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AN OLD WORLD FEEL
Few home tours have inspired us as much as this 17th century Andalusian country home in the small town of Carmona, just outside of Sevilla. Favoring comfort over structural rigor, this home feels lived-in even though it was carefully renovated in 2005.
There is something charming in its easy-going embrace of contrast, especially the willingness to add bold splashes of red as an accent.
The red rug on the terracotta floor offers a sharp contrast to the furnishings in this sun-filled sitting room. A large sofa upholstered in a soft yellow Vichy print sits amidst a selection of armchairs of various sizes and prints, from florals to corduroy. And yet, the whole scene comes together harmoniously. It feels playful, unserious in the best way, without losing its old-world charm.
It’s a space that invites you to stay awhile.
A NOD TO ANDALUSIAN CRAFTMANSHIP
The first thing we see in the kitchen is the stunning ceramic tile backsplash above the kitchen counter. Covered in a hand-painted tile with a floral green pattern, this wall is a thing of beauty. And it's a considered choice too: that intricate motif makes it impossible to detect those pesky water droplets.
In keeping with the green color palate, deep green vases typical of Jaen, a Andalusian municipality famous for its olives, and various tinajas – ceramic pots for storing dried goods – perch high above on an exposed wooden beam. Taking pride of place among those decorative ceramic pieces is a large Fajalauza serving bowl.
Over its 600 years of history, Fajalauza ceramics have become synonymous with Andalusian artisanship. Here, the artist chose to cover the well of the bowl with a similar floral bouquet. The rim has a charming scalloped detail.
We carry another version of this particular design, Rama Fajalauza, in our traditional lebrillo line. It’s also available as a serving bowl upon request.
While the furnishings in this space are mostly green and white, the checkered tile of the flooring adds a playful contrast.
Sources: Monste Garriga, World of Interiors, Beatriz Aparicio, @casaraquelita
RED AS AN ACCENT COLOR
Though many would shy away from such a bold statement, the owner has chosen to embrace this choice throughout the entire property. Just outside the sitting room, a work desk stands above a red hand-woven Spanish rug. Red also features prominently in the artwork in the sitting room (above), the hallway (to the right) and in some of the bedrooms.
TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE
Given that the original building was built in the 17th century, the house has retained much of that historic Mediterranean architecture. Most prominent is the use of doorless archways that connect rooms and hallways. Instead of doors, large colorful curtains delineate each space.
We can also see that the architect has maintained other staples of traditional Spanish interiors: exposed terracotta flooring, white-plastered walls, exposed wood-beamed ceilings, stucco and hand-painted tiles.
