Singulare Magazine #3 English Version

INTERIOR DESIGN AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

#3

SINGULARES MAGAZINE #3 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2013

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ALMACENES POVEDA www.almacenespoveda.com

LOS MATERIALES CREAN ESPACIOS DE BELLEZA. Revestimientos · Pavimento · Sanitarios · Grifería · Radiadores · Cocinas

También nos encontrarás en:

Cañada Toledana, nº3 . 28971 (Madrid). Tlf. 91 814 0513 NOMBRE SECCIÓN

SINGULARESMAG #3 | 3

Table of contents 6

EDITORIAL

9

22

THE STYLING OF... white, bright and mediterranean

STAFF

60

SINGULARES AT HOME P. 60 Dreamed harmony

11

CONTRIBUTORS

12

30

SINGULAR & MASCULINE Antoni Arola: The simplicity of a genius P. 74 Neima’s focus

KALEIDOSCOPE P. 12 Love in tecnicolor P. 14 Words don´t come easy P. 16 A mature touch P. 18 Animal incoherence P. 20 Sprouting

P. 92 The victorian house of de Jonathan and Michael

51

PRISM La Condesa goes out

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P. 112 Apartament in Barcelona.

Reflections of light and memories

128

SINGULARES PREMISES P. 128 La Brocanterie

P. 134 Amor de Madre.

Un underground tabern

P. 142 Smiles in colours

150

2.0 COMMUNITY Si Mazouz is French

by Design

164

SHOPPING ROUTE BILBAO

Cover image Anna de Pablos

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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AND FEBRUARY

FINALLY ARRIVED!

February is one of my favourite months. Even if some cold days are left, during this month an imminent spring starts to show her firsts signs as well as love, because February is the month of love (Love is in the air... and in Singulares) but also of art. In a few days ARCO will take place in Madrid and Singulares will be there to take account of one of the most important international art fair of the world.

It’s not a secret that from Singulares we’re always looking for inspiration, 6 | SINGULARESMAG #3

no matter where we are. Every day we give you that inspiration through our blog and once in two months we give it to all of you through this window onto the world that is our e-mag.

Singulares wants to reflect the houses and premises that invade our pages, we want to be surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of beautiful things and share them with you hoping that you will be imbue by this deco spirit that pushes us and stimulates our positivist feelings.

EDITORIAL

Finally, I’m very pleased to give you big news. We are starting our bilingual path with trembling knees but a firm step and we hope that your expectations adjust to this great number.

Belén López Editor in Chief

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Add us to your interests’ lists

www.singularesmag.com

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The team.

Belén López

Elena Valdés

Fran Soguero

Antioquía Interiorismo

Ministry of Deco

Etxekodeco

Maria Marcet

Olga Fernández

Tránsito Inicial

Mes Caprices Belges

Illustration of Rocio Olmo for Singulares Mag.

STAFF

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¡Thanks! ;)

Álvaro Leco Photographer

Anaïs Gordils Photographer

Anna de Pablos Photographer

Ariana Ruglio Translator & photographer

Asier Rua Photographer

Berta Pascual Designer

Diana Hernández Crafter

Lilia Koutsoukou Photographer

Marta Muzás Photographer

Natalia Ferrero Graphic designer

Neima Pidal Photographer

Rocío Olmo Interior designer

CONTRIBUTORS

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BELEN’S FAVOURITES

LOVE in tecnicolor February is here. This is the month when I let myself be seduced and I enjoy a unique selection that makes me fall in love.

Soap dish Anthropologie

Lamp Ángel Tausia

Matryoshka dolls from Lanvin Selfridges

Buffet Retrogrado

Book: In Vogue Amazon

Chair Francisco Segarra

Tin bucket La Brocanterie

Coral servers Zara Home 12 | SINGULARESMAG #3

The Flying Cow wine Federica & Co

Wallpaper Teaspoon Studio Ditte

Plate Jeez Vanilla

Bag Malababa

Ceramic washbasin Galassia

Marble and mirror side table Castell贸 120

Michael Kors dress Net a Porter

Pink suede pump Zara Cushion David Delf铆n KALEIDOSCOPE

Suitcase Liberty SINGULARESMAG #3 | 13

ELENA’S FAVOURITES

Words don’t come easy As song goes, sometimes it is hard to find words.

That is why when it comes to express ourselves, design lend us a hand. For this issue, my inspiration comes from a nostalgic traveller soul, are you coming?

Serge Mouille sconce 5 still arms Uber-Modern

Muuto reading lamp Maison Artist

Copper Real Good Chair Blu Dot

Neon sign lights Rockett St George

Giraffes to assemble Muji

Paris Carousel Wall Art Urban Outfitters

Doodle mugs and plates Tiger Table lamp Zara Home 14 | SINGULARESMAG #3

Bed Maisons du Monde

Gold as Ice frame Iamtomyk

Bloomingville carpet Decoratualma

Neon sign lights Rockett St George

Polka dot scarf Uterq端e

Handbag Una maleta de ropa

iPad folio Kate Spade

KALEIDOSCOPE

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FRAN’S FAVOURITES

A mature touch Recovered, recycled or new production objects and furniture always with a mature taste that provides a touch of refinement and elegance to your house.

Brass and porcelain vintage switch Fontini SCardamome sofa, upholstered with Autumn Gold wool Roche Bobois

Bolso “Japanese Mail” Tapidecor

Barfly, men’s perfume Scotch & Soda

Estimo cushion, from Living collection Desigual

Vintage bottles Maison Artist Potion perfum, with free vintage cup Pull & Bear 16 | SINGULARESMAG #3

Book: Industrial Chic: 50 icons of furniture and lighting design Amazon

Branson ceiling lamp Francisco Segarra

Set of ceramic plates Abe the Ape

Four doors rosewood buffet Nitelshop

Lamp made by recovered old tins La Europea

“Trepitjada” esparto carpet Martín Azúa Wood box with Alpino colour pencils Real Fábrica Española KALEIDOSCOPE

Pair of stripping pine wood boxes Rue Vintage 74 SINGULARESMAG #3 | 17

MARIA’S FAVOURITES

ANIMAL INCOHERENCE Design must be fun so, sometimes, there is no need to make things connect it’s just about be carried along by nonsense.

Seabed elements, vases that recall it mixed up with a ceramic dog from the sixties...

Why not?

Type 75 lamp Smallable

Alain Richard chair Ebay.Fr

Teakwood buffet Vinçon

Wood blocks Decoratualma Nordic style table Decoratualma

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Ceramics fauna objects Alquiรกn

Wood hanging lamps Onefortythree

Wheel cart Francisco Segarra

Linen roll and scissors Decoratualma

Heraldo telephone My Antique

Metallic trunk Francisco Segarra

Velvet cushion IKEA KALEIDOSCOPE

Diamond carpet Decoratualma SINGULARESMAG #3 | 19

OLGA’S FAVOURITES

SPROUTING Even though winter is still alive, we are already searching for coloured details and fashion accessories to bring an early spring to our houses.

