A commercial space converted into a home

Seeing a before-and-after comparison of a complete renovation is striking. The spaces are completely transformed, and the amount of light triples. But it’s even more surprising when the “before” is a bar that served hundreds of patatas bravas every day, and the “after” is a home for a young couple. Today we bring you an example of a complete renovation in which a project was implemented to change the use of a commercial space to residential. Before the walls were replastered, you could still read the daily menu written in chalk on the blackboard wall. Located in the emblematic Sants-Montjuic neighborhood, this property consists of 50 m2, divided into two levels: the ground floor is distributed in a spacious living-dining-kitchen area, with a washing area, and a full bathroom; the mezzanine floor has been designated as a bedroom.

Natural light, the main protagonist

One of the most important aspects of this double-height apartment was the installation of large windows with motorized opening and adjustable louvers, which allowed for maximum use of the 5.20m height between floors and the entry of light from the southeast orientation, which completely bathes all the rooms. To give you an idea, half of the vertical surfaces are glazed, so light is responsible for giving the space a completely different atmosphere depending on the time of day. In an apartment, we always want natural light to filter into every corner, but too much light can also be bothersome, so it’s important to install mechanisms to regulate it according to our needs.

The kitchen, open and as a meeting point

Another distinctive feature of the house is the column that spans both floors from floor to ceiling. On the lower floor, the kitchen peninsula wraps around it, adapting the porcelain tiles and drawer layout to it, so that it blends in as seamlessly as possible. The kitchen, the focal point of the ground floor, invites gatherings with friends and family around the large peninsula, which offers ample space for bar stools. An integrated range hood, part of the cooktop and requiring no external venting, was chosen, ideal for the layout of this home.

Minimalist, but with color

The client had a very specific vision for the aesthetic they wanted in the apartment: clean, minimalist lines and meticulous attention to detail. At the same time, they weren’t afraid to use color to bring the space to life, and they didn’t want a neutral base; they wanted to go further and give the home character. That’s why a vibrant blue was chosen for the stairwell wall, and this use of bright colors was also carried over to some pieces of furniture and accessories: the stools, the sofa, the chairs, the prints, etc. It gives us a fresh and youthful feel.