globales, en línea a sus objetivos y gustos (perdida de peso, tonificación, dolores de espalda, preparación para algún deporte, etc.).


 

Estamos ante un lugar auténtico, un espacio funcional donde conviven la sencillez y el diseño. En él los mejores profesionales cuidarán la salud de tu cuerpo y mimarán la de tu mente. The Living Room reúne todos los ingredientes para que cualquier actividad deportiva se haga realidad.

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ARTISTIC AND COZY

Sanna and Gabriel welcome us to their home in the centre of Barcelona.

It is a true luxury to find a space that maintain its original essence, such as this great 100-square meter flat, whose owners have been designing and carefully tailoring it into a home for them and their small daughter.

In the entrance, a wall is highlighted with mirrors carved by Gabriel himself. Crafted in different shapes and styles, they serve to expand and brighten the space.

A large «rug» of modernist tiles with geometric shapes and colours ties together the many impressive rooms in this home. The original  glazed doors, stained glass and some of the beautiful ceiling details have been maintained.

 

A diverse color palette runs throughout the home and materials such as wood, brass, glass, cardboard and plastic, among others, make up the decorative pieces of furniture and baby toys; which contrast with the whiteness of the walls.

 

The space also contains Gabriel’s studio (our interview link), and entering it, is like a journey into a creative paradise.  Frames, stretchers, mock-ups and other crafty projects hang from the walls. Various sized pieces of jewelry are displayed in plain sight, offering a window into an artist’s universe.

We would gladly live here…and you?


What at first was a hobby in his youth, it became a profession. In his teenage years, an important painting contest in Latin America changed his life. After winning the contest, his family supported his pre-mature talent that flourished into the artist he is today.

Everything started when I had to frame paintings for a sample and did not have any frames.

More…

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THE RESTLESS CRAFTSMAN

The contemporary artist Gabriel Pereyra lives in Barcelona and creates his artwork inspired by the Classical world using pure and original materials.

What at first was a hobby in his youth, it became a profession. In his teenage years, an important painting contest in Latin America changed his life. After winning the contest, his family supported his pre-mature talent that flourished into the artist he is today.

Everything started when I had to frame paintings for a sample and did not have any frames.

With the help of his family, he improvised a restoration workshop in his garage that later on because a store open to the public.

My father who knew how to work with wood, taught me the first steps

After years of experience and success and his curiosity to evolve made him move to Barcelona where he lives today. To start again wasn’t difficult for him, his nonconformity was the motor that drove him to investigate within his profession and work with new materials, textures and formants.

Not only passionate about literature, he took the life and work of Duchamp and Picasso as a source of inspiration that made him experiment.

I’ve always searched to learn something different and literature has inspired me to take risks

Through his wife he met his business partner, with him they opened Inventory, a gallery/shop in an old textile factory in the heart of Barcelona with an exquisite selection of decorative pieces, curiosities and a framing workshop where Gabriel creates thrilling artwork and mirrors.

Our artist works with pure materials to create his frames. His style is classical and reworks it to extraordinary forms. His most known work is his cardboard frames. Discover them here.

We’d love to own them all! How about you?

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LIVING WITH ART

We introduce to you a space that, in every corner, evokes inspiration and brings to mind an art gallery.

Very specific details occupy the architecture in the 140 square meters loft, details that coexist in perfect harmony. The classical and the contemporary, sculptures and furniture, along with design pieces, shine on neutral walls and gain broader visibility due to the high walls.

 

Large scale photographs and the graffiti put the finishing touches on this personal and versatile space.

Every piece has a history and a sentimental value. We have a lot of Colombian art.

In the middle of the loft we find a central cubical space that encloses the kitchen, the bathroom and the dressing room. These areas  are strategically placed and barely noticeable. In the making of this project, this central part was the key to revitalizing the surrounding spaces.

The spaces surround these elements and generate different points of view, perspectives and angles that slowly reveal the apartment…

 

The architect and owner of this apartment, Hector Restrepo, tells us how on the previous plans two originals pillars were not included  because they were considered disruptive.  He, however, thought the two pillars should stay.

