This 430-square-foot Barcelona home follows its own style

Argentona is located in the interior of Maresme, a region of Catalonia in Spain known for its Mediterranean beaches, vast pine forests and famous craft traditions, including pottery. The owners wanted their house to reflect the spirit of the neighborhood. “The Mediterranean is there, it is unavoidable, the building is where it is. The structure of the diagonal roof beams is a very local element and we wanted to preserve it,” adds Alex.

With this project and others, Alex managed to move away from classic and often predictable Mediterranean style choices like beiges and earth tones paired with rustic elements. In his creations, the look evolves into something more unique and elevated. He begins by adding contrasting touches of black and white, a trademark of the interior designer: “It’s also about highlighting the darkness, because, just like individuals, interiors have two different faces. I think the emphasis on shadows creates spaces that feel more real.

In the living room, a painting by Iñaki Moreno, brutalist furniture from the 50s and a 60s lamp in rattan and wood (both by unknown designers).

Flavia Ribeiro

Next, Alex selected furniture including many anonymous pieces from the 60s and 70s and works by contemporary artists. The chairs by Miguel Milá and Jordi Vilanova coexist happily with the abstract expressionist works of Iñaki Moreno. And among all this, we find many decorative objects from unknown designers. “I like to look for objects by anonymous designers and artisans. It’s true that there are more well-known pieces that have fascinating origin stories and pedigrees, and they are often so beautiful that one can’t help but admire them, but lesser-known pieces can give a house its own personality,” he explains.

One of these anonymous pieces is a traditional six-legged Catalan chair, a design that was also a favorite of Salvador Dalí. Alex reissued it as part of his Galarina project which brings timeless designs back to the market. He integrated the chair into this project on the north-facing terrace.