Author’s vision for a historic 85 m2 apartment in Barcelona

An apartment that feels both stylish and personal, where timeless vintage aesthetics coexist with contemporary comforts, comes to life within a 1901 building in the heart of Barcelona. This meticulously designed 85 m² space by interior designer Margo Kashina was created for a young family working within tight deadlines and a modest budget of €10,000 for furnishings and decor.

The original layout required only subtle adjustments to meet the family’s needs. Margo transformed the street-facing area of the apartment, adorned with French windows, into an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen space. The quieter rear section, illuminated by views of a lush inner courtyard, was reimagined as the private zone, comprising a bedroom and bathroom.

Creative solutions maximized every inch of the limited space. Laundry appliances were seamlessly concealed within the kitchen cabinetry, while the bathroom was cleverly reconfigured: the shower was integrated into a niche within the bedroom, and the toilet and sink were discreetly tucked into a former balcony, hidden behind a sliding partition.

Drawing inspiration from the family’s love of black-and-white photography, Margo crafted a neutral backdrop with soft shades of gray and beige, oak engineered flooring, and textured walls. “When the apartment was freshly painted, with its antique green shutters still intact, I knew the canvas was ready,” Margo reflects. The 19th-century shutters, preserved in the shared living space, became a focal point, framed by flowing white linen curtains that introduce rhythm and height to the room.

The apartment’s charm lies in its carefully curated mix of iconic designer pieces, vintage treasures, and accessible essentials. The design journey began with 1980s chairs sourced online, followed by the Zettel’z 6 chandelier by Ingo Maurer, which casts a playful yet sophisticated glow in the living room.

Other standout pieces include a Procomobel black-and-white striped sofa, a carved wooden bureau from the early 20th century, and a safari chair by Wilhelm Kienzle, a memento from the owner’s Scandinavian travels. A 1970s Noboru Nakamura chair for IKEA blends functionality with timeless style in the living space. Vintage elements are thoughtfully counterbalanced with modern finds, such as a round metal dining table from La Redoute and a marble coffee table by Vincent van Duysen for Zara Home.

The walls come alive with a curated selection of photography, antique posters, and artwork, infusing the space with personality. Highlights include a vintage lithograph by Jean Cocteau and a 19th-century charcoal portrait. These pieces, sourced from antique markets and eBay, reflect the family’s appreciation for art and history.

Margo meticulously designed the apartment’s lighting to create distinct zones and layered atmospheres. Strategically placed floor and table lamps provide adjustable lighting scenarios, adding warmth and versatility to the space. “The Zettel’z 6 chandelier, a true work of art, encapsulates the essence of this project, elevating the entire space,” Margo concludes.

Interior designer Margo Kashina

Instagram @marka_interiors

Photo credit Bypablo Estudio

Instagram @bypablo.estudio