Architects are constantly diving into design strategies that aim to select the best products to create outstanding atmospheres inside their projects. The solutions adopted in projects, especially in interiors, are highly influenced by trends that mirror what society values most at the time. But how are interiors being designed nowadays? With a focus on natural interiors and the interaction with their context, architecture is prioritizing local materials and textures, natural light and the use of minimal furniture that allows continuity throughout space.
Below we present a selection of inspiring projects that, using products from Spanish brands, showcase these modern trends, from the use of natural materials to maximizing natural light.
Material Selection
When exploring the types of materials that are being used, there is a clear trend towards illuminated colors and natural textures.
Landaburu Borda Rural House / Jordi Hidalgo Tané
Sticking to concrete and wood as construction materials to build an annex within the mountain, the project respects the existing building and its context. With an eagerness for a relationship with the outside, the house’s interior is characterized by its wood cladding and flooring, which establishes a connection within spaces. Searching for natural light and a connection with the landscape, the design strategy allows users to observe the Navarra mountains from different angles.
Seeking to integrate with its environment, Palerm House is built as an independent building that extends the original farmhouse located in the center of Mallorca.
With a free column layout, the scheme follows the slope of the terrain and allows all the rooms to appreciate the view of the landscape. Simultaneously, the project arrangement takes advantage of natural light to illuminate the house. Pursuing a connection with its surroundings, the interior design is based on local materials and a palette of natural colors such as white mosaic tiles in bathrooms.
Small House in Nha Trang / Cho’n.a
The appetite for designing natural and illuminated interiors can be seen both in large and small spaces. The Small House project exemplifies this by creating a simple space that manages to maintain its relation to nature, light and vegetation within an area of 73 m2.
Surrounded by nature, natural light and wind, the townhouse displays a living space based on vertical transportation that increases the interaction between family members.
How and Where to Use Light
Illuminating interiors play a key role in the quality of life of the future user. The incorporation of natural light inside the building’s design promotes health and energy benefits. Therefore, increasing the amount of windows allows light to naturally enter the interior space.
Cove House / Justin Humphrey Architect
Exploring thresholds and edges, Cove House organizes the boundaries between public and private spaces as well as the border between the interior and exterior. Using a variety of windows, a subtropical architecture rises through a constant interaction between the interior and the external landscape.
Although it is enclosed with a timber screen, the house establishes an engagement with nature with its open sky and water views.
Extruded House / MCK Architecture and Interiors
Based on a simple design, the Extruded House combines the old and the new to connect the interior with the landscape. Taking advantage of the gap between the old and new roof, the project receives light together with the view of the existing roof.
The proper use of natural light in space gives way to a minimal need for artificial lightning during daylight hours. The interior therefore uses hanging lights that go unnoticed, yet illuminate the space when needed.
Choosing the Furniture
After the construction process is finished, the selection of the right furniture is fundamental to accomplish the design’s goal. In search of free spaces, a minimal amount of furniture follows simple geometric forms in warm and light colors.
Ca Marcelo House / Guillem Carrera
Respecting its antiquity and historical character, the renovation of the building creates a comfortable, contemporary and well organized space. Changing the stairs to one side of the building reorganizes the layout, adding space and light to the hall. In line with a spacious interior, the design finishes with essential and simple furniture.
House of the Olive Trees / Gallardo Llopis Arquitectos
Enjoying the views of the valley and the distant mountains, the project follows the modulation of the existing terraces and olive trees. Choosing materials that bring both texture and illumination, the house conceives an illuminated and open space.
Aiming for simplicity, the house is equipped with modular systems and occasional tables that give way for continuity throughout space.
Apartamento en Calle San Roca / Carlos Manzano Arquitectos
After renovation, the building was adapted for a new use, while still maintaining the traditions of constructions in Madrid. Transformed into a short-stay apartment, the project redistributes the organization of space.
Demolishing partitions and opening up spaces allows light, natural ventilation and interaction within different areas of the house. Creating a dialogue between epoques, the design combines simple contemporary finishes with Mediterranean and Scandinavian furniture of the twentieth century.
Check out more interesting interior designs here.
