Now that I am living in Barcelona, I am reminded of a fantastic trip …. I was given the incredible week-long opportunity to join Porcelanosa and a group of fabulous interior designers from across the country to explore three of the most beautiful cities in Spain, the master craftsmanship of Porcelanosa, and be inspired by mediterranean culture while making new international friends.
Catalan Architecture and Design Inspiration:
Our journey began in Barcelona, a city already very close to my heart. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Barcelona and my daughter will be relocating to my favorite city in a few months. The time I’ve spent in Barcelona have been some of my favorite memories as well as artistically stimulating times of my life. Barcelona is different from any other city in Europe, and really when you look closely, the underlying culture is something incredibly unique even within Spain itself.
Catalan culture has some incredible inspiration for design that permeates the entire city of Barcelona. The incredible, timeless work of Gaudi has always been one of my favorite inspirations. La Sagrada Familia brings me to near tears everytime I visit. With fearless color, medium, and pattern choice throughout the city’s architecture and design, it’s impossible not to think bold. At the same time, it’s not forced. There is nothing more organic and effortless than the seemingly curated styles that have piled up over time throughout the city.
Southern Spanish Influences:
From Barcelona, we made our way down to Valencia where the real traditional southern Spain culture still thrives and lives on in the old world architecture. The influence of north African muslim culture that spent some time here leaves behind unique patterns and stone work mixed with classical roman building style. It’s truly unique; like nowhere else in Europe.
There could not be a more perfect place for Porcelanosa’s headquarters; right at the intersection of classic masonry and multiple cultural influence. The beautiful year round weather doesn’t hurt! We had the chance to tour the factory and get a sneak peek of what Porcelanosa is working on for next season! I promise it won’t disappoint. The craftsmanship and incredible detail that goes into Porcelanosa work is something you have to see to believe. I’m beyond excited for what’s to come!
Here’s about as much as I can show you!
Where Traditional Meets Modern Style:
After a few days in the sunny south, we made our way back up north to Madrid where we experienced old world Spain meets modern living and fashion. Not quite Barcelona’s effortless and eclectic look and not quite Valencia’s classic style, Madrid holds it’s own. It’s definitely more grand and traditional mixed with a clean new modern influences. It’s the perfect capital: representative of the past and also embracing the future.
While exploring these different cities and their design influences, we got the chance to take in Spanish cuisine and culture while making new friends. Tapas, wine, cava, paella, and Spanish music filled our days and nights! It was absolutely wonderful and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time with some incredible people.
Thank you Porcelanosa, all those who came along, and the cities of Spain for an amazing and inspirational week. I can’t wait to bring all I’ve experienced and learned to more work. Stay tuned!
