This Revamped Apartment in Spain Proves That Storage Can Be Sexy
To smooth out a compartmentalized home in San Sebastian, Mecanismo fashions custom cabinets and furniture with clean lines and alluring curves.
By Ondarreta Beach in the coastal town of San Sebastian, Spain, Mikeletes was a dark and dated apartment that suffered from low ceilings and a long hallway with maze-like connections to compartmentalized rooms. However, a recent renovation by Spanish firm Mecanismo, founded by Marta Urtasun and Pedro Rica, transformed it into a light-filled flat with the use of simple materials—primarily wood and stone—and intriguing geometry, with the kitchen playing a starring role.
When tasked with updating a dark unit in San Sebastian, Mecanismo defied the convention of creating an open kitchen, instead placing it behind a glass wall that simultaneously integrates and separates the space.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
The firm reorganized the unit, moving the kitchen behind a glass wall. The kitchen now serves as a transition between public and private spaces—visually connected to the living room and dining room, yet separate from them. Inside, the space centers around a marble-topped island that features ample storage, and an area dedicated to laundry.
Custom furniture by Mecanismo also helps delineate spaces. Here, a long cabinet not only divides the entry from the living room, but also adds significant storage space.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
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Mecanismo also created several pieces of multifunctional furniture to help organize the 2,152-square-foot apartment. "We designed the furniture as architectural elements with a functional contribution to the house, and not just as a decorative pieces," explains the firm.
Some pieces, such as the storage cabinet that lines the entrance of the home, substitutes for traditional elements that are less functional—say, a partition wall. One of the firm’s favorite customizations is an oval breakfast table whose chairs are discreetly stored when not in use.
In the living room, oval-framed, oak wood display shelves and low-lying cabinetry match the large storage cabinet at the entrance. A Holden sofa by Verzelloni sits adjacent to Alison lounge chairs by Flexform. The table lamp is by Marset, and the reading lamp is by Vibia.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
The dining room revolves around a bespoke dining table made of solid walnut and Emperador Light marble. The Wu dining chairs by Artisan feature Kvadrat upholstery; the delicate pendant lights are Flamingo by Vibia.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
This small, inventive breakfast table is one of the firm’s favorite creations. When not in use, the oak-and-Guatemala green marble unit looks like an elegant buffet.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
Shop the Look
Marset Funiculí Floor Lamp
The Funiculí Floor Lamp is an update of a lamp designed in 1979 by Spanish designer Lluís Porqueras, who is renowned for the absolute simplicity of his designs. The name Funiculí comes from the concept of funicular action—moving up and down. A simple pair of clips allows the lamp to be lowered or raised, while the shade rotates 360 degrees, beaming radiant light wherever desired, whether it is downward in a reading nook, or upward for lighting that becomes softened by the ceiling. The base and stem of the lamp are rendered in lacquered iron, and the shade is made of lacquered aluminum. Photo Courtesy of Marset
ShopLouis Poulsen PH 4/3 Pendant Light
The Louis Poulsen PH 4/3 Pendant keeps it real and raw, returning to the metal shade composition of the original fixture. Currently the only pendant in the PH collection with an all metal configuration, the 4/3 adheres to the reflective three-shade arrangement, placing the light source at the axis of the spiral. Focusing the majority of the light downward, the glossy white finish aids in promoting a uniform spread of light.
ShopThe chairs slide out when needed.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
The all-white, minimalist kitchen is a transitional space between the public and private areas. A marble-topped island is oriented toward the dining room.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
Ample, built-in storage lines the wall and the island. The appliances are from Gaggenau; the faucet from Cea Design.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
The curves of the kitchen and living room continue into the master bedroom with this sinuous, wood-lined entryway.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
Built-in storage lines the master bedroom. The headboard and bed frame are also custom units from Mecanismo, fashioned from oak, brass, and Kvadrat upholstery.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
The guest room has built-in bookshelves and a sofa bed by Bali.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
The office features built-in bookshelves and storage, plus a table by Jardin.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
On the terrace, Kettal’s Mesh table and Bitta chairs provide a serene lounge area.
Photos by Imagen Subliminal
Mikeletes floor plan
Courtesy of mecanismo
Related Reading: These 30 White Kitchens Are Anything But Ordinary
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: mecanismo, Marta Uratasun, Pedro Rica
Interior Designer: mecanismo
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