A unique apartment in a former carpentry workshop in the heart of Madrid

In Madrid, this unique apartment is located in a former carpentry workshop on the ground floor of a building in the city center. Artisans used to work with wood here, then load their creations onto trucks for delivery to nearby streets. Today, it has become a serene space with a design inspired by neutral tones and weathered elements.

The owner has preserved several traces of this artisanal past, starting with two pairs of double doors. They were once used to load goods and now open the living room onto the street. The wide-plank hardwood floor, exposed stone, and whitewashed walls pay homage to its artisanal past. Its decor blends a wabi-sabi aesthetic, rustic Spanish touches, and an almost Nordic sense of order.

The living room, a monochromatic palette of linen and raw wood

The living room is centered around a long, low sofa upholstered in crinkled white linen. Opposite it, a solid-wood coffee table retains its cracks, knots, and patina. A cozy armchair invites you to settle in comfortably.

The lime-washed walls capture the light and reveal subtle irregularities. Near the window, the rough stone of the old building is left unadorned. A section of a stone column serves as an end table. The round black Bakelite light switches are another carefully selected charming detail that reveals an eye for detail.

The living area extends toward a large farmhouse table made of light-colored wood. Antique Windsor chairs with arched backs surround it. The studded leather stool is typically Spanish. Three pendant lights with weathered-metal shades hang from the ceiling to provide ample lighting.

At the base, the old brick foundation has been painted white to enhance the brightness. In fact, the room’s only natural light comes from the two transom windows above the antique doors, and the choice of light, neutral colors helps maintain a bright atmosphere throughout the apartment.

The kitchen behind its fluted glass partition

A chocolate-colored workshop-style glass partition separates the kitchen from the living room. Its upper panes are transparent, while its fluted glass panels preserve privacy. It has the same rustic-chic vibe as the living room. Behind the retro-style Smeg stove, nude-colored zellige tiles have been laid, and the light plays subtly on their irregular surface.

The old brick walls, painted white, reveal hints of their original masonry. The lower facades echo the deep brown of the glass partition. A veined marble countertop adds a touch of elegance to this rustic room.

A master bedroom in an alcove

In the master bedroom, everything invites calm and serenity. The double bed is nestled in a deep alcove, carved out between two built-in closets. The headboard wall features an irregular, almost mineral-like finish that evokes an ancient fresco. Two sconces with angled arms, topped with opaline glass, frame the bed.

The sand-colored, washed linen bedding harmonizes with the shade of the walls. The closet doors feature openwork panels of bleached wood, inspired by mashrabiya screens.

Its bathroom opens onto the bedroom and serves as a true focal point. A freestanding bathtub with a deep black exterior stands near a tall window. Its brass fixtures, complete with a handheld showerhead, evoke early 20th-century bathrooms. The dark floor contrasts with the dazzling whiteness of the enamel. For the sink area, the owner chose a marble basin and zellige tiles.

An entryway that preserves the memory of the workshop

You enter this unique apartment through one of the double doors of the former workshop, which is at street level. These large brown door panels, with their glazed transoms and espagnolette locks, evoke the space’s past. They let in beautiful light and offer a glimpse of the balconies of neighboring buildings. A stone threshold marks the transition from the street to the original hardwood floor.

Our take on the decor

This unique apartment creates a dialogue between the history of the former workshop and the comfort of modern living. The color palette is limited to off-white, chocolate brown, light wood, and brass. This thoughtful choice creates a soothing and elegant atmosphere from one room to the next and makes the apartment feel very bright despite the limited number of windows.

The antique, weathered furniture, Windsor chairs, and farmhouse table lend the space a rustic yet refined charm. The brass light fixtures provide numerous small sources of light and create an intimate ambiance in the evening. Its materials, crinkled linen, zellige tiles, marble, and raw wood, complement each other perfectly. The bathtub installed near the bed adds a very successful romantic touch. The Bakelite light switches also reflect a keen eye for detail. This wabi-sabi-inspired decor avoids the coldness of minimalism thanks to the richness of its textures.

This  apartment is located in a traditional neighbourhood in the center of Madrid. The San Miguel Market, the city’s most famous food market, is right next door. The Plaza Mayor, built in the 17th century, is about a ten-minute walk away. This square is among the most admired in the Spanish capital. This unique apartment in a former carpenter’s workshop in the heart of Madrid is available for rent through Airbnb