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

the kitchen features natural oak cabinetry and a sculptural concrete island

microcement floors and walls establish visual continuity and a serene, Mediterranean atmosphere

a bathroom is illuminated through a wall of glass blocks

vintage and contemporary furniture from Vasto Gallery, Fenix Originals, and Polop Store create layered character

project info:

name: Piso Barceloneta

designer: Isern Serra | @isernserra

location: Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain

team leader, styling: Aasheen Mittal

photography: © Salva López | @salvalopez

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The newly completed Estudio-Casa for Spanish interior designer Isern Serra in the Poble Nou neighborhood of Barcelona embodies a vision of creating a studio environment that feels as welcoming and comfortable as a home. Serra’s concept, STUDIO_HOME, reflects a deliberate effort to design a space that balances functionality with the warmth and humanity of a home.

Estudio-Casa was designed to capture the essence of humanity — creating an environment that fosters creativity and comfort. The goal was to establish a studio where ideas could flow naturally, encouraging reflection and inspiration. The space is carefully curated to make creative work feel deeply personal, with each element selected to evoke a sense of ease and familiarity.

images © Salva López

a curated Space to reflect isern serra’s design identity

Every object in Estudio-Casa, from design pieces to custom-made studio furniture, has been thoughtfully chosen by Barcelona-based Isern Serra and the design team led by Aasheen Mittal. More than just decorative, these objects serve to represent the identity and values of the designer. The space combines functionality with personal meaning, creating an environment where every detail contributes to the overall atmosphere.

The design of the space draws inspiration from domestic spaces. The layout is intentionally free of rigid divisions, fluidly blending the studio’s work and living areas. By structuring the space as one might design a home, the studio offers inviting corners where comfort and inspiration can be found. The work and living areas are divided subtly, with each zone encouraging a sense of relaxation and creativity.

Estudio-Casa blends work and home for Isern Serra in Poble Nou

An Ever-Evolving, Gallery-Like Atmosphere

Estudio-Casa was conceived as both a workspace studio for Isern Serra and as an open venue for hosting intimate gatherings, talks, and events in Barcelona. The space is designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas, providing a platform for creative dialogue that leaves guests with new insights. With its welcoming atmosphere, Estudio-Casa allows visitors to engage with the studio and its projects as active participants.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Estudio-Casa is its transformation into a dynamic gallery space. The studio is carefully curated to feature a rotating collection of artwork, design pieces, and brand elements that tell a broader story about identity, innovation, and creativity. This gallery-like atmosphere blends the intimacy of a home with the professional polish of an exhibition space, making every corner a point of visual interest.

the space is designed to inspire creativity and personal reflection

The studio is located on the fourth floor of a 1960s industrial building in Poble Nou. The space is divided by an elevated platform, separating the closed areas (such as the meeting room, bathrooms, and storage) from the open living and working areas. Above the platform, the kitchen and living spaces act as the studio’s communal areas, while the workspaces are positioned closer to the natural light on the lower level.

Visitors are welcomed into Estudio-Casa through a small entrance marked by a step and a change in level. The curved walls immediately set a soft, inviting tone. On the left, an arched meeting room with a custom cream-colored lacquered table greets guests, while on the right, an arched tunnel leads to the bathroom, illuminated by an alabaster lamp. These architectural details lend a sculptural quality to the entrance.

each element in the studio is carefully chosen for its meaning and connection

At the heart of the studio lies the living room and kitchen, spaces designed for gathering and conversation. The living room features custom-made furniture, including a red travertine stone table and a vintage FM60 armchair, all illuminated by soft lighting that enhances the warm, monochromatic tones of the space. Across from the living area, the kitchen and dining room create a central hub for the studio, where a large lacquered table and sculptural lighting elements contribute to the overall feeling of peace and calm.

