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The redesign of a 1900s apartment with eclectic interiors that celebrate the building’s historic character and enhance it with contemporary flair.
Traditional and modern features merge in a living space full of charm in the Malasaña neighborhood of Madrid, Spain. The Jesús del Valle apartment was redesigned by multidisciplinary architecture and design studio Archive for Space, who often completes renovations of existing buildings, keeping original details in perfect balance with contemporary interventions. The firm drew inspiration from the rich cultural and architectural fabric of the neighborhood for the project, but also enriched the interiors with contrasting elements that create an eclectic, unconventional aesthetic.
“We wanted the apartment to feel slightly provocative at times; poetic, familiar and comfortable, but with moments that feel edgier and a little unexpected. We kept referring to it as a grandmother in latex. There’s humor to the project, but also a real affection for old Madrid apartments and the lives already embedded within them,” said Archive for Space co-founder Arabella Maza.
The studio preserved and restored a series of original details, including the plaster cornices, wooden shutters, and ceiling medallions. A highlight of the project, the restored terracotta floor boasts different patterns throughout, giving the living spaces incredible warmth. Glazed doors, openings and windows welcome natural light inside the apartment, with light yellow paint covering walls and ceilings to enhance the softness of sunlight.
As the building dates back to the early 20th century, Archive for Space avoided any major structural changes, focusing on reorganizing the layout with clever interventions. The apartment boasts live, work and entertaining spaces, with two bedrooms, two ensuite bathrooms, a living room, and a spacious kitchen. To improve daily comfort and function, the team moved the social areas towards the facade with street-facing balconies, and the bedrooms around a quieter internal patio.
Throughout the apartment, the team paired original and contemporary details. Floral motifs and subtle decorations complement sleek, reflective stainless steel surfaces, postmodern furniture, vintage chairs, and elegant lighting. Pops of color create focal points while providing a bold counterpoint to the subtle beauty of the original architecture. Relocated to the center of the apartment, the kitchen features stainless steel worktops and textile elements as well as a custom, Archive for Space-designed circular extractor hood that has a sculptural presence. In the bathrooms, the studio used a similar palette of complementing materials, colors and textures. For example, polished chrome and glossy black tiles contrast veined Calacatta marble and natural textiles.
Grounded in the local context, history and vernacular architecture, the Jesús del Valle apartment balances past and presence with an eclectic twist. Original 1900s elements appear around cutting-edge designs; they don’t compete for attention, but rather live together in harmony. Photography© Archive for Space.