S letter Chaci & chachi Porcelain vase Decora tu alma

Alsace cushion L’Atelier des Cousines

Magenta pink vintage chest of drawers Vintage & Chic

Pompeii Purple nail polish OPI

RAR winter especial Vitra 20 | SINGULARESMAG #3

Wilmot footrest Habitat

Painting Aurelio Cachafeiro

“Dream it” print Rue vintage

Pipe en noir wall lamp House Doctor

Amy lamp Delightfull

Manoir bench Maisons du Monde

Ring Bimba & Lola

Moss screen-printed glass tray Lu Ink KALEIDOSCOPE

Jagger bag Bimba & Lola SINGULARESMAG #3 | 21

WHITE, BRIGHT

AND MEDITERRANEAN Good weather is around the corner and a Mediterranean breeze is inspiring us to decorate a table for a special occasion.

Seashells, sand and coral, in light soft tones, are the starting point in a table that is a homecoming celebration of spring.

PRODUCTION: ELENA VALDÉS. PHOTOGRAPHY: LILIA KOUTSOUKOU. SPECIAL THANKS: MEDITERRÁNEO ESTUDIO DECOR.

The table is placed in a covered balcony with an imposing brightness.

As days still shorts, there isn’t a better place to enjoy some winter sun and, if table-talk lasts until the first stars make out, just take your time to contemplate them trough the skylight of the dining room.

Imagine a friend gathering, any excuse is good enough, and start

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organising. Being so close to the Mediterranean pushes us to elaborate seafood dishes, where we can savour some sea delicacies. Let’s start with white: a one-colour table decor will give up attention on the tonalities of food, highlighting already the viand’s colour even before tasting its flavour.

NOMBRE TABLE STYLING SECCIÓN

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The back of the dining room is dressed by an impressive leaf wood sculpture.

TABLE STYLING

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We will use light white tulle as tablecloth, a discreet and ethereal choice, to emphasize the turning legs of the white lacquered table. We will cover the tablecloth with braided metallic coloured placemats. Over them, a combined crockery of square and round dishes, ornamented with a bluish grey ottoman ribbon and a fish shape candle of Point Ă la Ligne.

Two candelabra imitating the coral branching will we placed as centre-

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piece. At the sides, we will arrange some sea urchin shape candle going with a few seashells. The purpose is to keep always in mind the Mediterranean inspiration from where the table decor started, as it is as important as the menu itself.

Simple, light and evocative, this is our proposal for a casual gathering.

We are already waiting for good weather, the one that smells like salt and iodine.

Along the same aesthetic lines of the furniture, the white tulle tablecloth hinted of the white lacquered table and its turning legs. The placemats are from Cestería Roig.

“

The one-colour table decor will give up attention on the tonalities of food. ” TABLE STYLING

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Over the crystal end table: white rose floral arrangement and flower shape candle from Cerabella.

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Mediterrรกneo Estudio Decor Avda. del Mediterรกneo, 22, Jรกvea

In a corner of the dining room, a chrome plated steel shelve and a replica of the Y-Chair from Hans J. Wegner. Find them all in Mediterrรกneo Estudio Decor.

TABLE STYLING

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ANTONI AROLA: THE SIMPLICITY

OF A GENIUS Antoni Arola is a versatile Catalan industrial and interior designer that combines his professional activity with teaching.

This meeting became a master class of design.

TEXT: OLGA FERNĂ NDEZ.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ARIANA RUGLIO.

SINGULAR & MASCULINE

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I’m keeping track to Antoni Arola’s trajectory since I left syringes and blood pressure monitors for scales and tape measure.

Antoni Arola is a versatile Catalan industrial and interior designer that combines his professional activity with teaching.

Among his designs, we found different lamps for Santa & Cole, Metalarte and BD Ediciones de Diseño; many 32 | SINGULARESMAG #3

sofa collections for Temas V, and diverse perfume bottles and bathroom furniture for ArtQuitect.

As interior designer, it is worth pointing out his work in different restaurants like Mos, Oven and Citrus or the Cacao Sampaka boutique who all were selected for the architecture and interior design FAD awards. Estruch, a café in Barcelona, is one of his last projects.

He has received many awards,

among them the Premio Nacional de DiseĂąo in 2003, three Silver Delta awards, the last one in 2012, and also some international awards like the one given by the Fragance Foundation in recognition of the Armand Basi perfume packaging.

We are supposed to meet at noon but I left home more than two hours before. I feel nervous and excited: I’m going to interview one of the most SINGULAR & MASCULINE

important Spanish designers. And time came.

His studio is a melting-pot of materials: miniatures mixed with computers and seeds. At the background I see his table, surrounded by a huge bookcase, where he is waiting for us.

At the beginning I found a discreet person that, as the interview goes by, turned out to be kind and natural.

At the end, this meeting became a master class of design.

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SINGULAR & MASCULINE

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You have worked for studios like Jorge Pensi, Alberto Lievore or AD. Why did you decided, in 1994, to create your own studio?

Why did I create my own studio...

Actually, I don’t have an answer, I think that a kind of curiosity, a need to show, a need to go against the other’s rules. Is not that I just follow these rules, in fact I was already directing my own projects. Maybe the fact that I became ill also influenced me, I thought: “well, the time of a change has come...” But the truth is 36 | SINGULARESMAG #3

that I don’t know what happened, I think that a lot of things altogether happened.

The age-old cultures have influenced you. How did this inspiration begin?

How can I say it ... I’ve always been interested in culture, but it’s true that primitive cultures have especially appealed me since I was very young; it’s something that I can’t explain...

As a result of this interest I begin to travel by Africa and its essence captured me. Sometimes I say that in

another life I should have been black, I haven’t a logical reason. But it’s true, I have a special sensitization, it attracts me.

Is it something aesthetic, maybe its history...?

I think it’s its way of life and I imagine that, at the end, the connection lives in its simplicity: the primitive art is simple.

As civilizations evolve everything has become complicated, everything has get sophisticated but, for me, it’s all about simplicity.

SINGULAR & MASCULINE

You are worldwide renowned and recognised for you lamp’s design.

Which is the reason of this research and this investigation about light?

I don’t know either... I believe that there are lots of coincidences in my career, things just happened... I haven’t decided much, many things were just in my way.

So, making a lamp was not a project ordered by a firm?

No, it wasn’t. What’s more, when I start working on my own studio, and SINGULARESMAG #3 | 37

“

Primitive cultures have always appealed me (...) I imagine that the connection lives in its simplicity �

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“

Spanish design is renowned and (...) I have to say that it seems familiar abroad, very familiar ” SINGULAR & MASCULINE

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“

Light is spirituality, it’s the being...

I must confess that I begin with a lot of fear and respect, I thought that I will never design a lamp. I don’t know why I was so convinced and, in the end I designed one, a lamp that stills alive, very alive.

Which lamp was your first one?

