Spectacular Spanish. Two words that get my attention.  Spanish-style houses are my favorite. Dallas is home to some beautiful Spanish varieties – one in particular.

Chairish featured the work of Palmer Weiss recently. I recognized one of the projects right away by its distinctive living room ceiling and sunroom cement floor. This house is on a favorite street in my home town. Read about it here. Dallas designer Cathy Kincaid updated the house not too long ago. Verandah magazine featured the lavish project. Artisan finishes, wonderful antiques and textiles combined beautifully throughout the interior . Surprisingly the house changed hands shortly afterwards. A California designer took her turn next.

Images below feature the work from both designers. Ms. Kincaid’s are shown first with Ms. Weiss’ below. The design was not changed drastically.

The dining room was a blue and white lover’s dream.

The Portuguese-style tiles are no longer. Hopefully they went to a good home. Also, gone are the carved doors closing off the room.

Both designers chose light shades of blue for the living room.

The two living rooms have basically the same seating arrangements with similarly styled furnishings. Both rooms are very tonal with Ms. Kincaid’s room having a little bit more variety in color and pattern. The dark mirror in Ms. Weiss’s room relates to the Spanish architecture. The airiness and height of the palm is a nice addition yet I can’t help but think of a design professor who derided placing a plant in a corner.

They developed  similar furniture plans.

A similar sectional paired with two chairs. The plant must have been left with the house.

Cathy Kincaid chose a tonal color palette in most instances throughout the house.

By contrast, Palmer Weiss used a variety of colors.

Certain special details remained.

These antique Portuguese tiles were kept around the fireplace. The tiles are likely from Solar Antique Tiles.

Similar Master bedroom designs.

A serene palette set a soothing tone.

Ms. Weiss’ bedroom likewise featured a white four poster bed. Alternatively, she chose a punchier palette.

Driving by this house over the weekend, I was stunned to see that the adjacent lot had been purchased. A large addition is currently under construction.

View Cathy Kincaid’s work here. View Palmer Weiss’ work here.

Photos of Ms. Kincaid’s work are by James Merrill. Ms. Weiss’ photos taken by Francesco Lagnese.

Casa V Interiors designs spectacular Spanish homes.

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The entry of Casa Barragán with its steps of volcanic rock, cantilevered desk, and painting by Mathias Goertiz.

Visiting Casa Luis Barragán was a highlight of my year. The architect was a favorite discovery while in design school. His sparse monastic spaces and bold colors left an impression on me. So many years since the feeling has not left. It was only amplified by standing within his home.

Master of scale.

Mexican architecture feels indestructible with its hard surfaces and large scale. It feels protective. It feels dramatic. Barragán’s house is both. He used scale brilliantly. The overall ceilings are tall but shorter walls within divide up spaces for more intimacy while allowing light to penetrate to the interior. Bookshelves, screens, furniture are all lower to relate to human scale. A strong objection I have to so many newer homes is their scale. Ceilings and door openings are oversized. Nothing is brought down to human scale leaving the occupant with the uncomfortable feeling of being vulnerable.

Barragán uses strong color on certain walls but overall the interior is made up of neutrals. A range of textures- rush seating, parchment lampshades, wood grain, textured plaster walls add enough interest that color is not missed.

A small interior study separates the living room from a library.

Barragán’s lamps are perfect. So simple but wonderfully proportioned. Sometime I hope to recreate them in a ceramics class.

He painted the underside of the steps white to enhance the feeling of them floating upwards.

An upstairs sitting room. Artwork by a favored artist, Mathias Goeritz.

Music and religion.

Barragán’s bedroom. From the numerous crucifixes one can see that he was a very spiritual person.

Opposite of his bed is a painting of the Annunciation contrasted with a triptych of the model Iman.

Music was made available in most rooms. He is known for this simple furniture with block knobs.

Another crucifix in the landing. The set of three drawers on the left symbolizes Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Mirrored balls are placed in each room in order to reflect the walls.

The colorful stairwell leading to the roof top terrace.