Stepping down from the living area, two large concrete tables anchor the studio’s workspaces. These sculptural pieces, designed to appear almost floating, are essential to the design’s overall aesthetic. Behind them, built-in shelves display materials, books, and objects that further infuse the space with life and personality. The studio’s gallery-like atmosphere is maintained here, with soft lighting and art objects enhancing the workspace.

the layout blurs the boundaries between living and working areas

the studio transforms into a gallery with ever-changing art and design pieces

Estudio-Casa serves as an open space for events and creative dialogue

the living room and kitchen are the heart of the studio for gathering and conversation

project info:

name: Estudio-Casa

author: Isern Serra | @isernserra

location: Poble Nou, Barcelona, Spain

art direction, team leader: Aasheen Mittal
design team: Aasheen Mittal, Aran Escudero, Cris Marhuenda, Adri Cela

completion: 2024

photography: © Salva López | @salvalopez

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Isern Serra has designed Origo, a new café in Barcelona, emphasizing simplicity, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Located in the vibrant Sant Antoni neighborhood, the café invites visitors to experience the artisanal process of bread-making in an immersive environment. Origo’s design highlights the craftsmanship and care behind every product it offers. The space is characterized by natural materials and handmade elements, creating a serene and honest atmosphere. A standout feature is a large sculptural bread display that serves as the heart of the space, showcasing freshly baked goods while offering a direct connection to the production process.

images © Salva López

isern serra’s Tribute to Tradition

Founded in 2018 by François de Halleux, Origo was conceived in Barcelona as a return to the essence of bread-making, prioritizing traditional techniques and natural ingredients. The name ‘Origo,’ meaning ‘origin’ in Latin, reflects this mission to offer wholesome, nutritious bread made with stone-milled flours, sourdough starters, and extended fermentation processes.

The project by Isern Serra and led by Aran Escudero is divided into two main areas — the workshop and the public store. Interiors are curated to celebrate transparency and authenticity. Visitors can enter through two street-level entrances: one leading to the retail space and another offering views into the workshop. The café’s elongated layout posed a design challenge that Isern Serra transformed into an opportunity by incorporating a long, architectural bread display bar as the central element. Adjacent to this is a café counter made from dyed iroko wood with a stainless steel top, illuminated by six stainless steel Frama lamps.

Isern Serra designs Barcelona’s Origo café with a focus on craftsmanship and simplicity

origo: a café curated with Thoughtful Details

Earth tones dominate the café’s interior, with walls finished in manually applied ecoclay, adding texture and depth. At the rear, an agora-like space allows visitors to sample the products. This area features a high micro-cement bar with Frama stools and a large communal table overlooking the workshop through expansive windows. The design ensures that customers feel connected to the baking process, with bakers visible at work in a monochromatic terracotta-toned workshop outfitted with stainless steel ovens and mixers. Serax sconces and geometric concrete lights enhance the ambiance.

Origo’s terracotta theme extends to its exterior, where visitors encounter a small outdoor seating area featuring terracotta tile flooring, a matching bench, and textured walls. The warm, earthy palette ties the indoor and outdoor spaces together, creating a cohesive design language.

the space features natural materials and handmade elements to create a serene atmosphere

a sculptural bread display serves as the central element showcasing freshly baked goods

Origo emphasizes traditional bread-making with stone-milled flours and sourdough starters

the café is divided into a public store and a workshop with views of the production process

earthy tones and manually applied ‘ecoclay’ walls add texture and warmth to the interior

visitors can enjoy products in a communal space while observing bakers at work

project info:

name: Origo Café

interior design: Isern Serra | @isernserra

location: Barcelona, Spain

team leader: Aran Escudero
carpentry: Fusteria J. Vidal

graphics: Hey

photography art direction: Aasheen Mittal

photography: © Salva López | @salvalopez

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Spanish fashion label Thinking Mu opens its next location in Barcelona, with interiors designed by Isern Serra. The design team curates the retail space as a reflection of the sustainable and transparent brand, which employs organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fibers, and prioritizes fair labor conditions. As a symbol of this transparency, the space opens onto the street through a glass facade, inviting passersby to enter, while the interior integrates a custom-made stainless steel coffee bar, transforming the store into a neighborhood gathering spot. Thus, the concept of openness and interaction is central to the store’s design. See designboom’s coverage of Isern Serra’s previous Thinking Mu which opened on Rambla de Catalunya here.
images © Salva López