The first one was Nimba for “Santa & Cole”. I started the design for 40 | SINGULARESMAG #3

”

my own studio and then I designed one for Metalarte. And that’s when everything started up: I begin the design of lamps and I create my bond with light. It’s obvious that light it’s something that I am very excited about; there is a special affinity, as it already happens to me with the primitive cultures.

Well, it is true that there is a very different way to decorate depending on the lighting that it’s used; the atmosphere of a space can be completely modified...

Yes, lighting is very important; what’s more, in the Bible you can already sense this by reading the Genesis: “Let there be light...” But what is that light? It’s the spirituality, the being...

SINGULAR & MASCULINE

And this all it’s what I’ve been founding without looking for it. It is not that I have decided to either do this or that... It’s the addition of lots of things; it’s really complicated to explain...

How an Antoni Arola lamp does happen? I mean your creations are not just objects...

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Usually they aren’t orders, I do them for me, because I like working on them. They are a reflection of a pile of ideas, of experiments, of playing with some elements that, at the end, became a see-through vision from something that pushes me to design a lamp. It’s not a project itself, I mean I don’t start to design a lamp actually it emerges from this welter that I have all around, from my way of life, from observing my environment, from taking lots of photos and collecting everything. It’s about mixing things you have never imagined that will match.

So, you don’t start designing based 42 | SINGULARESMAG #3

on the material...

Well, material can be a trigger but, at the end, it’s all based in an addition.

If you only focus in material you are taking it out of context, you are placing it in a different place and why would we do that? As I was saying, I don’t sit down and think: “I’m going to design a lamp”, and then I start a sketch... This never happens.

So how it happens?

It just happens.

But, when you found out that you are going to make a lamp and you start the sketch, maybe you are at home?

Or here, it doesn’t matter where.

There is an idea, a little germ and suddenly it happens. After this first idea appears, you start working. But I have to say that usually the ideas emerge from a very silly thing because, great ideas are very simple.

For example, the Moaré started very easy. I had a hanging bulb at home and it was bothering me so I took a piece of curtain, a piece of screen and I hook it up with a clothespin and then I thought: “this is good. I must do something like this.” And, after that, we started working, very hard, to obtain a plain result... Birth is that, it’s never easy.

things, pure elements, superior and traditional... I think that it will still be a bit of everything and I’m convinced that this pairing of tradition and evolution will become a need in the future. With an Ipad we’ll be able to solve all the functional questions whereas the rest will keep us in contact with one’s human side.

Nowadays, what do you think that prevails in design: its usefulness, the technology that it’s used, the art...?

I think that the three of them. Today there is everything for everyone, I’m aware of it but that doesn’t mean that it’s what I think it should be...

Antoni, together with 20 Spanish designers you have created the exhibit called “Bravos” and you are now travelling to the USA and Bangkok with Juli Capella as organizer.

You are displaying many of your works.

As it happens in Cuisine, Architecture is worldwide renowned. Do you think that Spanish design remains to be discovered abroad?

I think that it’s already known and renowned but in very restricted sectors. It is true that, maybe, the Spanish cuisine is better known, there are masters like Ferran Adrià that have crossed borders and it obviously helps, but I am certain that this renown is in restricted sectors. I mean, Miss Maria, from France, will just know Ferran Adrià if she is interested or in contact with the cuisine sector.

I believe that it’s the same for design.

How do you think it should be?

I think that the future will be, or at least it’s how I would like it to be, a mix between this little device (pointing at my iPad) and some human

That’s true, but referring to design circles...

Spanish design is renowned but, instead of being known as a group or sector, it is known by proper names

The first idea may be simple, yes but, close to the end polishing up it’s more difficult...

There is not a receipt, but that clicks are always responsible for the results.

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“

An artist can be a designer and vice versa. Where are the limits?

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”

SINGULAR & MASCULINE

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and specific personalities. But I have to say that it seems familiar abroad, very familiar.

Recently you’ve doing research on pigments, textures and seeds. Are you trying to find art in these materials or are you studying them for further designs?

I’ve doing this for a long time not just recently...

Well, it’s what has been published recently, maybe before it wasn’t public...

That’s true, it wasn’t public. Now, as we have a little time we are classifying it... It’s this sort of things that I’ve been doing all my life, without an apparent reason, without a cause...

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And, in the meanwhile, what were you doing with the hole of this? Did you keep it at home and you have finally realized that something could be done?

Actually, we’re still thinking on what to do with that. For now we are blowing the dust off and putting some order. When I travel I like to bring back the things that I like, just because I like them, with no intention of collecting them.

As I see you have classify them by materials, textures, colours...

Yes, but just by attraction.

So, it’s simply something aesthetic, there’s nothing more?

Well, for now it is so, but when you

Maybe someday will use them for a project, or maybe not...

start thinking about it you realize that seeds are awesome.

You’re right; a little tree will be born from it...

Yes, a little tree of 30 meters... It’s a mystery; this figure keeps the DNA inside... I won’t deny that there is an aesthetic interest, but there’s more.

It’s the same thing as for colours. I collect colours but that colours are natural pigments, they’re soil. When I visit Mexico and I see the painted houses... I’m astonished. So I enter the fist paint shop and buy them.

And then...

Then we keep them here, in receptacles. Now, we’re checking them on paper to see what they look like.

SINGULAR & MASCULINE

You also design perfume packaging.

What do you base your work on?

We’ve been working on packaging for years and, theoretically, we take the image as a reference but we are also concerned about the way of doing things and the fragrance itself.

For a long time we’ve been doing strictly design exercises and, to be honest, they had very good results and, even now, they are working. But lately perfumes have entered the fashion loop. What was a static product for a long time is now a temporary one. Launches increases as more and more products disappear and we are now asked to design less lasting objects, less classics and more fashionable.

Objects that adapt themselves to fashion...

Yes, but to extreme fashion not the classic one. That means that we have to change our mindset. We have gone from objects designer to fashion designers... It has taken me a couple of years to understand it but, now, I’m really happy because we are discovering another way of doing things. And, yes, it’s more superficial and ethereal but, as with everything, there’s something about it.

When seeing a project, “Arola’ style” is immediately recognised: simplicity, SINGULARESMAG #3 | 47

affected lighting and wood. Why are you so inspired by this material?

I’m inspired by basic and natural materials. I like concrete, stone, iron, glass...

How do you approach lighting? I mean, for a person who designs lamps, it must be essential in an interior design project...

The key of interior design is making spaces comfortable and, while I’m working in a project, I imagine myself as the future user of this space and think about what makes me feel comfortable. For me, comfort is a space with low well directed lighting, that’s all. If you do it with care, with 48 | SINGULARESMAG #3

an accurate lighting, spaces become nice and human and that’s what I’m looking for. After getting that, you can add personality emphasizing some details. I like using wood in my interiors, but also colour which is closely related to light. Colour is part of light.

We are now going through very hard times and, obviously, such a luxury item as decor is set aside for lots of people. How do you think that designers have to reinvent themselves to face this difficult period?