On the terrace he wanted one to be able to complemplate. The surrounding buildings are not  visible, only the sky.

There are two dining rooms in the house. The dining room above is for guests.

Otherwise Barragán ate alone in this small kitchen-adjacent space. The ceramic plates say “Soledad” meaning solitude.

This ceiling fixture is only one of two in the house. He did not want overhead light to compete with that made by God. Lamps did not count apparently.

This painting by Chucho Reyes includes the colors seen within or from the house. The green reflecting ball is the one token of color allowed. The other balls are silver.

My husband loves to take selfies to send to our children.

The untamed exterior contrasts with the strict order of the interior. Barragán hung sandbags on the branches of the long vine to create that dip.

It stretches across the garden and up the opposite wall.

Looking back towards the living room.

A serene courtyard. The terracotta pots turn green during the year but eventually it wears off returning them to the original color.

Personal life.

Our tour docent said that this image was one of his fiancée. Supposedly he called off the engagement two weeks prior to the wedding. Online reports speculate that Barragán was gay. Regardless, it is difficult to imagine a person of strict order sharing space with others. Certainly not children.

The architect at home. (Photo: Casa Luis Barragán)

The architect was said to be charming and always well-dressed. Even laying in his bed during his final days he was impeccably attired in his typical tweed jacket, white shirt, and ascot.

An interesting article about the architect’s ashes, an engagement ring, and his archives can be read here.

Casa V Interiors is an Orlando-based interior design firm.

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The elegant Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables has an enormous pool with parrots flying in and around its open courtyard. So lovely.

Fabulous Florida is such due to its glorious sunshine, blue ocean waters, green lakes, and stately homes. Many states could claim those same attributes. What makes Florida exceptional is its untamed quality. Hurricanes, alligators, swamps, everglades, and eccentric characters give this state a feral quality. As a relative newcomer, 32 years, I was not around to experience the state when it was less domesticated. There are glimpses of it to be found here and there, and when found, it is moving.

Below are some of my favorites sites that make Florida special.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables feels like stepping back in time. Established trees form a canopy over many of the streets. The houses are for the most part older and extremely charming. Being there gives a look into Old Florida.

This beauty is undergoing a renovation.

My first visit to Coral Gables was in 1987. My family took a trip to Key West over Christmas, stopping in Miami first to visit a college friend. We were immediately charmed with the area and the Spanish-style house where the family lived. The lush setting was vastly different from Dallas. One thing that stood out was the lack of curbs. The roads are even with the grass. Additionally, their unique street signs, seen above, were set into the grass.

The United Church of Christ across the street from the Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables.

Beautiful tiled bench at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.

Miami

Sometimes I think I don’t like Miami, but when visiting I realize that I love Miami. It is so much fun and such an interesting mix of people and neighborhoods. There are large iguanas found throughout, not so good as they are invasive however exotic they may be. Roosters are a common site roaming through people’s yards. The food scene is excellent as are the beaches, nightlife, and shopping.

Always delicious, Koko in Coconut Grove.

When visiting my son, we love to try new restaurants. Bouchon is one of his favorites. It is set in an old building with a perfect bistro decor within. The food is delicious, of course as it is Thomas Keller’s restaurant. Koko, top photo, is an excellent choice for Mexican.

Last fall a group of us went to see the show at The Faena which I highly recommend. We took a boat ride back to our hotel in the Grove and saw the beautiful night skyline. Such a fun experience.

Fort Lauderdale

One of my favorite places to visit is the Bonnet House. Many people here do not know of it, but it is quite unique making the trip well worthwhile.

(Photo: @bonnethouse)

(Photo: Annie Schlechter)

The Bonnet House reminds me of homes in México in that it is built around a central garden with open air hallways connecting the rooms. It is unconventional because of its unusual mélange of styles. Small monkeys jump from tree to tree in the surrounding acreage. Large swans claim the pond.

Orlando

One activity for our out of town guests is to go out on the airboats. It is so fun to see the cattle, alligators, bald eagles, and roseate spoonbills.

Roseate spoonbills derive their pink color from their diet as do flamingos.

