My Houzz: A Creative Family Brings Flair to a Spanish Apartment
With big spaces and designer pieces but a neutral palette, the owners' pieces and personalities add colour to this flat
Bea González
4 February 2020
This nearly 200-square-metre flat in northern Madrid, Spain, has been home to Isabel Zayas and her family for 18 years. In 2001, Zayas enlisted her architect father to help her update the house and tailor it to her needs. The result is a calm space – at least as far as its design is concerned – that comes alive through the personalities and belongings of its inhabitants and the outside views, which are pulled inside through the home’s huge windows.
Images by Carla Capdevila
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Isabel Zayas, the director of the Spanish Federation of the Friends of Museums; her husband; their two daughters aged 23 and 15; and their 19-year-old son
Location: Madrid, Spain
Size: 200 square metres
“During the renovation, we changed the windows, incorporated a terrace and reorganised the area of the master bedroom,” says Zayas, pictured here. “My father, who is an architect, advised us… Also, I needed a decorator who could help me with the details,” she says.
In this image, we see her in front of one of the two shelves in the living room, with her beloved collection of books and illustrations, which were made by a painter friend.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Isabel Zayas, the director of the Spanish Federation of the Friends of Museums; her husband; their two daughters aged 23 and 15; and their 19-year-old son
Location: Madrid, Spain
Size: 200 square metres
“During the renovation, we changed the windows, incorporated a terrace and reorganised the area of the master bedroom,” says Zayas, pictured here. “My father, who is an architect, advised us… Also, I needed a decorator who could help me with the details,” she says.
In this image, we see her in front of one of the two shelves in the living room, with her beloved collection of books and illustrations, which were made by a painter friend.
The apartment’s decor is restrained. “I would add that it is a somewhat masculine style… and calm,” she says. Calm? Not the most accurate adjective to describe the atmosphere of this home on Saturday mornings. “It’s a bit of a chaotic day, especially because of the teenagers’ schedules. Sleep, study, read, tidy up,” says Zayas.
Not sure how to bring flair to your own home? Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz to infuse your home with personality
Not sure how to bring flair to your own home? Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz to infuse your home with personality
The living room – Zayas’ favourite corner of the house – is pictured here. “From the sofa there is a very green view of the terrace and the garden,” she says.
The coffee table is mirrored. “The mirrors further integrate the garden with the home, enhance the light in the space and balance out the flatness of the table,” says Zayas.
“We fell in love with the sofa, which was designed by Patricia Urquiola, because it breaks with the pure lines of our decor. It’s somewhat brazen but contained at the same time. Besides, it is very comfortable,” says Zayas. “I think a good design can be thought of as a piece of art. It generates emotion. When in doubt, I prioritise design over comfort.”
The coffee table is mirrored. “The mirrors further integrate the garden with the home, enhance the light in the space and balance out the flatness of the table,” says Zayas.
“We fell in love with the sofa, which was designed by Patricia Urquiola, because it breaks with the pure lines of our decor. It’s somewhat brazen but contained at the same time. Besides, it is very comfortable,” says Zayas. “I think a good design can be thought of as a piece of art. It generates emotion. When in doubt, I prioritise design over comfort.”
“During the renovation, we changed the windows. The old ones were also wide but featured uglier frames and bars,” says Zayas. Beautiful green areas surround the building and offer sweeping vistas.
The dining room blends perfectly into the living area. “I like that it’s versatile. The table is clearly for eating, but you can also work or read there,” says Zayas.
The prominent shelves hold books and mementos. “I’ve loved reading since forever, but I have expanded my repertoire thanks to María Trincado, owner of the Ontanilla bookstore in Madrid. Through her, I have discovered many Central European and Russian authors.”
The prominent shelves hold books and mementos. “I’ve loved reading since forever, but I have expanded my repertoire thanks to María Trincado, owner of the Ontanilla bookstore in Madrid. Through her, I have discovered many Central European and Russian authors.”
“I love houses with lots of natural light that integrate the outdoor spaces with the interior. Ours has these two elements, but the house of my dreams would have a more modern layout, more open and clean spaces,” says Zayas, who loves classic 20th century and contemporary design.
During our tour, we see some iconic lamps. “I like the Arco lamp by Castiglioni, and the Tolomeo ones. You realise you picked the right lamp when you still like it years later,” she says.
During our tour, we see some iconic lamps. “I like the Arco lamp by Castiglioni, and the Tolomeo ones. You realise you picked the right lamp when you still like it years later,” she says.
There are two entrances to this home. Just outside the apartment by the main entrance hangs the sign pictured here.
“A few years ago we painted and changed the spotlights in this space, and it was at that moment that we, along with our neighbours, decided to give the entrance a fun touch,” says Zayas.
“A few years ago we painted and changed the spotlights in this space, and it was at that moment that we, along with our neighbours, decided to give the entrance a fun touch,” says Zayas.
Initially, the kitchen was accessed from the apartment’s entrance hall. “My father suggested modifying it to add a breakfast area. It was also his idea to use blinds to separate the laundry space from the kitchen and to close off the laundry cupboard.”