Well... Nowadays, there is a general education on these subjects; people already know what interior design is

about. And it’s true, in Barcelona lots of establishments are opening but there aren’t many jobs. I think people have learned to do things by themselves without needing to take on a designer.

Do you know or follow any blog or online digital media of interior design? What do you think about this boom of opinions?

TEverybody can talk about anything.

I often visit “Design Boom” but not much more. I really feel that so much information is cloying and, by the way, it’s usually little critical... Yes, it’s a worldwide phenomenon and there’s a lot of everything for anything. For example, when I design a line, it’s barely unfinished and there’s already someone looking it up on the Internet to find out something similar. But the fact is that there is always something similar...

This little devices (pointing at his Mac) are changing our lives and also the professions. An artist can be a designer and vice versa. Where are the limits? All disciplines are now mixed and I think that soon or later they will fall. Things are not as defined as they were years ago, look at me, for example. I’m an interior designer, but I feel like writing, more every day, because my thoughts are now a little more clear and sober than they used to be and I see things and I say to myself: “I have to write this...” I won’t become a writer but I SINGULAR & MASCULINE

like to say my opinion.

Well, you are also teaching...

Yes, I give talks and teach classes and I think: “what else can I tell them”. Because they already know everything even before I explain nothing, there spending their time visiting blogs so what else can I say? The point is to learn to combine all of this. Today, the discourse is not the same as it was ten years before, it’s radically different. Times change so fast...

To where do you think that interior design is evolving? (Minimalism, trends mixture...)

What I think is that everything is rolling over to get back to where we were, but in global terms. As you say, disciplines are getting mixed.

Today, the one who do it well is the one that knows what to choose.

Everything is already done so how to find success? Spotify lists and blogs these are the things that success today, the ones that rules everything.

Information is so wide that we can’t get the hole of it and we, mortals, need that someone selects things for us because we don’t have time to look for everything.

We want to express our most sincere gratitude to Antoni Arola for his freshness, for being so kind and receptive.

Thanks Antoni.

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SANTACOLE.COM

A new way to light.

BlancoWhite, Antoni Arola 2011

ADI FAD 2012

LA CONDESA GOES OUT THE TABLES OF LA CONDESA 131 INHABIT WITH THE BEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS.

PRODUCTION: ELENA VALDÉS.

INTERVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPHY: BERTA PASCUAL.

Berta Pascual is the creative soul of La Condesa 131, a firm characterized by applying patterns over tables, their fetish. Berta represents craftwork, trendiness and tradition mixed up in equal measures during the production, fitted between useful furniture and art. As well as working by order, Berta has created a well-cared collection, called Inflorescencia, available at her web site and contacting PRISM

particular distributors.

Lázaro Rosa-Violán, María Lladó and Lorenzo Castillo, three of the most appreciated Spanish interior designers count on La Condesa 131 for their projects. It’s Berta herself who interviews them and shows us how her projects come to life in the houses of these magnificent architects of environments.

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THE HOUSE OF...

Lร ZARO ROSA

Barcelona: 10 a.m. We have coffee with Lรกzaro Rosa-Violรกn in his studio where everything flows and there is a balance between professionalism and companionship that make me want to stay forever. With all the weight that Lรกzaro is carrying on his shoulders, he pays attention to us between meeting and meeting, as if it were no big deal. His manners, sober and easy, and his humility when 52 | SINGULARESMAG #3

talking about his work impresses me, even more he is been considered one of the best interior designers of the world. Among his projects, he has designed the new Oysho boutiques - the underwear firm from Spanish group Inditex- or the Hotel Fair in the Costa Brava.

Lรกzaro chose for his studio the set Tierra 1+3 and, of course, we took

some photos to share with you how wonderfully they suit the studio.

To get to know him better we asked him some questions:

1. Give us one advice to decorate without being an interior designer.

You must have common sense and do things naturalness... It’s about designing while evaluating all the space traits, what does it provides us and how does it limits us and, above everything, it’s important to set a defined line, whatever it looks like, but always coherent.

PRISM

2. Where do you find inspiration?

Without a doubt, travelling: I find all that I need.

3. In which kind of projects will you include a table from La Condesa 131?

In anyone, they are very versatile fresh pieces. I believe they match all styles due to their simplicity. I’m a Fan!

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4. Why did you choose this exemplary of the collection and how did you integrate it in your personal o professional space?

We have placed it in the customer area of our studio, precisely for what I was saying: due to its versatility we can use it in many ways in the office and, as they are so sober they match up the chaos of objects that we have in here.

When we finished, LĂĄzaro asked us to dinner in one of the most delightful restaurants of Barcelona designed by himself and his studio.

What else can we ask for?

Keep track on him because every project is an artwork. www.lazarorosaviolan.com

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5. We love tables because they have always something to tell.

Can you confess us some special moment in your life that took place around a table?

Many things happen around a table, in our office there are all kind of tables everywhere so there is not a corner where we can’t meet in any moment.

PRISMA

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THE HOUSE OF...

MARÍA LLADÓ

We conquer creative territory by visiting the house of María Lladó where the designer included in her great collection the table set Party 1+3.

It’s a great pleasure to share the afternoon with María, in her house. She has energy and positivity enough to give. Her house is amazing, she 56 | SINGULARESMAG #3

mixes up things that you will never imagine that could fit together, she takes risks and the result is unique.

As we take coffee on the Party table, Maria gave us some answers:

1. Give us one advice to decorate without being an interior designer.

Watch, observe and be yourself.

Beauty is everywhere, you just have to see it with your own eyes and pass it on in your own way.

2. Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in Woody Allen and Paco Martínez Soria film sceneries.

Also some different things like the site “The Selby”, flea markets, a glass of champagne, a lucky rabbit’s foot in my pocket inspire me. Sometimes just to sit and think helps me.

No doubts here: in the next one.

4. Why did you choose this exemplary of the collection and how did you integrate it in your personal o professional space?

I chose it because I always listen to my heart, not to my head.

3. In which kind of projects will you include a table from La Condesa 131?

5. We love tables because they have always something to tell. Can you confess us some special moment in your life that took place around a table?

Of course yes, when I fell in love with my husband it all happened around a desk, full of papers and numbers, not romantic at all.

María is not just a designer, she customizes, mixes objects up and takes risks, she renovates spaces and she also invents interiors; she has her own showroom and makes furniture, in summary she puts everything into every project, as if she was designing for herself. She is mad about

her work. Her happiness and freshness, her working method completely custom-made and her undeniable talent to invade spaces attracts everyone. If you don’t know her yet, be welcome to the extraordinary world of María Lladó. www.mariallado.com

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THE HOUSE OF...

LORENZO CASTILLO

We have been very lucky being invited to Lorenzo Castillo’s house; well actually it’s more a palace than a house located nearby the area of Tirso de Molina in Madrid. Decorated with excellent taste, it’s filled with antiques and classical works.

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Keeping in mind this detail and its exquisite taste I’m very pleased that he has included in this collection the Wings Black table. We make the most of the occasion to take some photos and make our usual roundtable discussion to know him a little better.