Some of the airboat drivers live off the land which truly gives a glimpse into earlier days in Florida.

The best parts of this state are those that are the least pretentious – the simple pleasures of seeing manatees in the springs or dolphins jumping in a boat’s wake. The wood structure of the Rod and Gun club in the everglades, the homes made of tabby (oyster shells and water) in St. Augustine, and simple cracker homes throughout the state come to mind. There are a host of treasures to see throughout Florida. I have barely scratched the surface. Hopefully Milton will spare this unique region from its destructive fury.

Casa V is continually inspired by the natural beauty of Florida.

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Blue and white Cimarosa from Fortuny.

My favorite flower, from my all time favorite fabric house Fortuny, is Cimarosa. It is sophisticated and intricate showing the beautiful variation of color that makes Fortuny so desirable.

Image from Fortuny by Brian D. Colman. (Photo: Erik Kvalsvik)

Above it adds a pretty point of interest in the otherwise neutral bedroom.

(Photo: Erik Kvalsvik)

The yellow and white color way softens up the dark wicker and wood tones.

(Photo: Erik Kvalsvik)

Layering varying patterns of Fortuny is my favorite way to use the fabric.

Another favorite is Persiano for its subtle hint of the exotic.

(Photo: Erik Kvalsvik)

Because it is understated it works well in traditional interiors as seen in a guest bedroom above.

A new favorite fabric is Santander from Rosa Bernal.

Casa Gusto used it to upholster a chaise in their spectacular store. Love the striped cording they paired with this floral.

Favorite flowers – Indian style.

A new favorite from Elizabeth Eakins is Attur because I love the olive tones they added to this Indian-inspired textile.

This pattern also by Elizabeth Eakins used to be available in a block print. It had a special charm when printed that way, however; this is still a lovely pattern especially for blue and white enthusiasts.

Pearl gray 4 by Muriel Brandolini.

Muriel Brandolini was my favorite source for Indian florals. Her special twist made them her own in style and color.

Rust 3 by Muriel Brandolini.

Some of my old favorites are now archived such as this rust beauty above. They may be available by special order.

Favorite flowers – Egyptian style.

(Photo: katieleede.com)

Thebes from Katie Leede  features the papyrus flower offering a fresh take on a floral.

(Photo: soane.uk.com)

Likewise inspired by Egypt, Soane created Filigree Flower with its glorious greens.

(Photo: soane.uk.com)

Persian flower is an allover floral with vibrant golds and green.

Paisley Stripe injects its whimsical shape disrupting the flowers into stripes.

Paisley stripe. (Photo: soane.co.uk)

It pairs nicely with the framed tiger reminiscent of exotic India.

Casa V can bring some beloved flowers into your home.

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Dahlia Days

Flower Magazine hosted Dahlia Days at High Hampton a few weeks ago. Not only was it a wonderful event, but leaving hot Florida in August to head to the cool mountains of Cashiers, North Carolina was an easy decision. The weekend kicked off with a welcome dinner which we sadly missed due to a later arrival. The next day was a series of conversations with Elyce Arons, CEO and co-founder of Frances Valentine, the jeweler Mish Tworkowski, and Cathy Graham, illustrator, floral designer, author. Margot Shaw, the editor of Flower Magazine, moderated the discussions enlightening us about the passions and histories of the designers.

Mish, Elyce, Drew, Cathy, and Margot.

Dahlia arrangement by Drew.

The following day, Drew, the head gardener, shared his tips for growing his award-winning dahlias. After that we headed to the field to see his beauties in person. We were given secateurs to cut a few to take home. Because dahlias need frequent pruning it was good for all parties. The final night was a festive closing dinner with wine tasting and delicious meals prepared by the Inn. In addition, there was also a wonderful pop-up shop featuring antique and new table top items.

North Carolina Dahlias

Drew, the dahlia doyen.

Single orchid dahlia.

What I loved most about the days was meeting the various women. Some came in small groups, but others came by themselves confident that they would be comfortable arriving solo. They were right to think that as there were interesting women to meet and get to know. It was an energizing affair. Due to the first Dahlia Days being a success, it will likely return bigger and better next year.

