Alan Díaz and Marc Lago transformed a small apartment near Barcelona into a bright, spacious-feeling home. The renovation preserved the original layout but removed outdated changes that disrupted the flow.
The floors that didn’t survive
The apartment’s original hydraulic tile flooring was the biggest loss. Five different floor types—some cracked, others clashing—created jarring transitions between rooms. In the dining area, three patterns met at visible seams where old walls had once stood.
Díaz explained they tried to save the tiles. In such tight quarters, the fragmentation became too distracting. The solution was parquet, which they installed themselves over several months. The new flooring tied the apartment together while respecting its past.
A kitchen that defied its size
The refrigerator once sat in the dining room, giving the space a temporary feel. The kitchen had a dropped ceiling that made the already compact area feel even smaller. Removing it gained height, while new storage and an open arrangement improved daily use.
Lighting as a collection
Lago’s interest in 1980s desk lamps turned the apartment’s lighting into a personal exhibit. Several rest on a bookshelf, while others act as focal points. A floor lamp by Guillermo Capdevila for Belux stands near the sofa, its adjustable design offering flexibility. Above the dining table hangs a 1975 Sintesi lamp by Ernesto Gismondi—the first piece signed by Artemide’s founder.
Related: Luxury bedroom hacks on a budget
Lago noted its significance. Two Micro lamps by Eduardo Albors, designed in the 1970s, hang in the entryway. Their simple shapes contrast with the apartment’s warm textures.
The philosophy of small space living
The couple never sought a large home. Instead, they prioritized practicality, drawing inspiration from how people adapt to limited square footage. Díaz said the process helped them recognize what they truly needed. It became a way of living with only essentials.
Their storage solutions followed this idea. Shelves, made from pine and stained dark, reach the three-meter-high ceiling, aligning with the original Volta Catalana—a traditional Catalan vault. The design uses vertical space while keeping the apartment open and airy.
Color as a guiding force
A living room painting, with its blue and orange hues, shaped the apartment’s color scheme.
Díaz said having their work in the home creates a connection to their creative world.
Related: Tiny Maltese rooftop home blends colour and space
A neighborhood that felt like home
The apartment sits in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, a calm district just outside Barcelona. Díaz’s mother lives nearby, adding to the comfort. The area maintains a local feel, with long-standing businesses and few visitors.
Díaz admitted they hadn’t considered the neighborhood initially. The apartment itself changed their perspective. The building has few residents, offering tranquility without feeling cut off. He added that they enjoy proximity to the city without the usual noise.
The couple’s personal involvement in the renovation made the space uniquely theirs. Every detail, from the parquet they laid to the shelves they built, carries meaning. Díaz said knowing they created it themselves makes living there more intimate.
The original Catalan vaulted ceilings were a major draw. Díaz called the geometry distinctive. It provides an unexpected sense of openness. The vaults, in perfect condition, needed no repairs—letting them keep part of the apartment’s original character.
Sharing a small space brought new aspects of their relationship to light. Díaz called the experience natural. They learned what truly mattered to them. Though tiring at times, the process resulted in a home that feels both practical and deeply personal.
