Summer in the City
The best interior design provides a sense of place, distils the essence of its location and serves it to its occupants in an uplifting way. A great example is this gem of an apartment in Barcelona, which manages to recreate the vibe and atmosphere of a beach house in a space no larger than 40 square metres.
Designed by Spanish architects Egue & Seta for a young couple, this diminutive apartment might be in the centre of Barcelona but its soul is very clearly from the beach. Aquamarine walls on one side of the apartment and rough textured bricks on the other recall the Mediterranean sea and the sandy beach, whilst the vaulted roof and mosaic tiles anchor the space firmly to the local vernacular (this apartment is, afterall, located in the old fisherman's quarter in Barcelona).
The living space is separated from the bedroom by a wardrobe-cum-shelving unit framed by glass panels and verdant plants, which let plenty of natural light through and facilitate cross ventilation. A similar glass panel between the bedroom and the bathroom similarly provides light and visual connection between the spaces. Venetian blinds abound to protect privacy, adding to the beach house atmosphere at the same time.
This is a small but perfectly formed apartment which captures the mood of a happy day by the beach brilliantly. Isn't this what great design is all about?
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Product Inspiration
Create your own beach house idyll with sleek and comforting furniture such as the Gentry sofa from Moroso, the Lake rug from Golran and the Alieno chair from Casamania. 
Suspension lights are great for creating visual interest, especially if they are as beautiful as the Kim suspension light from LZF or the Juliet pendant from New Works. The Sliced Sphere suspension light from Frederik Roije would look wonderful in the bathroom.
Keep accessories simple and sculptural with the Silo containers from Incipit and the Propeller trivet from Menu. For a dash of beach house chic why not try the photorealistic Scrapwood wallpaper from NLXL?