Many glasses were set at the final dinner’s tables.

A glimpse of the pop-up shop items and the winning fabric combination.

(Photo: highhampton.com)

High Hampton

High Hampton is like summer camp except that the campers are sophisticated adults. Substitute chablis for Coca Cola and cashmere sweaters for hoodies. The Blackberry Farm Team handled the design as they are involved with the running of the inn. The lobby seen above is welcoming with the old wood structure that is perfectly worn and inviting. Comfortable upholstery, wicker floor lamps, and a mix of fabrics make the interior feel appropriately updated.

Sofas were upholstered in Lee Jofa Althea (I think). Pillows in Pierre Frey semi Kalamkar paired nicely. Floral on floral felt just right in this space.

Some of my favorite floral rooms where flowers were the focus.

(Photo: source unknown)

The flowers at High Hampton reminded me of some of my favorite flora-themed interiors. Muriel Brandolini designed her own Indian flowers. She used them lavishly throughout her interiors back in the day. Her dining room at the time was an unforgettable jolt of exuberant color. Her current fabrics feature less color and fewer flowers.

(Photo: source unknown)

Muriel Brandolini’s former bathroom covered in orange.

(Photo: murielbrandolini.com)

She later changed the walls to have a white ground to work with the redesign of her townhouse.

(Photo: https://r-o-o-m-s/tumblr.com)

Florals balance nicely with geometrics as is commonly seen in India and in this kitchen.

(Photo: Pinterest)

The blue and white fabric makes this room sing. Dark furniture and tobacco colored paper defy sweetness.

(Photo: source unknown.

Painted framed florals transform this hallway.

(Photo: peterdunhamtextiles.com)

Peter Dunham highlights this bedroom with his Udaipur pattern.

The yellow and lilac color ways have been discontinued. The red and indigo remain however for anyone wanting to satisfy their Indian flower desires.

Flowers in Mallorca

(Photo: @michaelsmithinc)

Michael Smith commissioned a special black and white color way of Carolina Irving’s Delios for his Mallorca home. I love the contrast of the floral with the dark woods and paintings of the room.

I have been longing to use the yellow color way of this pattern.

The next post will feature some favorite florals which might be of interest.

Casa V Interiors can create an interior garden for you.

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Our Spanish rental house had a marvelous ousted kitchen. Despite that, I had little intention of using it as I declared a hiatus from cooking while on vacation. While I enjoy it, I wanted to spend my time relaxing in the Balearic Sea. Once there, however; I changed my mind. The kitchen worked well, had amazing views, and was my own private sanctuary.

A lovely Spanish kitchen.

My favorite thing about the kitchen was its first floor location. A small stairwell lead down to the kitchen and the adjacent dining room and laundry. This seclusion of the kitchen is not at all popular in the US, but I think it is so smart. As one who does not like to entertain in the kitchen, I appreciate one that is hidden from sight. I don’t see the appeal of standing around the kitchen chatting with friends while sandwiched between a counter and an island. This is the purpose of a living room.

Because most people entertain in their kitchens, the budgets for these rooms are enormous when they don’t have to be. A kitchen that is designed for function can be quite beautiful in its simplicity. European kitchens often have tile walls for easy cleaning, but they are typically simple inexpensive tiles as seen in the photos below. Less money spent in the kitchen allows for special finishes in other rooms which can be neglected because of a financial deficit.

Another advantage of a segregated kitchen, is that decorative options open up. Today so many homes have open plans. There is no place to stop and start different paint colors or wallpapers. Consequently, a neutral color is chosen to run through these areas because they are easy. That can become boring or at the least a missed opportunity to create something more interesting.

Our Spanish kitchen had a tile backsplash behind the stove and a few other tiled details. There were nice wooden countertops and cabinets, but overall the kitchen had a simple layout without fancy finishes. There was adequate space and storage. Its greatest feature were two sets of French doors opening out to the covered terrace with views down to the pool and the sea beyond that. There was always a healthy breeze and surprisingly no bugs flying around.