1. Give us one advice to decorate without being an interior designer.

The best way to design is doing it with no ambition, trying to be coherent with your way of life and likes but being always natural.

2. Where do you find inspiration?

I get inspiration from the books that I read, travelling around the world and in architecture.

house, plenty of light and mixing up contemporary art and white flowers.

4. Why did you choose this exemplary of the collection and how did you integrate it in your personal o professional space?

This table represents the balance between traditions and avant-garde, something that I love and that I practise.

3. In which kind of projects will you include a table from La Condesa 131?

I’m thinking in a fresh Mediterranean

Some more information about Lorenzo Castillo: After his success renovating the hotel Santo Mauro, Antonio CatalĂĄn, owner of the AC hotel chain, entrusted him the redecoration of the hotel Palacio del Retiro of Madrid; Kike

PRISM

Sarasola gave him the Room Mate from Rome and Florence and a lot more... Take a look at his work and keep track on him. www.lorenzocastillo.com

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DREAMED HARMONY

Through a perfect alliance between modernity, elegance and good taste, the house presents an eclectic style. A mix impregnated of art and vintage pieces fitted together with contemporary design objects complete the house furniture displaying a deliberated but very successful contrast.

TEXT: BELÉN LÓPEZ.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MARTA MUZÁS.

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On the dining room there is a warm young atmosphere achieved by the exquisite selection of pieces like the Santa & Cole lamp or the DSW chairs from Eames.

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Some kilometres away from Madrid, in Aranjuez, surrounded by an exceptional peaceful calm we found out this warm house.

Susana SandonĂ­s, the owner, heads the firm Kettal in Madrid. She and her husband had found out the perfect balance between functionality and design, producing as a result extremely welcoming spaces that are, above everything, a reflection of what has been lived there.

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In this house there is a perfect alliance between modernity, elegance and good taste.

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The bathroom is integrated in this sophisticated look. A Duravit hanging up washbasin and the taps from Teka live with some personal photos. All these give a unit that defines the style of the house.

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Through a perfect alliance between modernity, elegance and good taste, the house presents an eclectic style.

A mix full of art and vintage pieces, fitted together with contemporary design objects, complete the house furniture displaying a deliberated but very successful contrast.

Spaces follow one another, all fresh and natural, and an increased sense of this feelings come through soft and relaxing shades while white and

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stone take over in walls, floors and ceilings. As for design, in line with spaces, they used wood, cotton and linen with delicate details and an elegant mix of furniture pieces.

But, above everything, there is the light overwhelming the entire house and creating a sober scene where eyes can rest and completely relax.

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In the main bedroom some yellow beats give the touch of colour.

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The garden it’s dressed with outdoor furniture from Kettal, making out a perfect integration from the house indoor.

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---------------------------------------ADVERTISE ON SINGULARES ---------------------------------------publicidad@singularesmag.com ---------------------------------------¿Owner of a 2.0 business?

So we are and our public too.

Romantics at heart, moderns by belief.

NOMBRE SECCIÓN

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NEIMA’S

FOCUS

We enter the studio-dwelling of photographer Neima Pidal, a space filled of corners that reveals its owner passions through the objects that we found and which walls has turned into the most personal gallery as some of her best works are exhibit.

TEXT: MARIA MARCET.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: NEIMA PIDAL.

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The chest of drawers is from Maisons du Monde. On the previous page: fifties turquoise green cupboard from M霉 Restauraci贸n a workshop in Zaragoza.

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We move to Zaragoza to discover the apartment of photographer Neima Pidal, a house that communicates the same creativity and emotions as her photography work does. Specialised in weddings and child’s photos, she always captures unique moments that happen around her lens.

After a recent move, her house since three months is not yet as such as a curious mind as hers would like. She’s a regular reader of design blogs and magazines so there are still lots of corners that must be adapted to her needs and likes but a downtown location mixed up with a cheap rental and plentiful natural light that falls through the large winSINGULARES AT HOME

dows were decisive factors to choose this apartment, which arrangement allows her receiving clients in a large bright studio.

The walls of the whole house are an excellent showcase of her work and it’s precisely in her studio where we can find some of her most significant photographs, as the one placed in the centre of the mural belonging to an Alice in Wonderland inspired photo shoot, which introduced her in photography weddings world and blogs.

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“

I provide handmade and customized finishing details to my clients, with individual layouts and different packaging for each one

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�

Neima spends most of her time in her studio, editing and working on her photographic reports. This space allows us to glimpse her passions and interests as well as the tight relationship that she keeps with

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craft world. She uses multicoloured thread spool and washi tape to customize the boxes where she delivers the photographic report albums and DVDs, the culmination of a work made with care from the beginning.

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“

The big suitcase is from my grandfather and it’s one of those things I’m very fond of ”

In a corner of the hallway we found a pile up set of suitcases which aesthetic is completely harmonious and visually attractive. Neima admits her weakness for old suitcases as well as for cages, objects that she 80 | SINGULARESMAG #3

has placed over a table she found in the street. After stripping it with the intention of painting it, she decided to preserve old varnish remainders and visible wood.

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In this room, two of her favourite furniture stands out: a mint coloured chair and a little yellow cabinet, both bought in Verde Gris, at Mercantic.

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In the wall there are prints from Mark Rayden, Yoshitomo Nara, Benjamin Lacombe or Nicoletta Ceccoli.

The painting composition that decorates the main wall of the sitting room represents a true reflection of Neima’s preferences, as she considers herself an unsuccessful illustrator. In this limited space of her hou-

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se hangs some of the works of her favourite illustrators, paintings that keep a close aesthetic to children’s stories, which ambience passes on a magical aura full of tenderness.

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Through the shells lots of objects from street markets of different cities as Berlin, Barcelona, London or Zaragoza itself live side by side.

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Over an Ikea yellow buffet there is an old record player that once belonged to Neima’s father, like the most of vintage electronic devices handed out among the house.

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One of the biggest hobbies of Neima rests surrounded by the glass of several buffets. Looking for some inspiration she found out, back in 2004, the Blythe dolls collection,

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which pushed her to design, make up and even sell some of these designs.

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The bedroom stands out due to the softness of its tonalities that perfectly matches up with the textures and patterns of the different textiles.

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Once more, the presence of illustrations defines the special feature of this house, an identity that spreads out from the personality of its tenant.

Like most of the furniture, the buffet is from Ikea. On the next page, a gift-wrap clipping gains prominence being placed inside a big gold-coloured frame.

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Neima Pidal neimapidal.com neimapidal.blogspot.com.es

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多A 2.0?

So it is Singulares Magazine

www.singularesmag.com

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THE VICTORIAN

HOUSE

OF JONATHAN AND MICHAEL Since I discovered the house of Jonathan and Michael, in Yorkshire, I knew that it was perfect for a report at Singulares Magazine because of its peculiarity and the history hidden behind the refurbish that the couple is carrying out.

