This Barcelona Loft Is Part Gallery, Part Workspace, Part Playroom

published Sep 13, 2022

This Barcelona Loft Is Part Gallery, Part Workspace, Part Playroom

published Sep 13, 2022
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Home Type
Bedrooms
Square feet

1290

Sq ft

1290

Name: Isern Serra and Valeria Vasi, plus twins, Lea and Gaia
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Size: 1,290 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years, owned

Finding an open space with lots of light was mandatory for designer Isern Serra and artist Valeria Vasi when searching for a new apartment. The idea of having an open floor plan in the shape of an “L” with large windows was perfect for them, because of its many possibilities. And they were also looking for the option of creating a space that is half house and half studio.

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Credit: Lula Poggi

They decided to look for an older, industrial-style office space to convert into an apartment that could give them all that they wanted. “When we bought this space, it was an old office in an industrial flat,” Isern says. “It only had three brick walls that created different rooms and a small bathroom that we knocked down ourselves one weekend.”

Credit: Lula Poggi

Once the space was clear, they began to think about how they intended to use the spaces. The concept was to create a Mediterranean-inspired home, as if it were a large covered terrace with big plants and a built-in sofa with custom-made cushions. Valeria needed a place to display her pieces and a workspace, which is why they decided that the area of transition between the social and private areas would be hers. They love to have breakfast in the sun, so the idea of where to put the big, open kitchen was determined by the corner that gets the most morning light. And finally, with the arrival of their two little girls, the apartment transformed from a minimal well-designed loft to a warm space full of light, where the two girls can move and play freely.

Credit: Lula Poggi

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: New Mediterranean

Inspiration: Mediterranean life

Credit: Lula Poggi

Favorite Element: For me, Isern, my favorite element is the big built-in sofa, with the integrated big planters where we can sit with friends. Valeria’s favorite place is her studio. “I love to work there with the amazing light coming through the windows,” she says.

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge was to separate the living room from the studio without walls. That’s how we came with the idea of the different heights of the floor.

Proudest DIY: The entire project of our house. We are very proud of it all!

Credit: Lula Poggi

Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? The main idea was to have a living space as if it were a side terrace. We can open the windows completely and it feels like we live on a “porch” in the middle of a busy city like Barcelona.

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small space maximizing and/or organizing tips you have: Instead of having doors on the wardrobes we use curtains to lower the budget. And in the case of the babies’ room, it looks like the windows continue all the way around.

Credit: Lula Poggi

Does your home reflect your home country/city in any way? We think it has the Mediterranean vibe we are defined by.

What are your favorite places to shop for home décor that can only be found in your country? The flea markets in the Empordá.

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Don’t use too much artificial light and try to feel “warm” in your house.

Resources

Credit: Lula Poggi

OPEN LIVING ROOM/KITCHEN AREA

  • Carpet — Nani Marquina
  • Coffe Table — Vintage
  • Custome Made Sofa
  • Blue Painting — @marina_____kiseleva
  • White Lounge Chair — Hem x Toogood
  • Kids Toys — Little Dutch

Credit: Lula Poggi

DINING ROOM

  • Dining Table — Santa & Cole
  • Chairs — Ton
  • Lamp— Santa & Cole
  • Black Stools —Mobles114
  • Baby Chairs — Stokke
  • Ceiling Lamps — Santa & Cole
  • Pottery — Valeria Vasi
Credit: Lula Poggi

WORKSPACE

  • Table — Vintage
  • “Salvador” Wicker Chair by Miguel Milá — @aoobarcelona
  • Pottery — Valeria Vasi
Credit: Lula Poggi

BEDROOM

  • Bed — IKEA
  • Chair — Marc Morro
  • Blanket — HEM
  • Black lamp — Vintage
Credit: Lula Poggi

KIDS’ ROOM

  • Pink Side Table — HEM
  • “Cesta” lamp — Santa & Cole

Thanks Isern, Valeria, Lea, and Gaia!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity. Share Your Style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form