View from the upstairs living room.

Looking back at our rental house from the pool area. The kitchen doors are underneath the two arches.

European kitchens are sometimes more utilitarian than our fancy US counterparts, but no less beautiful.

A simple Roman kitchen featured in Cabana. (Photo: Guido Taroni)

This Italian kitchen’s sole decoration is its paint colors.

A kitchen in Palermo featured in Cabana. (Photo: Guido Taroni)

This Sicilian kitchen uses decorative tile to distinguish the oven. The copper cooking utensils had a pretty gleam against the matte painted walls.

Spanish kitchen. (Photo: El Mueble)

The Spanish kitchen has a beautiful arched ceiling and a cement tile backsplash. The other finishes and furniture are basic.

Casa V Interiors brings beauty and functionality to their kitchen projects.

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A few weeks ago the final vampire post hit social media stating that the Vampire’s Wife would be shutting down their business. They ceased their online operation holding a warehouse sale a few days later. That was the end. It was very sudden and surprising at least to those of us not in the fashion loop. Reflecting on it, however; I think it was a fitting end for this fabulous line. It crept in like the smoke of an infant fire, then burst into ferocious flames as the dresses were all the rage with celebrities and the fashion crowd. Then after a brilliant ten years it was snuffed out. Immediate and final. The brand never fell out of favor as it was still a favored red carpet choice.

Star support.

(Photo: Instarimages)

Maggie Gyllenhall sparkled in a silver falconetti.

(Photo: Getty Images/John Shearer)

Maya Rudolph is a big vampire fan. She is frequently photographed wearing the brand.

(Photo: Pool/Samir Hussein)

Not that long ago Princess Catherine wore a green falconetti to visit Ireland and then a long pink gown to visit Belize.

(Photo: Samir Hussein)

Princess Catherine wore this green falconetti which spurred on renewed interest in this early design.

This green silk style is the same that my cousin wore in black for a funeral.

My cousin’s wife showed up to a recent family memorial wearing a black silk beauty. She is the most devoted vampire fan that I know of owning numerous capes and countless dresses. I wish I had a photo of her. She is the perfect VW model as she is tall and thin with long hair and a model face. She is very artistic and styles herself in a unique way.

My lovely friend Catharine wore this black floral dress to her Queen Bee Distillery launch in Houston.

My first vampire purchase.

The brand did an amazing job with their marketing and their story was special. The VW website featured a stuff page which posted inspiring poems, music, and short paragraphs about various creatives. I will miss that weekly email. The final post is below.

Small companies make me happy.

The Vampire’s Wife was an exciting story in fashion. That world has become so large and fast-paced; I much prefer purchasing from small companies. While it has come to an end, I will enjoy my extraordinary dresses for a long time to come. They will pass on to my daughters or maybe even further so they too can feel that mystical feeling once zipped into one of Susie Cave’s creations.

A long purple velvet spectacular vampire worn to a college ceremony at my daughter’s school.

As Susie said, ten years may have been enough. The number of years does not necessarily define success. The vampire’s wife has departed, but she left behind otherworldly treasures with which to remember her.

You can read my previous post about the Vampire’s Wife here.

Casa V Interiors is an Orlando based interior design firm.

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When I see a house like the one shown above, I long to go inside. Old houses feel so authentic. They creak, they are full of surprises, they feel solid and stable. They often have a wonderful aged smell that has come together after many years of wax, perfume, smoke, and dust. I often wonder what has happened inside those thick walls. Not all old houses are magical, but the ones that are, should be cared for with delicacy.

It is interesting to see how a vintage house has been decorated. Once inside, I am often disappointed. Either the house has been frozen in time or more commonly it has been stripped of its special features. That being said, decorating old houses is a difficult task. Not many do it well. How does one achieve a design that is exceptional and new while including original schemes? Since my last post, I have been contemplating my definition of a time capsule. Assuming the connotation is negative, it would be a stereotypical design of a certain era. Casa del Herrero defies that description by its singularity. It was created by a forward thinking individual. Although it was built in the 1920’s, it was unlike other houses of the time in many ways.

