Interior Design
Spanish Houzz Tour: Slow Design Defines a Holiday Home
A commitment to slow living and a close relationship between architects and clients were the keys to this cosy interior
This house, in the Empordà region of Catalonia in north-east Spain, is this family’s second home, a place to recharge their batteries and disconnect from the world. This new build adheres to the principles of slow design. “This movement is based in a great awareness of the surrounding environment, everyday things, details and the way we live … including the way you get to know your own clients,” says Susanna Cots, the Barcelona-based interior designer in charge of this project.
The home is made up of several blocks, divided by function. One section houses the living/dining area, another the kitchen, a third the master bedroom and the final section contains the four remaining bedrooms.
These blocks are connected to one another and the surrounding natural environment through a series of glass corridors. As a result, walking through the house feels almost like walking through a forest.
Slow-paced living, neutral colours and respect for nature characterise the overall design concept. This was a home built step-by-step over time.
“We have been very dedicated to this project for a year and a half – we had the advantage of getting to know each other better over time,” says Cots. “The details, the empathy – everything comes from close contact.”
A louvered partition (pictured below) divides the home’s central area into two halves while letting light through. On one side is the main entrance to the house, which is dominated by a sculpture, ‘Venus’ by Rosa Serra, from the L’Arcada Art Gallery in Blanes, Spain.
The living room was designed for conversation without the distraction of a TV. Every corner exudes a sense of calm. “We feel comfortable in the living room – this is part of our work philosophy – the neutral tones and natural materials contribute to a serene atmosphere,” says Cots. “They are also visually comforting, which stimulates creativity and positive emotions.”
The home’s individual blocks are separated by small courtyards that pull nature deeper inside the home. The oak floor plays into the natural aesthetic.
The home’s individual blocks are separated by small courtyards that pull nature deeper inside the home. The oak floor plays into the natural aesthetic.
“From my point of view the main elements of a space have to be arranged properly to create good flow,” says Cots. “The point is to simplify, reduce and apply the difficult maxim ‘less is more’ in decorating interiors.”
Textiles in the house come from Teixidors, a Spanish-based social organisation that aims to help people with learning difficulties achieve economic independence
Textiles in the house come from Teixidors, a Spanish-based social organisation that aims to help people with learning difficulties achieve economic independence
In the slightly elevated dining room, timber is paired with black for a sophisticated touch.
‘Prozac’ painting by Pepe Puntas: L’Arcada Art Gallery; Tolomeo floor lamp: Artemide
‘Prozac’ painting by Pepe Puntas: L’Arcada Art Gallery; Tolomeo floor lamp: Artemide
The kitchen takes up one of the home’s blocks. Here, straight lines interact with the sloping, pickled-oak ceiling – a treatment that gives the oak a sun-bleached or white-washed appearance – creating a sense of movement. The decor suggests a never-ending weekend.
A large island benchtop is the star of the kitchen – its timber benchtop is the perfect place for breakfast or drinks with friends.
A large island benchtop is the star of the kitchen – its timber benchtop is the perfect place for breakfast or drinks with friends.
The kitchen offers a lot of storage. In addition to the low cabinetry, tall cupboards accommodate a number of built-in appliances, including a wine fridge.
Lights: Vibia
Lights: Vibia
Iron-framed glass partitions separate the space without dividing it, contributing to the minimalist aesthetic while adding an industrial touch. “We like using black-framed windows that both provide privacy and create a connection between spaces,” says Cots.
The master bedroom occupies another block, in the east wing of the house. A sitting area is framed by intersecting glass panels on two walls. It overlooks the garden’s oak and olive trees.
The home has four bedrooms in addition to the master bedroom pictured here. All of them were designed with the same emphasis on the home’s connection to nature. The windows do not have curtains or blinds – the idea was to allow the best possible view.
‘Gris Oscuro Horizontal’ painting by Fernando Daza: L’Arcada Art Gallery
‘Gris Oscuro Horizontal’ painting by Fernando Daza: L’Arcada Art Gallery
This bedroom has a dressing area, a dressing room and a complete bathroom with a bathtub and shower.
“The key to designing is to study the demands on the space very well and to align your strategy with the client’s priorities,” says Cots. “A well-designed space helps reinforce emotions through invisible features, such as light distribution and white elements.”
“The key to designing is to study the demands on the space very well and to align your strategy with the client’s priorities,” says Cots. “A well-designed space helps reinforce emotions through invisible features, such as light distribution and white elements.”
Marble lends an elegant natural touch in the bathroom.
This ladder is a pretty way to keep towels within arm’s reach.
The toilet is wall-hung and features an eco-friendly dual-flush system. The large rain-effect showerhead reflects the natural theme seen throughout the house.
Cots emphasises that the project was conceived slowly. “Working like this lets me become more familiar with the job and more aware of myself and my environment day by day, both in the way I set my routines and in the materials I select for each project,” she says.
Tell us
What’s your favourite feature of this home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below, like and save this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Missed last week’s Houzz Tour? Catch up with this Paris Houzz Tour: Small Studio Leaves Room for Luxurious Details
Cots emphasises that the project was conceived slowly. “Working like this lets me become more familiar with the job and more aware of myself and my environment day by day, both in the way I set my routines and in the materials I select for each project,” she says.
Tell us
What’s your favourite feature of this home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below, like and save this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Missed last week’s Houzz Tour? Catch up with this Paris Houzz Tour: Small Studio Leaves Room for Luxurious Details
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family spend holidays here
Location: Empordà, Spain
Size: Approximately a 600-square-metre house with a 3,000-square-metre garden and forest
Designer: Susanna Cots in Barcelona, Spain
Construction: Gestió7 in Empordà, Spain
The large property includes a pool and outdoor area that is nestled in the shade of a pergola. Most of the outdoor furniture is from Dareels, a Spanish company that works with 100-percent recycled materials. The pouffes, which were bought locally at DecoSingular, and a green chesterfield sofa from Crearte nearby are the exceptions.