when it comes to houses, apartments, lofts, vacation homes, you name it, i will always (always) choose a fixer upper over a new build. ironically, i grew up living in new construction -- new house, new neighborhood, new everything. it wasn't until college, when i moved into a long list of Boston apartments, that i started my romance with old places. living among the chipped paint and not-so-modern kitchens, i was introduced to the narrative inside their front doors: the worn hardwood floors and brick fireplaces, crown moldings, hissing radiators and original built-ins. old stuff. i just can't get enough.

i found this colorful apartment on Apartment Therapy, isn't it cute? home to Italian artist Joana Santamans, her flat in Barcelona is chock full of character and inspiring details that remind me a bit of the apartments i've lived in. Joana uses large paintings, mid-century furniture, and industrial touches to pull everything together.

one of my favorite design elements are the muted Moroccan floor tiles that fill the apartment. it's a major statement, but between the classic pattern and neutral tone, the space feels elegant and fresh.

the kitchen sports industrial features, a large chalkboard wall, and ((now trending)) wooden countertops.

what makes this apartment particularly special are the little things: carefully found objects, books, and the artist's own work. here, paintings of animals hang around every corner with a dose of whimsy, and splashes of unapologetically bright yellow (my favorite!) accent the floors and crown molding.

get the look / a vintage-modern apartment

want to move in? me too. so i thought, why not bring home a little bit of old-world Barcelona charm home? it's totally doable with the right pieces -- industrial lamps, big paintings, graphic tiles...

(i've got a close eye on you, tiles).

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