On the wall in the breakfast corner hangs a photo of a fishmonger in a market in Calama, a mining city in northern Chile. “It was a gift from my brother Manuel, who loves photography,” says Zayas.
The entrance to the kitchen is now in the same hall that leads to the bedrooms.
The master bedroom also looks out over the garden. The beds were a gift from Zayas’ parents. “I would not part with our beds for anything in the world because of where they’re from: Mallorca. My great childhood memories come from there, and it’s a place of family reunion for me,” she says.
The second bedroom is fitted out with a single bed. “It is the room of our nineteen-year-old son, Jaime, a traveller,” who Zayas describes as especially imaginative. “After a summer in Canada, he brought home car license plates,” she says, which can be seen here.
“I don’t make much of a distinction between decor for young people and adults – I prefer furniture that suits any age. The owners and their personal belongings give the personal touch,” says Zayas.
“I don’t make much of a distinction between decor for young people and adults – I prefer furniture that suits any age. The owners and their personal belongings give the personal touch,” says Zayas.
The living room and bedroom floors are fitted Australian wool carpet. “I know that fitted carpets aren’t popular in Spain, but it is comfortable in the winter months and I like the idea of continuous flooring. We made this decision since we were not entirely sure about the original wooden floor, so we looked for a cheaper solution,” she says.
The bedroom that’s shared by the couple’s two daughters, with corner windows and a certain Nordic air, is one of the jewels of the home. “Initially, there was a bathroom, but it was not well-planned, so we decided to get rid of it. My father proposed several solutions for breaking it into two rooms, but we finally opted for a single space which, despite the column – which I don’t like at all – is particularly pleasant and attractive thanks to the windows and its spaciousness,” says Zayas.
The bedroom that’s shared by the couple’s two daughters, with corner windows and a certain Nordic air, is one of the jewels of the home. “Initially, there was a bathroom, but it was not well-planned, so we decided to get rid of it. My father proposed several solutions for breaking it into two rooms, but we finally opted for a single space which, despite the column – which I don’t like at all – is particularly pleasant and attractive thanks to the windows and its spaciousness,” says Zayas.
The bookshelves play an important role, since they add colour without adding clutter. “The trick to maintaining order is to have few things … and to be a pain to your children,” she says.
“As for the colour, I prefer to use more neutral schemes in the basic pieces like furniture or carpets and to add colour through objects, which are easier to replace if you get tired of them,” says Zayas.
“As for the colour, I prefer to use more neutral schemes in the basic pieces like furniture or carpets and to add colour through objects, which are easier to replace if you get tired of them,” says Zayas.
Throughout the house, blinds and curtains filter light and highlight the silhouettes of the trees outside. “The filtered light and the greenery outside together create a relaxing atmosphere,” says Zayas.
The home’s two bathrooms have also been completely redone.
Both are practical, functional and have a bathtub. “I love the fact that they look outside. The perfect bathroom would have a shower, a bath and a wooden floor,” says Zayas.
Your turn
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Missed our last My Houzz? Take a tour of this Australian home in this My Houzz: A Chic Tropical Oasis in the Heart of the ’Burbs
Your turn
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Missed our last My Houzz? Take a tour of this Australian home in this My Houzz: A Chic Tropical Oasis in the Heart of the ’Burbs
Related Stories
Houzz Tours
France Houzz: A New Island Home With an Old Soul
Check out this young family's welcoming and characterful French island home on Île d’Yeu, which embraces local style
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Germany Houzz: A Small Cabin Transformed Into a Forest Retreat
In this secluded area in the Taunus mountains of Germany, a family enjoys their weekends in 29 square metres of space
Full Story
Houzz TV
London Houzz: Tour a Contemporary Loft in an Old Victorian School
Watch and read how a design firm updated this light and airy apartment in an old block with sleek style and warm touches
Full Story
Garden Design
Spain Garden Tour: A Mediterranean Makeover With Colour & Texture
Once neglected, this naturalistic garden is now a series of outdoor rooms with idyllic spots to swim, dine and relax
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Berlin Houzz: A Touch of Japanese Forest Bathing in a German Home
Beloved memories of Japan come to life with the renovation of this 120-square-metre apartment in Berlin, Germany
Full Story
Houzz Tours
London Houzz: Daring Colour & Texture Transform a Victorian Home
By Kate Burt
The busy owners of this terrace sought help to design outside their decor comfort zone – the result is a cool classic
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Germany Houzz: Creating Summer & Winter Homes in a Converted Barn
One barn, two homes – see how architects designed separate zones for summer and winter living in an old country barn
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Before & After: Finding the Perfect Pink in a Barcelona Kitchen
Barely-there pink acts as a warm neutral in a new open-plan Spanish kitchen, replacing dark cabinets and drab finishes
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Before & After: Colour Blocking & Pattern Nod to Nature in Rome
Move and upsize or stay and renovate? This young family chose the latter in their small Italian apartment – here's why
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Barcelona Houzz: Style, Sustainability and Pattern in a Tiny Flat
Part-renovation, part-restoration, the owners of this Spanish apartment balanced historical style with forward thinking
Full Story
Entrance of house with or without curb