PRODUCTION AND TEXT: FRAN SOGUERO. PHOTOGRAPHY: JONATHAN KING AND MICHAEL MINNS.

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A vintage shop sign stands out over the wall.

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Since 1993, Jonathan King and Michael Minns, owners of Shootfactory, a company active in location management for advertising, movies and TV shows and photo sessions, lived and worked in London but, for the last three years, they were looking for a second home in Yorkshire, northern England, as Michael’s sister was about to have her first child and they wanted to be nearby to see their nephew grow.

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As Michael says, these three years were spent in finding a house “we could transform for us, we could make it our own and modify the room arrangement to our like.”

However, they were also looking for a concrete house as they wanted a Victorian one, completely different from the one they lived in London: an open space refurbished warehouse that was, in fact, the first refurbish they performed together.

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Different views from the hall and the stair that reaches the second floor.

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The owners has located an industrial inspired work space making the most of the second floor hallway, in which walls they have used a recovered wood board facing.

“

We like mixing up styles, eclecticism and finding bargains but we also like upmarket pieces (Michael)

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�

They finally found what they were looking for at 47 Park Avenue, Yorkshire. They rent a house nearby, for six months, while workers almost only left the structure of their house.

When it came to painting, they decided to use white in each room to see how daylight came into contact

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with every space of the house, how it created shadows, where did sun light fell directly, with the only idea of testing colours, furniture, special antique pieces and artwork. One of the acts they’re proudest about is the restoration of the amazing wood floor, which was given a new life.

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“

They decided to use white in each room to see how daylight [...] created shadows, where did sun light fell directly, with the only idea of testing colours, furniture, special antique pieces and artwork ” 100 | SINGULARESMAG #3

One of the living rooms, with a large sofa inspired by retro style.

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In the living room, the diversity of colours from the different seats stands out and finds his echo in the artwork situated above the recovered table. The variety of styles is reflected in pieces as the “Egg� armchair, from Arne Jacobsen, and the excellent Chester sofa.

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Different views from the main bedroom (all black and white) with the en-suite bathroom.

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As Michael follows “as they are only two people and three dogs” they wanted to be sure that the four room house was used in the best way “so it fit together with our way of life”, that is why they did a main en-suite bedroom and “turn into both dressing rooms the smallest ones”, one for each. They also changed the second floor room into a screening room.

As for design, Michael says they “like mixing up styles, eclecticism and finding bargains but we also like upmarket pieces”. As he finish “it’s easy SINGULARES AT HOME

adding colours, styles and textures when the background colour is monochrome”.

The couple decided to create a blog, “47 Park Avenue” a space to show the progress of the refurbish of their house and, from this wonderful idea, many other appeared and, in a no time, they’re going to launch an online shop where unique furniture objects and artworks could be bought, as they say, “the kind of object that we are going to use and that represents our style”.

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“

It’s easy adding colours, styles and textures when the background colour is monochrome ” (Michael)

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Michael’s dressing room, where a superb glass cabinet serves as shoe rack.

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Jonathan’s dressing room.

It’s a real work in progress, as they still have to accomplish, on a second phase, the refurbish of another bathroom just like the kitchen. The last one would become a wide social space, with a dining room and a beautiful garden view. We must keep an eye on them.

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47 Park Avenue 47parkav.blogspot.co.uk/ Shootfactory shootfactory.co.uk/

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APARTMENT IN BARCELONA

REFLECTIONS OF LIGHT AND MEMORIES Deborah and Sebastián first met at a French school and, since then, they have always been together.

Their love for the South of France and for antiques runs in the family from old times and it is reflected in every detail of their home.

TEXT: OLGA FERNÁNDEZ.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ANAÏS GORDILS.

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The living is equipped with a terracotta antique armchair and a black sofa from Ikea adorned with ethnic cushion from Textura.

The apartment, located in the neighbourhood of SarriĂ in Barcelona, was only 45 m2 but, after the refurbishing accomplished by Mis Mas interior design studio, it was enlarged in meters and its brightness was multiplied.

As the apartment was an attic, they were allowed to demolish the false ceilings so they can find the light they were looking for.

The floor that once comes with the dining room, the kitchen, one bedroom and a bathroom is now an open and comfortable space of high ceilings.

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The main architectural components are fine materials like wood and metal. This clean and minimalist design perfectly contrasts with the antique furniture.

Memories are all around in the decor: we can see traces of their families and their travels, as it happens with de dining room furniture, a creation of a great-uncle of the owner, or with the painting collection that lays upon the buffet. Here and there, every decorative object talks about family memories and travels.

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In the kitchen area they tried to play a simple full white style, only interrupted by the steel profile display cabinets used for storage that makes the most for the gap under

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the stair. The surface of this space, built in an encaustic greenish ceramic tile, breaks the wood continuity of the rest of the housing.

From the upper floor the make out almost the full house.

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An almost entirely greenish bedroom with inheritance furniture.

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A shade of lilac cushion from Textura breaks the continuity of green in this room.

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The full white bed linen contrasts with a plaid in lilac tonalities from Textura.

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The sleeping area was placed in the upper zone, where the joists and the sloping ceiling were visible. From here, they gained access to a little roof terrace where they can now enjoy a private outdoor space.

A quiet house and a warm home full of history and memories.

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A little place they didn’t expect reachable through the ladder.

mis-MĂ S interior design Calle de Sant Agusti 3, 1D, Barcelona. mis-mas.com

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A fountain shaped out with encaustic ceramic tile governs the little roof terrace.

NOMBRE SECCIÓN

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LA BROCANTERIE La Brocanterie houses lots of objects, furniture, mirrors and lamps from different eras, but always following the coolest elements of the moment.

PRODUCTION: BELÉN LÓPEZ.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ASIER RUA.

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Situated nearby El Rastro, in Madrid, and managed by Francisco Caballero and Peter Priede, La Brocanterie is a reference and a must for design lovers.

In there you will find a well-cared selection of furniture, objects and essentials that all share their good taste for the best from other eras.

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This lovely shop is perfect to find pieces that time ago lived in industrial spaces, special design furniture from the XX century or even, lost among some antiques, strange objects that will maybe awake your nostalgia.

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You will find a unique collection of capricious and versatile vintage pieces that will perfectly match up unique and customized houses. The key, as the owners say, is to know how to mix up styles: vintage, retro, Art Deco, inspiration from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, industrial furniture...

Whatever! You just have to choose.

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jects, furniture, mirrors and lamps from different eras, but always following the coolest elements of the moment.

So, if you need some different inspiration for your house and want to see a little more, just visit this boutique as it has become a must for design lovers.

La Brocanterie Rodrigo de Guevara, 2, Madrid labrocanterie.es

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AMOR DE MADRE UN UNDERGROUND

TABERN Amor de Madre is an avant-garde and versatile space where you can have a homemade meal at lunchtime or have a drink when night falls.

PRODUCTION: BELÉN LÓPEZ.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ÁLVARO LECO.

