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APARTMENT ENVY / THIS ARTIST'S COLORFUL BARCELONA ABODE

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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.

 
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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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GET THE LOOK

 

Joana Santamans painting

modern factory pendant from Schoolhouse Electric Supply & Co

King Louie chair from Chairish

throw pillow from West Elm

vintage speaker from Marshall

velvet sofa from West Elm

chalk paint in graphite from Annie Sloan

cement floor tile via Houzz

 

all photos via Apartment Therapy, collage by miss prints

MIXING MOROCCAN RUGS

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interior designers always have the best homes. it's cool to see how their design comes alive if they have no rules and no one telling them what to do. after stumbling upon this interview on Glitter Guide, i fell completely in love with interior stylist, Jennifer Harrison's, bohemian house. founder of Flea Market Fab, Jennifer has an effortless sense, and an enviable collection of Moroccan rugs. every inch of this this colorful, cozy, comfortable bungalow is full of magic -- both outside and in.

a wrap around deck has always been a dream of mine. and in my imagination i see something very similar to this one: bright and filled to the brim with plants, found treasures, rugs, and distressed furniture -- including a place to store dinnerware for a spontaneous dinner party. 

the artist and her cute little pup surrounded by plants -- both real and in wallpaper form.

a dramatic geometric runner for a white staircase. it almost looks hand drawn, adding to the rustic, found feeling this home has throughout.

an expert thrifter, Jennifer is always hunting for new objects. because of that, she is constantly rearranging her style at home. there is so much going on, but is simultaneously cozy and lived in -- you can tell that each detail was carefully found.

poufs are the new chairs. they're especially snazzy in moroccan fabrics.

the two contrasting rugs work so well in this bedroom, and the addition of poufs and pillows in similar textures really ties the room together. simple white walls and clean accessories keep the space looking fresh.

more rug mixing, and patterned wallpaper. everything just works.

if i had to choose, i think this home has left me most inspired to start collecting rugs. not sure if that's a good thing, or a dangerous thing -- sorry in advance bank account -- but the mixture of moroccan colors and prints truly make these spaces homey and unique.