Barcelona Home of Interior Designer Isern Serra & Ceramist Valeria Vasi.

When two creative minds decide to transform their own home, the result can only be one of a kind. The Barcelona apartment of interior designer Isern Serra and ceramist Valeria Vasi proves it. Nestled on the fifth floor of a building built in the 1950s, the space was initially in a state of disrepair. The natural light, however, made the couple fall in love with it immediately.

In only four months, Serra and Vasi transformed the 120 square metres of what was an old office into a minimalist yet warm home-studio. Starting from scratch, they removed walls and reorganized everything in the L-shaped apartment.

Related: Bonell+Dòriga’s Apartment Renovation Inside Ricardo Bofill’s Walden 7 in Barcelona.

Facing the interior patio and positioned well for the morning light, the kitchen/dining/living area is particularly quiet. “We always liked the idea of having breakfast in the sun,” says the duo, who wanted to create a very open and social space. Behind the large central island, a shelf showcases many objects the couple has found during their travels around the world. A TMM floor lamp by Miguel Milà and a Subeybaja table by Robert Heritage and Roger Webb — both for Santa & Cole — Nuta stools by Lluís Pau for Mobles 114, and Salvador chairs by Miguel Milà from AOO are some of the pieces the couple chose to furnish the space.

In the double-height living room, Serra designed the built-in sofa. The white walls and microcement flooring shape the peaceful atmosphere where plants, ceramic pieces by Vasi and the first paintings from her mother (Russian artist Inna Vasilieva) bring touches of colour.

“We wanted something very neutral and warm at the same time,” the couple confesses. Inspired by Spanish craftsmanship, Mediterranean influences and the work of architect Josep Antoni Coderch (1913-1984) — especially his way of revaluing vernacular architecture — Serra and Vasi imagined the project to give the feeling of a covered terrace with a clean and bright aesthetic.

One step leads to a transitional space, which has become Vasi’s creative area, furnished with a table from the 19th century. With its two bedrooms, the night area is not separated from the rest by doors or walls. Instead, linen curtains help to connect everything together in a seamless way. As an ode to simplicity, the master bedroom comprises the bare minimum with its bed, chair by Marc Morro and two side tables.

Airy and uncluttered yet creative and inspiring, this apartment focuses on what’s truly essential for its inhabitants.

[Images courtesy of Isern Serra. Photography by Salva Lopez.]