Renovation Barcelona

A renovation in upper Barcelona, ​​designed by ERA architects, combines interior design, sustainability, and comfort for a couple embarking on a new chapter in their lives.

This comprehensive renovation in Barcelona, ​​carried out by the ERA architects studio, reflects how interior design can improve the quality of life if seen by the eyes of a Barcelona architect. After living for many years in a family home, an active retired couple decided to return to the city center with a clear objective: to enjoy a functional, accessible, and unique home, ready to host all their many adventures yet to live.

The project, led by Barcelona-based architect Esther Rovira, recovers original elements of the house and combines them with unique objects, strategic linear lighting, and, of course, the sustainable solutions necessary to meet European Union requirements by 2033. The result: a space that unites tradition, contemporary design, and energy efficiency with a subtle nod to the nineties.

The renovation incorporates a clear homage to the spirit of Vinçon, the legendary Barcelona design store that closed 10 years ago but remains a benchmark of creativity, irony, and modernity. The project revives its unique aesthetic through the combination of white, black, and red tones, present in both finishes and graphic details, and by including eclectic iconic elements that recall its unmistakable selection of objects with distinctly Barcelonan graphic style. LED strip lighting, which reinterprets the old neon tubes in its shop windows, reinforces this visual nod, while small touches of lighthearted humor—so characteristic of the store—add a playful element that connects directly with the Vinçon legacy.

The result is a home that combines family memory, contemporary design and sustainability, conceived and build by ERA architects & contractors in Barcelona, with the artistic collaboration of its founder, Esther Rovira, who is also the author of all the oil paintings that decorate the house.

An Entrance with History and Design

The entrance to this renovated Barcelona home preserves and restores the original wood ornaments, enhancing the spacious feel with strategic linear lighting and iconic family elements.

One of these elements that grace the entrance is the two original Paul Geoffroy chairs from 1957, reupholstered in a coral-colored swirled terry cloth, as nothing similar to the original fabric could be found, we used a towel as textile.

Finally, a unique element immediately stands out upon entering: a lamp specially created from the door of the family’s first car: a Renault 4L (or the legendary “Cuatro Latas” as they call it) painted black with a graphic of white dots that mimic a dress pattern. This piece pays homage to the owners’ personal memories and nods to the iconic Vinçon aesthetic from the nineties, a perfect example of the creative approach of the Barcelona architect in charge of the project.

Master Bedroom and Dressing Room: Comfort and Functionality

The master bedroom keeps the building’s classic essence by restoring the wooden ornaments and adding indirect linear lighting to highlights the textures.

The custom-designed stainless steel bed, incorporates floating bedside tables in glass and silver matt office lamps. Again, a clear nod to the aesthetic of 1990s Barcelona design. The space is reorganized to include a dressing room and en-suite bathroom, resulting in a functional and elegant renovation in Barcelona.

The dressing room stands out for its oak and glass doors with sculptural handles and perimeter linear lighting above, which also illuminates the hallway, reflecting the attention to detail characteristic of the renovation and construction team at ERA architects.

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Accessible Bathrooms with a Personal Touch

The main bathroom has been redesigned to be wheelchair accessible in the future if needed: a walk-in shower without doors and a continuous microcement floor. Neutral tones, oak wood, and a natural stone sink bring serenity and balance to this everyday space, which has a rather tranquil aesthetic.

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The guest bathroom, on the other hand, becomes a sensory experience, with tropical wallpaper, coral-colored walls, and restored original elements, such as the natural marble countertop and sink. It’s a perfect example of how interior design in Barcelona can be both bold and sophisticated.

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Kitchen and dining room: the heart of the renovation

The kitchen, one of the highlights of this complete renovation in Barcelona, ​​combines cabinets in black-white-striped glass, and a dark natural stone countertop. Its large central island with a breakfast bar makes this space the heart of family gatherings.

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The dining room, connected to the kitchen, living room, and terrace, is designed as a social space for celebrations with family and friends. Different elements are combined to give the space a unique character: walls, a large table, a ceiling with lighting, and a singular feature: a fountain.

The walls are specially designed to display family heirlooms and create a sense of spaciousness. On one side, a linearly illuminated display case highlights the family tableware, with pieces dating back to 1890. Another wall is covered with a collection of frames in various shapes and materials, repurposed as mirrors. On the other side, the only remaining wall is used to amplify the space and create a sense of serenity with a wallpaper that evokes pergolas in light tones in perspective.

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A large table was custom-designed for this space, featuring a monolithic Corten steel base and a lightweight, clear glass top.
The table is paired with a ceiling of lights that resemble clouds, enhancing the dining room’s spacious and airy feel.
Finally, a fountain was added at the client’s request. This copper freestanding fountain, designed as a sculptural element, is a nod to the summer parties they used to hold near fountains, where guests didn’t have to go inside or use the restroom to wash their hands before eating with their hands.

The dining room is the space that most faithfully reflects that combination of family history with unique humorous touches of bold elements and colors that we could easily find in the now-defunct and legendary Vinçon store. It’s a clear example of the Barcelona architect’s sensitivity in putting people and their stories at the center, allowing them to continue creating their own adventures in their new home.

Sustainable Renovation in Barcelona

Sustainability is key in this architectural renovation in Barcelona. High-energy-efficiency windows, aerothermal systems, and induction cooktops have been installed to prepare the home for a future complete gas shutdown. Every decision aims to optimize comfort, reduce energy consumption, and increase property value.

Team:
Bego, Dani, Esther
ERA architects
+34 932 200 288
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