Barcelona Apartment

A blend of African influences combined with contemporary design makes this Barcelona apartment a tactile and inviting space. Created by ARRCC interior designers, the apartment is housed along Passeig de Gracia in a new luxury development in the heart of Barcelona and enjoys views of Gaudi Casa Milà opposite.

As well as the Afro-contemporary feel, the inspiration draws from the culturally-vibrant Barcelona life and high-end fashion. The eclectic palette of rich, quality materials adds integrity and authenticity to the space. Raw wood is mixed with metals, suedes and high-gloss surfaces to create a sensory experience. The apartment - which occupies an entire floor of the development - functions as both an urban retreat and family home, and boasts a large exterior terrace.

The floor plan functions both for entertainment as well as family life, utilising the space practically and efficiently. The interior architecture and design responds to the desire for open, connected living whilst still maintaining privacy of interior and exterior spaces from the neighbouring buildings. Each room in this Barcelona apartment has its own character where majority of rooms boast rich textures and polished raw materials. With stained oak woods, bespoke vertical brass screens, modern cladding and lacquered panelling, this is a homogeneous apartment.

It is a space which poses a minimalistic and modern ambience with masculine and feminine finishes throughout. Furnishing is an eclectic mix of carefully curated pieces combined with personal artworks from the owners’ collection. “We wanted to create an intimate, warm and moody interior that we found was common in a lot of high-end boutique stores,” says ARRCC partner and project leader Mark Rielly.

“Masculine colours and darker woods provide clues to the African rhythms. To build on this, we took a relaxed approach to curved shapes, adding draped leather sofas and details such as the vintage endocrine coffee table. “Internally, a highlight is the custom-designed suspended brass screening with triangular perforated cut-outs inspired by African beading. The screen is visible as an entrance feature separating the entrance lobby from living areas,” adds Rielly.

The feature timber ceiling which runs down the rear of the dining table allowed ARRCC to highlight one of the client’s important artworks which anchored the space and created a focal point in the length of the open-plan living room. In the main bedroom, faceted marble ledges live alongside feminine geometric wall lights. The space has decor trimmings of distressed leathers and plush suedes and soft cream window drapes. This creates a cohesive fluidity and luxurious warmth throughout the room.

In the kitchen, the streamlined elements of textured wood and charcoal stone are in keeping with the apartment style. In the circulation spaces that surround, dark wood wraps onto the walls contrasted with Venetian plastering on the opposite walls. Further bespoke features include the contemporary take on an African fire element on a faceted ledge in the TV lounge, the playful carbon fibre organic dining table, OKHA vases by renowned glass blower David Reade, and the jewel-like chain lights which add a feminine touch. A sensuous organic timber sculpture curves like a snake to soften the crisp edges of the space.

The landscaped roof terrace creates refuge from the heat in Barcelona, and is ideal for entertaining. Custom-designed umbrella canopies - inspired by the tree-lined avenue of Passeig de Gracia – create visual privacy and provide screening from the neighbours. A double-volume vertical gardened wall adds to landscaping, while the smoky mirrors under the bar reflect the greenery and give a further sense of space.“From an interior designer’s perspective, what may be trouble-free to the eye came with great complexity,” says ARRCC director Jon Case.

“We had to adhere to elements of the original plan including a historical hexagon-shaped central courtyard. Our solution to this tricky shape was to open the design up and reflect elements of this shape throughout the apartment.” With details crafted to captivate and move, it’s easy to understand why the West African apartment owner returns to this Cape-Town based design team for each new project. A global entrepreneur with a keen eye when it comes to architecture and design, he knows precisely what home fits to his lifestyle.

The space evidently shows that every ARRCC layout and design is consistently well thought out, with technical intelligence in the interior design combined with a good ‘eye’ in artwork and bespoke décor selection that suitably flatters each space. From planning to implementation the ARRCC studio creates life-enhancing spaces that reflect both client and location. Through a refined approach to design, ARRCC has developed a global style focused on detail and substance.

ARRCC believes in the spirited crafting of unique interiors that captivate and move. Working closely with our clients, we distil and transform their briefs to exceed original expectations. We believe in life-enhancing spaces that reflect both client and location, and through our refined approach to design, have developed a style focused on detail and substance.

ARRCC