Madrid studio Lucas y Hernández-Gil has transformed a former office into a vibrant family home that maximizes every square inch. The design features eye-catching elements such as a bright yellow storage wall, a corridor kitchen, and cleverly concealed closets. Located in the Salamanca district, JJ16 is a three-bedroom apartment that now serves a family consisting of a mother, her three teenage children, and their beloved dog. The challenge was to restore the space’s warmth and individuality while accommodating the diverse personalities of its inhabitants within a compact 165 square meters.
The architects at Lucas y Hernández-Gil, known for their expertise in interior architecture, faced the task of reimagining the apartment to feel like a true home again. They skillfully combined space-saving techniques with bold design choices, ensuring that functionality and character coexisted harmoniously. “Everyone had a clear idea of what they needed, which translated directly into the spaces,” shared studio founders Cristina Domínguez Lucas and Fernando Hernández-Gil Ruano. They emphasized that the variety of colors and materials used throughout the home adds a rich, harmonious diversity rather than conflict.
Optimizing the layout of JJ16 proved to be a complex endeavor due to the irregular floor plan. The design team focused on making every area, including the corridors, as functional as possible. The kitchen now occupies a strategic position between the entrance lobby and the living room, allowing for a spacious main bedroom at the front of the apartment. Additionally, the corridor leading to the main bathroom and third bedroom has been enhanced with a mini library and a utility area, making it a multifunctional space.
“The main challenge was the deep layout and long corridor,” the architects noted. They addressed this by infusing the circulation areas with purpose, creating distinct spaces within the flow of the home. This innovative approach turned out to be one of the most successful design decisions of the project, allowing the family to enjoy a beautifully organized and personalized living environment that reflects their unique lifestyle.
Curved partitions introduce a dynamic element to the layout of JJ16. The most prominent curve elegantly divides the living room from the main bedroom, while additional curves can be discovered in the second bedroom and the shower room. Each area is infused with its own unique color palette, creating a striking contrast against the prevailing bright white tones that characterize the interior.
Among these vibrant hues, the bright yellow bookshelf wall stands out as the most eye-catching feature. Adjacent to it, the kitchen showcases a sophisticated two-tone effect, blending soft pink and grey with sleek matte chrome finishes. The bedrooms maintain a minimalist aesthetic, yet they are complemented by colorful dressing rooms and en-suites that add a touch of personality.
In the hidden walk-in closet of the twin third bedroom, a bold bright orange hue makes a statement, while the main bedroom is enriched by a deep purple that exudes luxury. The choice of floor surfaces further enhances the visual appeal; living areas are adorned with elegant oak parquet, while the bathrooms boast intricate patterned cement tiles.
This adventurous use of color and texture is a hallmark of the design philosophy embraced by Lucas y Hernández-Gil. “The approach to color is a constant in our design process,” Lucas and Hernández-Gil Ruano shared. “It is about activating spaces and achieving a warm and joyful domestic atmosphere.”