There is no joy in generic.

(Photo: MLS)

Looking at real estate websites one often sees whitewashed living rooms like the photo above. This room could by anywhere in the US right now. Design is the same from West to East, North to South.

The time capsule was avoided with the inclusion of the equipale table, the loose furniture arrangement, and the informal inclusion of red fruit and flowers.

Another house that stands apart is Villa Vallombrosa, the home of Annie Kelly and Tim Street-Porter. Kelly is a talented designer and Street-Porter is a sought after photographer. They live in a home built in 1929 of Italianate style, designed by Nathan Coleman. This house has a lengthy Hollywood history which is discussed in a video I have attached below.

The exterior could be a movie set for a Hollywood romance.

Villa Vallombrosa successfully balances the old with a careful measure of new. That is how it escapes looking stuck in time. Instead it seems to surpass time altogether elevating to a dreamy space. All photos of Villa Vallombrosa are by Tim Street-Porter.

The bedroom AND bathroom.

Many vintage houses have had their bathrooms gutted replacing them with the tile du jour. Currently, that is white marble or zellige. While I am a huge fan of zellige, it isn’t the best choice for every situation. It is very trendy so using it requires a thoughtful approach to create something uncommon. Because it is trending now, it will date a renovation to this time period.

(Photo: MLS)

A lovely John Anson Ford hacienda, 1933, is currently on the market in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. I adore this bathroom. The black diagonal base tile, floor to ceiling banana-colored rectangular tile, and the striking eggplant sink and tub. It is so unique. Thanks to the owners for its preservation.

(Photo: MLS)

Unfortunately, original baths often don’t relate to what is happening in the adjacent rooms. This bedroom partners with the previous bathroom. While it is very nice and surely will appeal to current interested parties, to me it is a missed opportunity. It does not continue the conversation that has begun in the bathroom.

This Villa Vallambrosa bedroom masterfully partners with a vintage bathroom. The damask wallpaper reminds one of their elegant grandmother, but the off center chandelier, bobbin lamps, and one modern artwork interject the present into this room.

Wendy Goodman is a fan of the Villa calling it the most romantic house in Hollywood. Watch her interview here.

A favorite house of mine designed by Annie Kelly is this Hancock Park beauty. The couple have numerous design books for sale. They are all wonderful. Casa Mexicana is my long time favorite.

Casa V Interiors strives to create homes of timeless design that will stand the passage of time.

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Casa del Herrero (Photo: Matt Walla)

Casa del Herrero was the end product of two forces, a talented architect and an innovative client, who combined to create a house of lasting beauty due to its unique and well-executed details.

George Washington Smith designed the house, built in 1925, for George Fox Steedman and his wife, Medora. Steedman was a wealthy industrialist who moved his family to Montecito from St. Louis. He was an inventor with multiple patents. His workshop on the property is full of special tools and machines that he used to make various items including furniture. Medora was an enthusiastic reader and gardener. Inside the workshop is a display of the numerous ribbons she was awarded from her horticultural successes.

Dated or indelible?

The website opens with this description of the house:

Casa del Herrero, the “House of the Blacksmith,” is a time capsule of Montecito, California in the 1920s and 1930s.

While that may be so, in my opinion the house doesn’t quite feel like a time capsule. In some ways it does as the house has a romantic air about it. Inside it feels as if one should slow down time in order to enjoy the spectacular beauty within. Presumably, the time capsule description stems from the furnishings. The Steedmans traveled to Europe with Smith to purchase antiques of all sorts from France, Spain, and Italy. The house is full of them yet I feel the architectural details of hand-painted tile, carved wood, and decorative painting are so distinct that the house stands apart as a singular work of art rather than an historic home.

Casa del Herrero was already familiar to me because of this book. I have poured over its pages countless times inspecting the details. Seeing the house in person, however, is so rewarding. If looking at gorgeous houses is your passion, you could easily spend an entire day there. Our tour guide had to constantly move us forward in order to finish the tour.