The pillars give value and underline the original construction elements.

Today, these pillars create a perfect symmetry when you observe them from the empty space between the dressing room and the study facing the kitchen.

One must live the space; it’s not just a blueprint.

The remodeling of the apartment dates back to 2003 and, according to the owners, the evolution of the space since then has been positive.

 

They worked with original materials like steel, stone, wood…etc.  Raw materials.  Neither finishings nor layerings were used so that  they could naturally age with time.

Steel is steel, wood is wood, that’s that, there’s no pretending, no hiding…

 

The sandstone paving, which is a very decorative and long-lasting material, has pores that make it more sensitive to stains which was something the owners worried about. As the years passed however, they admit that the tiled floor makes a huge difference in the apartment.

These floors give the apartment a lot of character. Since they are made of natural and ethereal materials, they suffer but profit from the inevitable passing of time.

 

As for the colors used, the owners chose the classic cobble stoned pattern with white stones as a neutral element. Color comes across through the furniture, the art, and other pieces that inhabit the loft.

The large windows that surround the apartment, along with the high ceilings and paved walls, are among the key elements of this New York-styled space. The materials used during the construction are neutral and original. The building’s structure has been maintained, and adds a certain value that emphasizes the space. The wide-ranging collection of artwork, carefully curated by the owners themselves, comes from around the world and adds character and a unique personality to their home.

We want to live here! How about you?

 

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Elegant Art

The strikingly beautiful work of Teresa Estapé.

We entered Teresa’s workshop, and were immediately overwhelmed by beauty.

Surrounded by jewelry, installations, engraved items and various objects, her space, in the heart of Barcelona, is a meditation on details.

 

Her art is present in every piece, some made for Estapé, others personal items, all of which add charm to this delicate space.

Our attention was drawn to her small format pieces and their evolution from being displayed on a stand to hanging on walls.

Sometimes, I purposely look for the hard way, and so the battle with my work starts and I begin a long process that ends up with my final piece.

 

Before finishing a degree in Law, Teresa realized that Fine Arts was her true calling.  She began studying Fine Arts at the Facultad de Sant Jordi and later studied jewelry at Massana. Since then, she’s created a solid professional career in which she combines jewelry, installations and paper work, and turns them into artistic forms.

In this profession, I think it’s very important to know every aspect.

 

 

Within her creative process, there are different artistic actions in which there can be, or not be, a physical part.  They can be experimental pieces or compositions, or just left «as is» in their process stage.

 

When you’re engaged in the creative process, your brain functions differently, you view things differently. Everything inspires me: it can be anecdotes or texts I read, without filters, without deception.

 

We invite you to discover the history and meaning stored within the pieces of our guest artist…

 

Teresa, you are awesome!

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EDWARD ROBBINS II

In loving memory by Alejandro Veciana Almanzar.

I was about 4 when we moved into our loft in Barcelona. Coming from our one bedroom East Village apartment in New York it was a big transition for me. I believe it was that same week my mother and father said to me, «Look Alejandro»(all my life they’ve never shortened my name) «These are our new neighbors. Say hello to Nancy and Edward!»

 

I remember meeting Edward Robbins very clearly. He was tall and skinny, silver haired, always wore dark clothes, which emphasized his leanness, and had a voice that would make William S. Burroughs proud. Nancy and Edward were and always will be a couple of great presence and wonderful charisma. They were the only Americans we knew in Barcelona at the time, yet they would become our key to understand our new home. Nancy and Edward Robbins owned the loft next door to us. It was a spacious, beautiful loft where Edward’s collages hung on the walls, old American and Spanish memorabilia from the 1940s to the 1980s were displayed on the shelves, the furniture and the atmosphere blended together in a unique Spanish-American quality that only Hemingway could ever dream of. Edward was one of those artists whose work spilled over into his life. Like his artwork, his studio blended contrasting pieces of elements together to form a sole, comprehensive aesthetic and artistic entity. His workspace was as unique as his collages, packed with memories, scraps, paint and newspapers. He created a world where he and Nancy ruled.