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They define themselves as an underground tavern and they use precisely the word tavern because of the tapas and the homemade food they serve and the great wine and beer selection they have. Everything in Amor de madre is high quality and this is exactly the reason of their SINGULARES PREMISES

success. The street aesthetic of the space does the rest. Based in a philosophy that have as a reference skate, surf, tattoos and graffiti, the underground essence is undeniable but always keeping a very emphasized urban spirit.

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Amor de madre has three partners: Tulio, a vocational surfer, Franchu, a professional skater and Mario, an entrepreneur from the sector that is not at all the third party in disagreement. The three of them are a perfect team that give as a result Amor de madre.

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The tavern is placed in an ancient punk pub and, after a few months of remodelling and reconditioning now the beautiful original brick walls surround impressive beams all mixed up with a soft coloured eclectic industrial design.

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Once you’re in Amor de madre you will not only enjoy good meals or a cup of tea or coffee with a piece of cake in a late afternoon. Here you will be able to enjoy monthly exhibitions and a full night cocktail bar service so the tavern adapts itself

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to the needs from morning to night.

All of that, together with a wellcared selection of music, has turned Amor de madre into a reference in MalasaĂąa, Madrid.

Amor de Madre San Joaquín, 14, Madrid

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SMILES IN COLOURS

Let all the fears stay away, here, we only make space for smiles in colours.

This is the leit motiv Envés Diseño practiced when planning the Miriam Guerrero children and young adult’s dental clinic in Ciudad Real.

TEXT: ELENA VALDÉS.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ENVÉS ESTUDIO.

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On the counter: Kartika lamp, from Emporium. As it is a methacrylate lampshade it reflects all the colours, the identity of the clinic.

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The waiting room it’s a perfect example that it is possible to give up the asepsis of the sanitary spaces.

When do appear all the ghosts that torture us relate to a dental clinic?

It is probably during our childhood when this visits begin and stay burned in our memory. Tracing these unhappy memories, a real challenge turned up to Envés Estudio trying to replace all this topics designing a pleasant, almost playful, space that helps demystify sanitary ambiances.

As Mar and Víctor, the creative souls

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of Envés, says “when we were asked to perform this project, we realize that our clients were young and cheerful but the space was sad, so we decided to transform this place in a comfortable and functional workspace.” What previously was a unique room became a study and two work offices giving a useful capacity to the space. But, even before starting to plan the needs of the

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clients for the clinic arrangements and facilities, EnvĂŠs Estudio was already working in a visual identity (signage and promotional material, stationery and signboard) as the 146 | SINGULARESMAG #3

central concept of the project also defined by a simple idea, the smile, whose brightness is based in the strength of colour.

“

Creating in unison a cheerful graphic design and a colourist indoor, Envés come across a balanced, suggestive and complete result ”

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The design of the waiting room was focused on giving up the asepsis of such spaces. A full-colour vinyl, a characteristic detail of the studio work, dominates one of the walls.

The Tomato pouf, from Nanimarquina, is one of the pieces that furnish the room. In its centre, the transparent multicoloured polycarbonate furniture, from Kartell, increases the

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light and makes enjoyable the waiting time for the little ones. As well as their taste for modern furniture, EnvĂŠs adds to the place its passion for recycling by reupholstering, using different tissues, the antique armchairs that the owners wanted to pass away. Now, they are unique objects exclusively custom-made for the project.

During the refurbishing, the toilets were adapted and redesigned to give them a very plastic appearance that perfectly matched with the rest of the clinic.

EnvĂŠs Estudio enves.es

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SI MAZOUZ IS FRENCH BY DESIGN A passionate of Scandinavian design and vintage industrial objects, Si likes to mix and match items from different eras to create unique spaces with an eclectic vintage ambiance.

TEXT: OLGA FERNĂ NDEZ.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: FRENCH BY DESIGN.

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Si, a French girl living in North Carolina, US, is an addict, as she herself admits, to vintage and design.

She likes all colours, provided that they have a relationship.

She started collecting vintage items for herself and, now, she continues searching and offering vintage objects for other addicts through her online store.

I discovered her blog by chance as we started at the same time in the

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blogosphere. Since then, my visits to French by Design are almost daily.

Her mix of styles, clearly influenced by her mixture of cultures (she is French from her mom and Moroccan from her dad), is full of purity in its shades and is already a leader in the blogging world.

Her home is a clear example of this style, interior design furniture, mixed with Ikea or other decorative objects from around the world.

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You live out of your country, France. How you take it to live so far from home?

I really like the experience of living abroad. I think it’s fantastic that my kids can learn so early that the world is a small place and that being mobile is ok, that difference is not so scary and it can also be very exciting.

We love our life in the US! How would you define yourself?

I am a 40 year old girl, mom, wife, blogger, shop owner, interior designer, and a runner.

When did your hobby to the world of decoration start?

I’ve always been attracted to design and home décor, but DIY had been foreign to me until a few years ago.

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We bought a house 10 years ago in the South of France and had to redo it from floors to ceiling, with a very limited budget. I did it myself for the most part, room after room, for 2 years, I had to learn how to do wall stucco, paint, bought myself a few tools like a wood jigsaw, and started doing my own wooden furniture and other DIY projects at first to save money, then because I loved the feeling of doing it myself.

How did you decided to start a blog and create an online shop?

I love vintage pieces. Scouting them, finding them, cleaning and waxing the wood, searching about their origins… That’s my thing. When we moved to the US, I realized that European look for American heri-

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tage pieces, and Americans do the same about French and European flea markets finds. So in addition to collecting for myself, I started the French By Design vintage shop. The blog started as a relay to the shop, to show people that vintage does not have to be outdated and old looking and does mix very well – it actually mixes better – with modern interiors. Then, the blog took off way beyond my expectations and now takes me more time than the vintage shop.

Where do you find the items you sell in your online store? Do you visit markets in France, do you buy on line...

I scout everywhere, from local flea markets in North Carolina to garage sales on the side of the road on a road trip, during my trips to Paris, Provence or Morocco, or on online auction sites. Vintage beauty is truly everywhere.

Tell us an online shop where to buy vintage items.

I love Factory 20 because they carry unique products. Le Repere des Be-

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lettes carries amazing French vintage pieces in addition to a modern product selection. Chez les voisins, another cool French vintage online shop, offers an extensive collection of military folding camp cots/beds, which I am fond of. I also love Bailey Home and Garden. They have an eye for repurposing vintage finds and their flawless styling is a constant source of inspiration for me.

Do you have any addiction decorative?

There is not one element I couldn’t live without, but I have a thing for chairs and lighting. To me, they make the difference in an interior. Get the wrong lighting source and the whole room is missing something. Chairs do the same for me. Mixing chairs from different eras or styles instantly create character to a room.

How would you define your home?

It’s Vintage eclectic. I’m all about mixing pieces, modern with vintage, occidental with ethnic and tribal, white and colour. I like to surprise and be surprised.

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What is the favourite part of your home?

The family room/kitchen because it’s the heart of our home. That’s where we spend the most time as a family.

