isern serra curates piso barceloneta as a living gallery of collectible design

designing for barcelona’s seaside neighborhood

An apartment, or ‘piso’ designed by Isern Serra, sits in the vibrant heart of the Barcelona‘s seaside neighborhood of Barceloneta. Within its walls, collectible design and Mediterranean sensibilities meet to create an interior that feels at once curated and deeply personal, all documented by photographer Salva López.

Barceloneta’s narrow streets and maritime character provide a fitting backdrop for an apartment that balances contemporary expression with a respect for history. The project begins with the removal of the original partitions that fragmented the space, making way for an open-plan layout that draws natural light across the living, kitchen, and dining areas. A balcony extending the length of the facade connects the apartment to its surroundings, while the more private bedroom suites are tucked near the entrance.

images © Salva López

isern serra’s gallery for living in barceloneta

Isern Serra conceives the interiors of his Piso Balconetta are conceived as a living gallery. The Catalan designer assembles a selection of objects, furniture, and artworks chosen as much for their emotional resonance as their aesthetic value. Pieces from emerging artists and established designers stand side by side, forging connections between eras and disciplines. Mid-century classics sourced from Fenix Originals and Polop Store share space with contemporary works from Vasto Gallery and other independent studios.

Materials play a central role in shaping the apartment’s atmosphere. Warm woods, hand-finished ceramics, and patinated metals contribute a tactile richness. A built-in concrete sofa anchors the living area, its robust form softened by linen cushions and complemented by collectible design pieces such as the waxed aluminum Section Coffee Table by Paul Coenen and Philippe Starck’s Dr. Sonderbar Chair.

Isern Serra transforms a historic apartment in Barceloneta into an open-plan living gallery

spaces unified by mediterranean craft

Microcement unifies flooring and walls in a single tone, as Isern Serra reinforces visual continuity and enhancing the sense of calm throughout his Piso Barceloneta. The kitchen, crafted in natural oak, introduces warmth and contrast, framed by curved walls that define the cooking area as a sculptural element within the space. A built-in concrete island, softened by rounded corners, serves as both workspace and gathering point.

Vintage stools from the 1960s lend character to the kitchen island, while a handcrafted dining table by Fusteria Vidal anchors the dining area. Overhead, 1987 Santa & Cole Sísísí lamps and a mix of vintage Markelius and Quadra chairs create a dialogue between past and present.

interior partitions are removed to create a continuous space flooded with natural light

In the bedroom, texture takes precedence. A large artwork by Mark Bohle sets a contemplative tone, complemented by the warm glow of Jaume Ramirez’s Fragile Lamp for Marset. A Cambier Studio L4 stool and Andreu Jaumot’s J45 lamp introduce elements of emerging design, adding layers of personality.

The bathroom continues the theme of material simplicity. Translucent glass bricks filter daylight from the building’s inner patio, preserving privacy while illuminating the space. Microcement extends across floors, walls, and ceiling, with a small circular opening in the shower partition creating visual connection throughout.

A second bathroom finished entirely in dark green microcement forms a deliberate contrast within the apartment’s otherwise neutral palette. Rather than appearing as an isolated statement, it integrates naturally into the broader narrative — a space that embraces both minimalism and bold gestures.

a built-in concrete sofa and collectible design pieces anchor the living area with texture and form