 

Even though Edward began his life as an artist in New York in the 60s, his work although influenced by the 60s Pop Art scene, never felt pompous or glamorous. His work was neither gallery-oriented nor pandering to the self-important art world of that generation (and generations to come). It was Pop Art but without the bullshit. Instead, it was honest and personal. He bravely let his art speak for itself. But when Edward actually spoke, it was not in vain, it was not empty, mindless chit-chat— his stories would grip you effortlessly. I was fascinated with him. For me, he embodied the cultural mix of Catalan-American sensibility into one persona.

 

And even though Edward had lived in Spain since the 70s and though it definitely influenced him, there was always something inherently American about his work: a doughnut, a femme-fatale, a man in a hat…as if he carried with him pieces of old American truisms.

 

The other undoubtedly big influence on him and his work was Nancy. Nancy is an American designer based in Barcelona. Like Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock with a touch of Ray and Charles Eames, Nancy and Edward together formed a duo of contrasts and stylistic harmony. To this day, I believe the magnitude of Edward’s talent is partly due to Nancy Robbins.

 

 

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ALAN STEWART, THE LONDON CHEF

Sit back, taste and relax, today we are meeting with chef Alan Stewart at La Esquina.

One dinner changed Alan’s life. After enjoying his tasty dishes, the owners of La Esquina hired him to run the kitchen of their new place in Barcelona.

 

Our guest chef was born in London 33 years ago and did his university studies in Manchester. After broad experience working in the kitchens of prestigious hotels, gastro pubs and Michelin starred restaurants in the United Kingdom, he moved to Barcelona, a city that he confesses he has fallen in love with.

 

Among his favourite dishes are those prepared with seasonal products.

Spain has this characteristic, that everyday, you can find fresh products at the market

At home he tries to cook simple and varied dishes, preferring spicy flavors, especially those made with curry.

 

 

For Alan, cooking is key to spending time with others.

It helps us socialize and break the ice

For those wishing to purde a career in cooking he suggests that they must be prepared for long hard working hours.

You have to be prepared to face difficult situations

 

He tells us that despite having very little free time, his career is very rewarding.

I don’t paint, nor write, but I express myself with my dishes

I want my clients at La Esquina to feel at home, a place where they can relax and enjoy our menu and leave with a good taste in their mouths.

 

 

La Esquina is located in the heart of Barcelona, a functional and cozy place that combines warm and noble materials like copper or wood and 20th Century Scandinavian furniture. There, you can enjoy anything from breakfast to an original menu that changes daily. You can also enjoy an authentic brunch on the weekends.

 

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FANTASTIC GLORIA

At first glance, contemporary artist Gloria Cañado's new piece is able to firmly grasp your attention. Its use of brush strokes can suggest silhouettes, often filled with profound reflection.

Next, we observe some of her most representative pieces:

If we look at the canvases, we’ll notice the development that both the abstract and the figurative pieces have gone through, which always reference a historical moment in time.

 

The artist began her journey in the classical field yet she’s always been inspired by impressionism. Now she experiments with texture and plastic materials which she can create and transform with her own hands.

Among her most representative works is Claudel 1884 or Rodin Variations, sketches that remeber the tragic love story between the French sculptor Auguste Rodin and his pupil Camile Claudel.

 

In her most recent work titled Perfils, she takes references from virtuosos like Josep Maria Sert and the frescos of the Vic Cathedral, René Magritte and L’Hereux Donateur, Marcel Duchamp and Les étant donnés.

 

 

This time however, Gloria isolates the emotions and the paint as a system of classical representation, and the materials and the perspective as an unconscious space where they dissolve. The Catalan artist places herself in an ideal monochromatic world where she constructs most of her work.

This is a process that drives me to deconstruct my work, it’s the key to understand where abstraction and form come together

There’s no doubt that the hands of this versatile artist evoke emotion that is projected into all of her pieces, intoxicated with mystery and endowed with her personal chiaroscuro.

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HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

We share our inspirations for this Christmas holidays.

Accessories and colors.

Design your centerpieces and decorations with  branches and seasonal plants, together with fruits and pinecones you can find in the mountains that provide subtle hints of color. Our recommendations are red, earth colors, green pine, also cobalt blue, ocean blue or turquoise.

