This home on Spain’s northern coast’s a breath of fresh sea air

In the Basque city of Donostia (as the city of San Sebastián is also known), design studio Iñigo Iriarte Interiorismo took on the challenge of renovating this 1926 house in the city’s dynamic, beachside Gros neighbourhood, a buzzy place popular with surfers and young families. The owners, a couple in their sixties, gave the studio creative freedom to create a home full of light and unique materials.

Iñigo Iriarte Zurriola apartment

The property is arranged over two levels, with an office, second bedroom and bathroom on one floor, while the open-plan living, dining and kitchen spaces, plus the main bedroom and bathroom, are located on a lower level. The most striking aspect of this area is a large arched window that commands breathtaking views over the Bay of Biscay.

Inigo Iriarte Zurriola apartment

The goal was to restore the flavour of classic Donostia to the interiors, enriching them with elements that are characteristic of the region, while sensitively modernising the feel of the spaces through the subtle introduction of contemporary furniture and art. They also wanted to brighten everything up; the new open layout is key to ensuring that natural light reaches into every corner of the home.

Iñigo Iriarte Zurriola apartment

The heart of the project is a casual living area which is dominated by a large fireplace placed symmetrically between two of the floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap this space. A cluster of low-slung seating and side tables are situated in front of it, while a mirrored wall in one corner cleverly conceals the access door to the more private rooms of the home.

Iñigo Iriarte Zurriola apartment

Against a soft, neutral backdrop of chalky-white walls, tonal rugs and light wooden panelling, the eclectic collection of furniture, art and lighting creates a stimulating yet cohesive mix, with something to draw the eye in every corner.

Iñigo Iriarte Zurriola apartment

The team collaborated with a mix of global brands and local craftspeople, as well as creating bespoke designs in the studio. Many of the pieces of furniture and decorative objects were sourced from Veluto, Iriarte’s concept store and showroom that has become a design destination in the city.

Iñigo Iriarte Zurriola apartment

A brushed gold thread runs throughout the scheme, appearing on the base of the coffee table in the living room, as a trim on the white onyx kitchen island, on the shelves behind it and again on bedside lamps and the edge of a shower screen. It serves to create a sense of grown-up, effortless luxury that never tries too hard.

Iñigo Iriarte Zurriola apartment

The finished result is a home that feels as if it’s evolved naturally over time, deeply rooted in its location, filled with characterful pieces that reflect the personalities of the owners. inigoiriarte.com