Curved Joinery and Bold Colors Transform a 1960s Madrid Apartment
A renovation focused on everyday use reshapes a compact living space.
1Context and Approach
Located in Madrid’s Imperial neighborhood, this 48-sqm apartment was renovated by architects Alessio Lamarca and Marta Ciabattini. Instead of starting with a predetermined aesthetic, they focused on the occupant’s daily routines. The design considered where bags are placed, how the kitchen is used, and which spaces are essential for everyday life. This approach informed both the layout and the scale of individual elements, ensuring practicality and efficiency.
2Original Layout Challenges
The original apartment, untouched since the 1960s, had three bedrooms, a separate kitchen, and one bathroom. Its deteriorated finishes and compartmentalized plan restricted the usable space. Layers of old plaster and paint added to the outdated feel. The renovation aimed to address these issues by rethinking the layout to better suit modern living needs, focusing on functionality and spatial optimization.
3Renovated Layout
The renovation reduced the layout to two bedrooms, one bathroom, and an open living area with an American-style kitchen. Spaces and storage were calibrated to actual use, eliminating unnecessary elements. The result is a compact home shaped by occupation rather than a generic domestic model. This approach maximized the limited floor area, creating a more efficient and livable space.
4Color as a Design Tool
Color played a central role in the renovation, with coral, pink, deep blue, white, wood, and green details establishing the apartment’s identity. Pink and coral were used as architectural elements to define zones and circulation routes. The architects treated color as a construction material, shaping the perception of space and creating relationships between light, shadow, and volume.
5Custom Furniture and Storage
Custom furniture was designed to make efficient use of the limited floor area. In the living zone, a compact arrangement combined the entrance, bench, kitchen, and living area. The American-style kitchen countertop, supported by a cylindrical column, featured a curved bar to reduce obstruction. Built-in wardrobes incorporated existing structural columns, preserving usable floor space.
6Material Continuity
Wood and lacquer established continuity across the apartment. Walnut wood in the kitchen was paired with Marga lacquer, creating a warm material thread linking different areas. The same design language extended to storage elements, while a shift in lacquer tone introduced variety. This consistency in materials reinforced the renovation’s cohesive design strategy.
7Curved Geometries
Curved geometries were a recurring theme, from the kitchen countertop to the wardrobe’s open corner bookshelf. These softened transitions and reduced visual obstructions, enhancing the sense of openness. The curved edge of the wardrobe in the primary bedroom maintained a clear view into the space, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
8Impact of the Renovation
The renovation transformed the apartment into a functional and visually cohesive home. By focusing on everyday routines, the architects created a space that maximizes its compact footprint. The use of color, custom furniture, and curved geometries reflects a thoughtful approach to design, making the apartment a model for efficient urban living.