TWO OF A KIND

A SOMBRE FOYER PROVIDES A STRIKING CONTRAST TO THIS LIGHT AND BRIGHT FAMILY HOME IN BARCELONA

- MICHELE KOH MOROLLO

Colour can influence the way we feel and shape the way we use a space—an astute understanding of this helps to set the right mood in each room. The effect of colour on our psychology is well-studied and used to canny effect by Barcelona interior design firm The Room Studio for every project; this apartment is no exception.

Located on Diagonal Street in Barcelona’s Sarrià neighbourhood, the property, which was built in the 1970s, had historic Catalan features such as marble fireplaces, large sliding doors and high ceilings; features that the client wanted to retain. However, because the outdated layout was inefficient for modern living, they changed the floor plan, opening it up to better suit the lifestyle of its present owners. The studio was thus tasked to transform a 3,229sqft apartment into a snug and sophisticated home for a family of six.

FAMILY MATTERS

The owners wanted a home that is spacious and bright, with well-connected living spaces that flow seamlessly from one functional zone to the next. To meet their requests, The Room Studio’s founders Meritxell Ribé and Josep Puigdomènech, created three different sections within the apartment. On one side is the communal zone where the living room, music and reading room, and an indoor and outdoor dining area are located.

On the opposite side of this communal zone are the three bedrooms: the master bedroom for the parents, a shared bedroom for their two sons, and another twin room for their two daughters. The service areas—which include an entrance foyer, the kitchen, a powder room, and three bathrooms attached to the bedrooms—are located in the middle section, separating the social spaces from the private sleeping areas.