The design lover’s guide to Barcelona

Design

The design lover’s guide to Barcelona

Rafael Fernández Bermejo, editor of Houzz Spain, shares aesthetically pleasing places to stay, eat and shop in the Catalan capital

Amelia Mularz

BY Amelia Mularz9 June 2019

It’s a rare city that elevates an architect to rock-star status, but Barcelona has done just that with Gaudí. So, it stands to reason there’s much more in this vibrant metropolis for the design devotee. To get the scoop on all things stylistically dazzling, we sat down with Rafael Fernández Bermejo, editor of Houzz Spain, to talk through the most stunning structures and interiors in the Catalan capital…

Superior Balcony at Primero Primera, Mr & Mrs Smith

STAY

Primero Primera

‘Primero Primera is a hotel with the personality of a home, so staying here gives guests a true taste of what it’s like to live in Barcelona. Light tones, a mix of woods and luxurious materials define its 30 rooms, with every one different from the next. Renovated by the Pérez-Sala family, the ambience is quiet – something very much appreciated in such a bustling city.’

SEE

Museum of Design

‘Having opened its doors in 2014, the Museum of Design brings together the collections of the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Ceramics, the Textile and Clothing Museum and the Graphic Arts Office all in one. It is a space that has become a point of reference for those who enjoy design, thanks to its interesting exhibition programme.’

EXPLORE

La Boquería Market

‘La Boquería Market is a must for anyone visiting Barcelona. Take a leisurely stroll through the alleys, where you’ll come across treasures from all over the world and discover some real interior-design gems, such as the Bar Boquería, which has been designed by the Tarruella Trenchs Studio.’

EAT

Flax & Kale

‘Combining an industrial style with modern accents, this colourful restaurant defines itself as ‘the first flexitarian in Barcelona’. Among Flax & Kale’s interior highlights are the large solid oak tables with copper corners, high ceilings, enormous windows and exposed brick walls. Francesc Pons, the interior designer in charge of the project, has designed an open kitchen in keeping with the restaurant’s natural, healthy menu, with the upper floor boasting private rooms and a large terrace.’

Nordicthink Shop, Mr & Mrs Smith

SHOP

Nordicthink

‘Jordi Martín needed a change of pace, so he stepped away from a career in advertising to open Nordicthink – a shop devoted to Scandinavian furniture and interiors. “I love how the Danes make everything simple”, says Martín. Stop by the showroom to peruse everything from pendant lamps to wallpaper to sofas and sideboards.’

EAT

Boca Grande

‘Interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán has created a sophisticated design scheme at Boca Grande restaurant (Boca Chica occupies the top floor). You’ll get a feel for his extravagant style right upon entering. The bar’s velvet seating, vintage leather furniture and mahogany wood details are hard to miss.’

SEE

Barcelona Pavilion

‘You shouldn’t leave Barcelona without seeing this symbolic work of the modern movement. The Barcelona Pavilion has been exhaustively studied and has inspired generations of architects. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, it originally served as the German national pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition. Glass, steel and marble give form to this beautiful piece of art.’

But why stop there? Design your next city break with our boutique hotels in Barcelona