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What about your favourite’s interior designers or decorators?

I’m a big fan of Paola Navone, for her constant approach to comfort, timeless and easy going style. I also love Jacqueline Morabito for her pure

whites and her treatment of natural light. She uses vintage pieces and updates them with pure white linen fabrics, and her interiors are fresh, peaceful and unique.

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Is there a city that still surprises you?

Paris. Every time I’m there, I feel like I re-discovering it for the first time.

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In your opinion which colour will be the trend colour for spring/summer 2013?

Pantone announced emerald green as the 2013 colour. So I guess we’ll see a lot of green. I also think we’ll see more gold and metallic this year.

2013 will be shiny!

Our big thanks to Si for her freshness, availability and proximity at all times.

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French by Design frenchbydesign.blogspot.com.es

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BILBAO For several years now, Bilbao has come off the label of grey city, not much interesting, neither tourist, to become a hot destination where you can enjoy its culture as its architectural or gastronomic charms while you spend some hours, or maybe journeys, to go shopping. On this occasion, decoshopping takes place around the Guggenheim city and here you are a little sample of the trendiest shops to decorate your houses.

PRODUCTION AND TEXT: FRAN SOGUERO.

SHOPPING ROUTE

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANNA DE PABLOS.

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Matiko It’s been just a few months since Ana and Belén, in charge of “Matiko”, are in the new location, facing the Guggenheim Museum, an exceptional zone of Bilbao. The new shop is a high ceiling space, presenting a spectacular design with a beautiful encaustic ceramic tile floor, and showing the stone, the brick and half the structure.

However, the story of this boutique goes back to 1992, in a different location. Since then, this multi-brand shop (among the firms that they sell we can find renowned brands as 166 | SINGULARESMAG #3

Designers Guild, Casamance, Cole & Son or Elite Decor) has dressed and designed the houses of lots of people from Bilbao, always under the premise of an eclectic and casual style. As Ana and Belén say, “we try to adjust budgets so with little money everybody can have a beautiful house”. It’s as simple as that.

As well as doing interior design projects, Ana and Belén sell vintage furniture, Nordic inspired pieces, fabrics, wallpapers, decorative objects and more, always under their guidance.

Matiko Avenida de las universidades, 4, Bilbao 944 458 844 mueblesmatiko@gmail.com

SHOPPING ROUTE

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Los Caprichos de Camille “Los caprichos de Camille” is the kind of shop that you will probably find if you go for a walk in Copenhagen or in most of French towns but, in Bilbao, this shop is a breath of fresh air. Launched just six months ago this little time has been enough to turn this shop into a reference in the commercial landscape of the city. The whiteness of its shop window (that follows inside) it’s already attractive and invites everybody to come in.

Once you’re in, Lorea, the proud owner, exhibits her goods: you can find 168 | SINGULARESMAG #3

fashion, furniture and Nordic and French inspired decorative objects, chose by her among a well-cared brand selection, with beauty and charm as only requirement.

Lorea wants that everybody feels comfortable in her shop; she wants her boutique to be a welcoming place and, to be honest, she has widely achieved it by using a well-cared decoration where no detail is left. Pay attention to the wonderful encaustic ceramic tile floor. A place that was needed in Bilbao!

Los Caprichos de Camille Col贸n de Larreategui, 21, Bilbao 946 071 411 facebook

SHOPPING ROUTE

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De Capricho I am one of those who believe that a house design is not completely finished until flowers and plants come in; it’s like making the outside living inside, making nature a part of design.

That is why in a shopping route florist could not be absent. Since 2005, Juan Carlos and Xabi are managing “De Capricho”, although from the last two years they’re located in a different place. Now they’re in a 200 square meters space, divided in two levels, where they make many works with natural and artificial plants and flowers for private houses and business (like shop windows, hotels, bou170 | SINGULARESMAG #3

tiques and offices) but also flower arrangement for weddings and a well-cared selection of decorative elements.

But “De Capricho” is not only a shop.

You can find regularly art exhibitions, book launching events, performances and more, while enjoying a cup of tea in the second floor, a gladly decorated atmosphere.

De Capricho Barrainkua, 10 Bilbao 944 440 000 decaprichobilbao.com/ facebook

SHOPPING ROUTE

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Arbe For the past 11 years, Juan Aguinaco y Ana Uribe are running “Arbe”, situated in the downtown of the city. In their showroom we will find furniture from different styles like objects from French XVIII century or modern design pieces to vintage and industrial elements. In addition, they have a wide and well-cared selection of the best fabrics and wallpaper brands like Ralph Lauren or Nobilis.

But, in “Arbe”, painting, graphic arts and sculpture are very important. The work of Tàpies, Palazuelo o Valdés, 172 | SINGULARESMAG #3

to take some examples, is mixed up with African anonymous artwork or Art Deco pieces.

“Arbe” also works as a studio, from where Juan and Ana undertake the realisation of complete constructions taking in charge the direction as well as the coordination of interior designs projects.

Arbe Col贸n de Larreategui, 48, Bilbao 944 232 314 arbe.net

SHOPPING ROUTE

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Tokyo Story “Tokyo Story” it’s a Bilbao classic. In 2003, the couple Sonia and Cebas became pioneers in the city by offering a vintage and retro style kind of pieces (such as furniture, decorative objects but also clothes and accessories). They’re specialized in the period between the 50’s and the 70’s even if in their shop we will find industrial objects from the 30’s and 40’s as well as garden furniture of any age.

The couple is very respectful with the historic authenticity of each of the pieces they buy and they always try 174 | SINGULARESMAG #3

to keep visible the scars left by time but, when someone needs a reupholster, for example, they always use fabrics and patterns of the same age.

At “Tokyo Story” you will find different services such as the possibility of renting furniture, the quest for a concrete object and also any pieces adaptation or transformation to make them fully adapted to the customer’s needs.

Tokyo Story Arbolantxa, 6, Bilbao 944 790 393 tokyostory.biz/es/

SHOPPING ROUTE

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Almoneda Campos Facing the recently remodelled Teatro Campos, a real symbol of Bilbao physiognomy, we find “Almoneda Campos”, near to the style of Parisian business and managed since 2006

by Iñaki, who has been always tracking odd and unusual pieces across markets of half Europe. When you come in his shop, of limited dimensions, is like entering an absolutely theatrical atmosphere in line with the theatre that it’s just in face. This shop leaves nobody indifferent; it’s like going into a wunderkammer or house of wonders in downtown city.

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In this curiosity cabinet you will find, above everything, lots of lamps from all styles and origins (Germany, Italy, Belgium...), the hallmark of the store but, also, you will be able to discover other decorative objects (such as signs, mirrors, stuffed animals, clocks, porcelain or glass...) as well as vintage costume jewellery, 50’s and 60’s party dresses, hats, etc. It’s difficult not to fall in love with something.

Almoneda Campos Bertendona, 2, Bilbao 606 576 766 retro-lamparas.com/

SHOPPING ROUTE

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