Spanish Vibes

Words by Julie Keary 

Occasionally we are lucky enough to get a chance to fly abroad for a photo shoot. This feature gave us that opportunity. We got fly off to La Carihuela in the South of Spain. La Carihuela is a small resort, originally a small fishing village that has expanded over the years to become a quiet holiday spot for mostly Spanish natives. The beauty about this area is that there is preservation order that forbids anyone from building up, hence all the sea side hotels are no more than three stories. The seaside hotels are rather old fashioned and have a hint of colonial architecture. A promenade stretches from Torremolinas to the East and Benalmádena to the West. It is only a short train ride from Malaga Airport, making it the perfect spot for the owners of this small apartment, to pop down for holidays during the Summer and short breaks during the Irish Winter. 

In 2019 the owners decided to give the open plan, one bedroom space a complete revamp. When they acquired it, the decor was typical of a Spanish home two decades ago - dark timber fitted units and heavy soft furnishings - elements of stone and ceramics common in Spanish design along with pottery, wrought iron pieces, candle holders, and carved wooden panels. This apartment had it all. It was perfectly adequate but this couple love the bright open airiness of a more modern Spanish style that has become very popular throughout Spain. Modern Spanish design still finds its influences from the surrounding Mediterranean with a coastline inspired colour palette of blues greens, whites and browns. 

They fully embraced the new Spanish style - which is almost like a hybrid of the old Spanish colonial and part modern. Modern rustic furniture along with modern sofas, modern colors (like greige) and modern lighting fixtures (like floor and table lamps). Texture is huge in Spanish decor, this couple went for tactile hessian curtains with matching pelmets and highly textured cushions and throws. Of course the cold marble slab flooring was retained, enhanced with the crisp white granite work top in the kitchen. 

They went with pure white walls. White is a fantastic backdrop, almost like a blank canvas to be creative. It makes the space feel bigger, cleaner, and it neutralizes the bold warmer colours. A clever trick to help make the color scheme stand out and not be lost in a sea of contrast and clashing hues. 

Cool, calm with a hint of rustic luxury, an eclectic mix of timber and fabric all sits beautifully on the slabbed floor and white walls. The perfect spot from which to relax after a day on the beach, five minutes walk away.