Once past this door, the fun begins. Although there is plenty to see outside.

First impressions.

One enters off a busy road through two enormous wooden gates into an expansive courtyard with low walls, pebbled flooring, and California plantings.

The exterior is stark in the Andalusian way with its vast whiteness and small asymmetrical openings.

The side view is lovely.

Palm shadows create a pattern on the library walls.

A beautiful gate, but the surround and the paving is also extraordinary. Every detail was considered so there isn’t a corner left untouched and not made special.

Patterns galore.

Lasting impressions.

An old ceiling purchased by Smith and Steedman in the foyer.

A current (at the time) artist was hired to paint new ceilings to work with the antique one.

The living room with portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Steedman flanking the window.

The dining room.

The kitchen was very appealing to me for several reasons. One, was the color. I love the bold blue chosen for the cabinets. Second, was the combination of functionality with personality. The butler’s pantry provides ample storage and endless counter space while simultaneously being quite attractive with its tile base and backsplash. The kitchen makes good use of its back walls with the tall cabinets fronted by spindled doors and corner shelves with Moorish scallop details.

Inside the octagonal library.

Front stairs.

Back stairs.

Upstairs.

Dressing table in one of the bedrooms.

The amazing fireplace in Mr. Steedman’s bedroom.

Upstairs landing.

Crazy about this mirror with lamps.

Much restraint was displayed by limiting the photos so this post did not go on and on. They don’t begin to do the casa justice. What an experience it was to be inside this masterpiece. This house is not to be missed when visiting Santa Barbara.

Casa V Interiors works to bring the best details to your home to make it its own piece of art.

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Casa Vicens, Barcelona, displays a different side of Gaudi that is more geometric but still wildly original and inspiring.

Casa Vicens was Antoni Gaudi’s first architectural commission. A wealthy stock broker entrusted Gaudi in 1883 to design a summer garden home for his family in the then village of Gràcia. Now it is a neighborhood within Barcelona as the city has expanded over time.

Natural inspiration.

The flora and fauna of the Mediterranean inspired Gaudi. The influence can be seen inside as well as out. The ceramic floral tiles would typically have been saved for interior use, but Gaudi preferred them outside.

The wrought iron fence mimics the surrounding palms.

The floral tiles continue into the entry.

The Dining room combines tiny mosaic flooring with Moorish tiles on the fireplace. Sgraffito, seen around Barcelona on the exteriors of buildings, is conversely used inside. It is an Italian technique – the finish is scratched off to create a pattern by revealing a different base color.

The ceiling was decorated with papier-mâché ceiling tiles with leaves and fruit. The family added the decoupaged flowers to Gaudi’s finished room.

The smoking room is Moorish in feeling with its ceiling tiles representing palms and dates. The top photo shows restoration in the works removing the gold paint on the walls.

The family embraced Gaudi’s love of ornamentation taking it further. They added the painted flowers on the checkerboard tiles as well as the gold paint in the previous photo.

The addition is deliberately kept white to differentiate it from the original Gaudi architecture.  It houses offices, restrooms, and a shop allowing the home to function as a museum.

Fearless patterns.

The domed ceiling outside of the smoking room.

An upstairs room reveals two different patterned ceilings. Originally this space was divided down the middle creating two bedrooms. At some point the wall was taken down.

A sgraffito frieze underneath papier-máché tiles.

Close up detail of a passion flower on the sgraffito section.

An interesting opening connects three rooms.

The opposite side.

Love this Moorish-tiled bathroom.

One of a kind architecture.

A white model shows the structure before certain alterations were made such as the location of the original entrance. It was on the street side but later became more private moving to the garden side. A wall protected the garden from the street. Now the palm fence extends the length of the property.

One could look out over the city and catch the breezes from the decorative rooftop.

The street was widened at one point (I believe) that eliminated a buffer between house and street.

If you find yourself in Barcelona, I highly recommend visiting Casa Vicens one of the lesser seen Gaudi works.

Casa V Interiors loves tile and seeing how it is used in unexpected ways.

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