Powerhouse artistic couple Natalia Swarz and Armando Mesías every have their very own careers—she’s the founding father of journey web site Hôtel Weekend and a children idea retailer, whereas he’s a visible artist—however additionally they collaborate on inside tasks by way of their rental enterprise Hilma Houses. They reimagine previous Madrid flats for “gradual, impressed dwelling” by using heat impartial hues, textured supplies, and restrained furnishings. Their studio unit, which was dated and separated into a number of rooms earlier than they stepped in, “attracts from the serene minimalism of Japan and the quiet class of Scandinavia—particularly Denmark,” Natalia says. So refined, slab-front Floor cupboards from Copenhagen-based kitchen model Reform have been an ideal match.
The smoked oak cabinets, together with dark-stained cement flooring, supply a up to date bent that’s balanced by rustic honey-toned wooden beams and creamy lime wash partitions. In addition they make the 484-square-foot area really feel greater than it’s. “The cupboards learn extra like high-end furnishings, and as an extended bar alongside the wall, they mix seamlessly into the room, preserving it open and neat,” says Natalia. “Our method is at all times select much less, however select effectively—after which add private touches that carry soul with out muddle.” Let’s have a look—and hold scrolling to see the residence earlier than.
Above: Natalia and Armando knocked down almost all the inner partitions to create an ethereal studio that accommodates two folks. “We purchased it to renovate with the thought of renting to associates and friends-of-friends visiting Madrid for seasonal stays,” Natalia says. “Often, we use it for home swaps. It’s additionally very best for distant staff and creatives searching for a peaceable, inspiring base.” Above: The linear kitchen, with its deep brown veneered oak cupboard fronts and veiny inexperienced Vert d’Estours marble countertop, is the centerpiece of the residence. “We wished one thing minimal, sculptural, and unobtrusive, because it needed to mix harmoniously with the dwelling and sleeping areas,” Natalia explains. “We selected a ‘no-kitchen kitchen’ look—and Reform was excellent for it.” Above: The easy-yet-sophisticated cabinets are a collaboration with Norm Architects. Above: Performance was additionally a chief concern. “Since it might be utilized by friends, all the pieces needed to be intuitive and straightforward to keep up,” says Natalia. “The largest problem was balancing utility with visible restraint—all the pieces needed to work completely with out trying busy. Skipping higher cupboards allowed the area to breathe. We prioritized hid storage, sturdy supplies, and a robust sense of fabric tactility to make it really feel refined but grounded.” Above: One among Armando’s massive artworks hangs above an ivory corduroy Vetsak couch, which is “a favourite as a result of it’s modular, endlessly adaptable, and the detachable covers make it extremely sensible for an area that may host many various friends,” says Natalia.
