A Dreamy 1929 Apartment Is Just 452 Square Feet — But Overflowing with Light

The couple actually saw this apartment — a 452-square-foot Barcelona apartment built in 1929 — first, but they initially dismissed the online listing due to the small size. “However, several months later, the same ad appeared again, and we decided to give it a chance and go see it,” Alan continues.

“It felt like the apartment had been waiting for us, because the moment we saw it, we just knew it was the one. The light, the sense of tranquility it emanated, and its proximity to my grandmother and mother ultimately sealed our decision.”

Though small, the space had a lot of essential Barcelona architectural elements, like those must-have high-vaulted ceilings, but also came with original carpentry, doors, and some windows.

“It is very peaceful, and in winter, it has beautiful light. A curious detail is that the building was constructed the same year my grandmother was born, and although she was only able to visit it once before passing away, it has always made me feel a special connection to her,” Alan reveals.

While a beautiful space that matches the couple’s personality now, it didn’t quite start that way. “When we bought the apartment, it looked like a student flat — it had the refrigerator in the dining room, a false ceiling in the kitchen, a giant clock on one wall in the living room, and an enormous wardrobe in the bedroom that made it feel even smaller. But we quickly saw its potential,” Alan writes.

Alan and Marcos started the renovation of their home by removing that false ceiling in the kitchen, and then “began to consider what the absolute essentials were for living, aiming to keep the space as uncluttered as possible.”

• Palo Sofa — Hem
• Garance Rug — Nordic Knots
• Ninot — Sergi Serra Mir

• Tio Chair — Massproductions

• Olive oil — Oli de  L’Oliveta
• Coffee cups — Luca Van Vliet

• Oliveta Candle — Rowse

Thanks, Alan!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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