Blending Nordic Minimalism + Mediterranean Warmth in Spain


A recent residential renovation project in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Catalonia, Spain, has transformed a 915-square-foot space into a serene coastal retreat, showcasing a unique blend of Nordic and Mediterranean influences. The project, led by Eva González Estudio, focuses on creating a harmonious, adaptable living environment with an emphasis on custom furniture design and thoughtful material selection.

The renovation revolves around the strategic use of light, soft hues, and natural wood elements, creating a calming and cohesive aesthetic. The main goal was to maximize functionality while maintaining an uncluttered appearance. This approach by Eva González Estudio is evident in the custom-built furniture by Disseny9evo, which combines open and closed modules to provide versatile storage solutions. These custom pieces help in optimizing the space, ensuring every corner is both useful and stylish.

A cozy living room with a light gray sectional sofa featuring colorful pillows, a wooden table with a chessboard, and a large window with sheer curtains.

A small modern shelf with books, a woven basket, a potted plant, and a small lamp placed on it, with a wooden section above and below.

A modern dining area with a wooden table and chairs is seen through a glass door, with a cozy living room, sofa, and wall-mounted shelves in the background.

The common areas, including the living and dining spaces, serve as the central hub of the home. The living room is designed to be bright and open, featuring a spacious sofa from Atemporal that anchors the room and invites relaxation and family time. Integrated shelving and storage further enhance the room’s functionality while maintaining a clean, modern look.

A modern dining area with a wooden table, chairs, a chessboard, a vase with yellow flowers, and a minimalist wall art. Pendant lights hang above the table, and cabinetry is in the background.

The dining room, furnished with simple, elegant pieces from the Ethnicraft brand, adheres to the minimalist theme. The decor is complemented by the adjustable Ambit Rail lamp from Muuto, which adds a warm, earthy ambiance perfect for mealtime or having friends over.

Modern kitchen and dining area with light wooden furniture, marble backsplash, and pendant lights. A person in motion, blurred, moves near the counter which is decorated with fruits and vegetables.

The kitchen design includes a custom central island clad in wood slats. This island not only provides extra counter space and storage but also acts as a focal point, distinguishing the kitchen area from other spaces while maintaining a sense of cohesion. Discreet lighting enhances the functionality without dominating the visual environment.

A modern kitchen and dining area with light wood furnishings, green walls, and minimalist decor. There are chairs around a table, shelves with items, and a vase with branches on the wooden counter.

A cozy children's bedroom with two beds, a skateboard on the floor, shelves with decorations, a desk with a lamp, a cushioned stool, and a window letting in natural light.

The children’s room is crafted with creativity in mind, offering a playful yet organized space for its young occupants. Combining classic wainscoting with retro-inspired wallpaper from the Swedish brand Sandberg, the room balances fun with sophistication, ensuring the design remains appealing as the children grow.

A children's bedroom with a bed, light-colored bedding, a yellow blanket, and stuffed toys. Above the bed, there's a string of colorful bird decorations against a patterned wallpaper.

A modern study area featuring a wood and white desk with twin lamps, open and closed storage shelves, a potted plant, and a few books against a wavy patterned wall.

A modern bedroom with a double bed, two plants, a desk, and a large window. The room features light-colored decor, a bench at the foot of the bed, and mirrored closets.

The primary bedroom focuses on simplicity and natural textures to create an environment of calm and relaxation. Minimalist furniture and decor, coupled with elements like hanging plants and floral arrangements, introduce a sense of nature and tranquility. An adjacent dressing area, equipped with mirrors strategically placed to amplify light, adds to the room’s sense of spaciousness. A built-in desk, tailored to match the room’s aesthetic, provides a practical space for remote work.

A cozy bedroom features a bed with beige linens and pillows, a wooden desk with a chair, wall-mounted lamps, a shelving unit with a wicker basket, and a hanging plant.

A minimalist bedroom with a wooden bed frame, a side table holding dried flowers, a book, and a reading light. A wooden desk adjacent to the bed has a lamp, a book, and a chair.

A minimalist bedroom with a mirrored wardrobe door, wooden chair, hanging beige dress, and open shelves.

The renovation emphasizes sustainability, with a focus on durable, easy-to-maintain materials that reduce the need for future updates. The careful curation of furnishings and finishes not only enhances the home’s energy efficiency but also ensures it remains adaptable for years to come. By seamlessly integrating functionality with aesthetic appeal, the renovation in Vilanova i la Geltrú offers a modern, flexible living space tailored to meet the needs of contemporary coastal living.

A sunlit balcony with a table covered by a checkered tablecloth, adorned with potted plants and flowers. Two chairs are positioned beside the table, and a palm tree is visible in the background.

Side-by-side comparison of unfurnished and furnished floor plans for an apartment, showing layouts of bedrooms, bathrooms, living room, kitchen, and dining areas.

Left: Before Right: After

For more information or to see more projects by Eva González Estudio, head to evagonzalezestudio.com.

Photography by Juan Serlo.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.



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