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Contemporary and mid-century pieces meld in this historic apartment remodelled by Jaime Beriestain with typical Spanish touches

- Karine Monie

THE INTERIOR DESIGNER

In 2000, after 10 years working in his homeland, Chile, Jaime Beriestain moved to Barcelona, where he now lives and works.

THE PROPERTY

An early-20th-century single-storey apartment in central Barcelona. It comprises a hallway, living/dining room, kitchen, studio, main bedroom, bathroom and wardrobe, guest bedroom and a second bathroom.

With its restaurants, art galleries and the Picasso Museum, among other features, the vibrant atmosphere of El Born – one of the most historic neighbourhoods in Barcelona – convinced a couple from

New York City to purchase their own pied-à-terre that they could frequent to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle.

Spread over 125sq m, the apartment occupies the first floor of a building from 1910, so the renovation had to be gentle and subtle, to preserve the soul of the place. Designer Jaime Beriestain led the makeover of the interior with the objective of honouring the owners’ passions for the city, contemporary art and mid-century furniture. ‘My American clients dreamt of this flat in Barcelona,’ says Jaime. ‘I took my inspiration from Spain and its Mediterranean culture and traditions, which I tried to reflect through the art, colours and textures.’