Spanish Revival - La Jolla Designer Brightens an Urban Apartment in Spain
SPANISH REVIVAL
How a La Jolla Designer Brightens an Urban Apartment in Spain
Successful La Jolla-based designer Jeanine Naviaux recently completed an eye-opening makeover of a vintage apartment in the heart of Barcelona’s L’Eixample District. The before and after images show the third-story unit’s complete transformation from a dated bygone era look to a vivid contemporary style that dovetails with the new owners exuberant lifestyle.
Homeowner inherited the unit that’s located in a classic old world neighborhood across from a cozy public park. The nine-story building is classic European in that next door to the ground floor, stores include a bank, grocer, and a bar/restaurant for your morning croissant and cortado (espresso). The Metro is located directly across the street.
“My client’s use the apartment as a primary residence, but units like this are available all throughout Barcelona and can be excellent pied-a-terre’s for anyone traveling to Europe on regular basis for business or pleasure,” Naviaux says.
On this particular project, Naviaux’s client was a single man, who basically wanted to get into the residence quickly. That was a perfect arrangement for a designer like Jeanine, who does not get into wall removals or general contracting.
“He wanted a bold contemporary look and said just do it. I was able to do quite a bit of flash with hot colors, sleeker furnishings and accessories that complete the package. I was in and out in three weeks over a four month period and everyone was happy.”
How does a San Diego designer land an international client?
“Working with a client in Spain happened through family contacts in Barcelona. My grandfather is a Catalan and our U.S. family is always returning home on visits.”