 

 

We give way to other shades also present this holiday season and we let go of the shiny gold or silver tones. Alternatively you can choose a more aged color of gold or silver to give additional character to the table.
Essentials!

You can add some decorative pieces, not necessarily from this time of the year, for example designs of small sculptures, vases or glass and ceramic balls, etc. Another key factor to be taken into account is the finishing and order of cutlery, glasses, cups and tableware in general. The latter we advise you to be plain plates, white, off-white, or in very bright colors. Finally, the textiles for the table. These can either be more neutral or otherwise provide the dominant color, red, blue and, if you are up to it, yellow, which is so fashionable this season.

 

As a finishing touch, do not forget to light the candles, we recommend them to be unscented, to better enjoy the aroma of the delicious dishes that are baked during these dates.

MERRY X’MAS!

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PROMISED LAND OF COUNTS

Every córner of the Vila Maria Gabriela makes you feel as if you'e traveling through cultures. The diversity of the pieces and warm colors are the Vila's dominant components. Let's embark on a journey filled with many routes and hidden treasures. Shall we begin?

A colorful staircase, wallpapered with an exotic pattern welcomes us as we cross the frontier of the Vila’s doors. As we enter this exuberant paradise, an open hall orientates us, showing us every room in the house. Among these rooms are the dormitories, the rooftop access, the kitchen and living room.

The mosaic modernista floor guides us, pronouncing each space. On this floor, we find pieces from all over the world: furniture, textiles, art, design and personal objects. A synergy of styles and subtle details that casually combine in this urban Villa.

The owners of this multifarious dwelling have been creatively building their home over time with parts of their past and pieces of their personalities. With a baby on the way, they found the perfect excuse to acquire the Barcelonian property dated 1921.

The home begins with a pregnancy, a result of infatuation, love at first sight…

 

The natural light is another one of the home’s essential elements. We can enjoy the light in each bedroom, looking closely at the staircase, which they’ve preserved its original design, it takes us to the top of the house. Up here, a secret romantic garden awaits where several botanic varieties live, they form part of a new space that we will show you soon in our upcoming post (keep reading).

 

The sunset shines through the largest windows of the house into the main living room, the heart of the Villa Maria Gabriela, a place where the main idea is to relax and enjoy the space. A metal and wooden shelf surrounds it, in which we can find a large selection of books, objects, curiosities from all over the world. Another of the essential elements of the house are the big chairs filled with textures and neutral colors followed by a single chimney that elegantly completes the space. 

I love my living room after 23:00h.

 

We arrive at the end of the journey and we are in the master bedroom, where dark colors dominate the space, bringing warmth, sensuality and peace. 

The bed is my favorite place, painted in dark colors, for me is the most intimate place.

The space is completed with anonymous pieces and artwork by Edward Robbins, other pieces from Africa and Indonesia.

At the end, we find the treasure: the bathroom. We continue within pleasant darkness of its walls and the little light that slips through a window. The reflexions allow us to see the details of a brass lamp, textiles and finishings that remind us of an Indonesian cabin. If we let our imagination run wild, bathing here is like bathing in a heavenly island…

We’ll embark on this journey again…. We loved the tour! Did you?

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Breakfast in Empordà

Drawn to its beautiful landscape, we’ve decided to go to a small town in Lower Emporia for some breakfast,

We are placed in front of the sea, in an old fisherman’s house that constitutes of two zones: the living room and the kitchen in the first floor and the resting space and balcony on the top floor. The blue tonalities dominate not just the exterior of the house but the interior as well. Old clay pieces, vintage kitchen utensils are found as well as oriental details in the artwork and in the textiles.

 

The doors are kept intact from its original construction. The walls and some materials like forged iron and pine wood serve as comforting elements to this small marine refuge.

In both dormitories we can find large beds with their canopies and their own bathrooms. The big surprise however, is the stunning balcony that both chambers share.

 

 

It’s hard to think of leaving this place, today we eat our breakfast in front of the Mediterranean sea…