Step Inside This Historic Home in Barcelona

This historic house in Barcelona is pure charm. Since 1915, the same family has owned the estate which has been passed down from one generation to the next. Over the years, the interiors have changed and today’s renovation sees a grand and charming interior to match a beautiful estate.

Owners called on designer David Lawrence and architect Carlos Garciavelez to revitalize the home. The aim was to reenvision the space and create a lighter and brighter residence. A once dark and moody historic home has thus stepped into the 21st century.

The current inhabitants happen to be two avid art collectors. Their thoughtful art collection subsequently highlights Spanish and Catalan artists. These colourful works have helped to inform the direction of Lawrence and Garciavelez’s vision.

Serenity and calm

“Our intention was to create serene and neutral spaces that provide layers of comfort while not distracting from the art—or the intricate stone and lacquer detailing of the interior architecture,” Lawrence says.

“We strove to achieve this by using silk and cashmere fabrics, mixed with antiques spanning from the 18th century through the mid-20th century.” Ultimately, these elements are, the designer notes, “peacefully ensconced among prominent works by Joan Miró, Antoni Tàpies, Josep Guinovart, and Xavier Valls.”

In the dining room, the custom-made square split bamboo dining table was designed by Carlos David in collaboration with Wyeth. The duo also designed the dining armchairs (made by Anthony Lawrence). These are subsequently inspired by Jean-Michel Frank and upholstered in Dedar velvet. The large-scale painting of flowers is by Donald Sultan.

The owner’s library has also become an ideal spot for solitude. Here, a Pearwood desk, file cabinet, and armchair are all from the Tresserra Collection.

A new pavilion and office

A highlight of this revitalization was the addition of an office outside the house. A stunning glass pavilion was subsequently created to perfectly match the beautiful garden. The space was a special request from the owner. The aim was to create a silent place to read books and enjoy nature. The inspiration came from the Barcelona Pavillion, designed by Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich.

The eye-catching pavilion was designed to incorporate the landscape using reflective glass with a green hue to reflect the garden. This stunning space also features a cypress tree. Besides being a beautiful addition to the area, the three also have a functional purpose – working as an organic cooler system.

The new chapter of this historical house in Barcelona shows that it is possible to create the perfect refuge in the middle of the city. With modern touches and a new interior ambience, this historic home takes on a new look with old-world charm.