A Blank Barcelona Rental Got the Warm, Collected Look of a Home Built Over Time
Rossella Agostini and her partner have been renting this 500-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment in Barcelona, Spain, for three years.
Rossella says that before they moved in, the space had been beautifully and functionally renovated, and had a “sleek, modern feel,” but that it was also a blank canvas “missing the layers, objects, and personal touches that make a home feel unique.”
“I share this home with my partner, and over the past three years it has become a reflection of our life together in Barcelona,” Rossella writes. “We’ve slowly shaped the apartment into a space that feels comfortable, creative, and personal, filled with pieces that tell stories and create a sense of belonging.”
Rossella made this rental her own by “focusing on the elements that can completely transform a space without permanent changes. Instead of renovating, I added personality through furniture, lighting, artwork, textiles, plants, and carefully chosen objects. I used a mix of vintage finds, contemporary pieces, and accessible furniture to create a layered interior that feels collected over time.”
She says artwork was a tool that she used to make it feel personal, “turning blank walls into moments of character, while rugs, cushions, and decorative objects add warmth and texture. I also focused on creating functional zones that fit our everyday needs, making the most of the 50-square-meter layout. For me, the key to making a rental feel like home is investing in pieces you truly love and choosing items that can move with you, allowing the space to evolve naturally over time.”
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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