gallery-like interiors curated by isern serra

The interiors of Thinking Mu Rosello are designed by a team led by Isern Serra to suggest a gallery space. Spaces are occupied by custom-designed display elements that double as works of art — a large micro-cement work table, a sculpturally curving iron shelf with, and iron garment hangers supported by stone bases create a retail space that is at once design-minded and functional. Meanwhile, the use of sustainable materials along the interior finishes, such as clay mortar paint for the terracotta-hued tunnel, reinforces the brand‘s commitment to environmental sustainability.

‘Like the products sold by the brand, all the furniture in the store is conceived as a work of art, elements that not only serve a practical function but are also sculptural pieces,‘ the designer explains. ‘The composition generated by these pieces within the same space achieves a functional space with a unique aesthetic experience.‘ 

the Barcelona store is designed to reflect the brand’s commitment to sustainability

fluid terracotta elements lend a dreamlike atmosphere

Isern Serra and his team organize the layout of Thinking Mu Rosello to guide customers through a series of fluidly interconnected spaces. A terracotta-colored tunnel, its warm tones created with a clay mortar paint, leads to the main retail area. The use of this deep, earthy, and welcoming tone is repeated throughout the store, creating a cohesive, unifying atmosphere. The mirrored wall of the tunnel serves to visually expand the otherwise narrow space, an illusionistic strategy which the team employs to introduce a sense of depth and intrigue.

Beyond the retail area, the store opens onto an event space, which brings a calming oasis to the constantly moving city. This room is organized with amphitheater-style seating which encircles a central skylight shrouded by backlit fabric to create a dreamlike atmosphere flooded by soft, ambient light. Directly below the skylight is a sculptural coffee table crafted from construction debris — an element born from recycled materials to further symbolize the brand’s commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness.

the design lends an open and inviting atmosphere, incorporating a coffee bar gathering space

custom-designed display elements include a micro-cement work table and iron shelf

sustainable materials like clay mortar paint and recycled elements are used throughout

an event space features amphitheater-style seating and a circular skylight

a terracotta-hued tunnel leads customers to the main retail area

a sculptural coffee table made from construction debris highlights the brand’s dedication to sustainability

project info:

project title: Thinking Mu

interior design: Isern Serra | @isernserra

location: Barcelona, Spain

client: Thinking Mu | @thinkingmu

team leader: Aasheen Mittal
styling: Aasheen Mittal
metalwork: Aluminis Cabestany
carpentry: Fusteria J. Vidal

completion: 2024

photography: © Salva López | @salvalopez

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Barcelona-based interior design firm Isern Serra has transformed the headquarters of modeling agency Blow Models into a light-filled, contemporary workspace that doubles as a unique photography studio. The project involved revitalizing a street-level space comprising two distinct structures. The first was a two-story modernist building with characteristic wooden portals and detailed windows. Adjoining it were three open-plan warehouses, built later, with the central space boasting a high ceiling.

The design centers around an ‘interior garden,’ a concept that maximizes natural light and introduces a calming element. Inspired by Roman courtyards, a large skylight allows ambient light to flood the space, illuminating both the central hall and surrounding areas. Lush greenery serves as a focal point, structuring the different work areas. This combination of light and vegetation fosters a sense of openness and vitality.

images © Salva López

the dreamlike backdrop for blow models

With its Blow Models headquarters, Isern Serra‘s team pushes the boundaries of conventional workspace design by experimenting with the concept of ‘Onyx spaces.’ These areas evoke a dreamlike, digital aesthetic, providing a serene backdrop for model photography. The entire space is conceived as a ‘landscape’ for capturing stunning visuals, offering unexpected and captivating settings for photo shoots.

Given the first-floor location without an underlying parking structure, the designers capitalized on the opportunity to create functional ‘holes’ within the floor plan. These depressions accommodate planters, seating areas, and other elements, adding a dynamic quality to the space. Recognizing the importance of showcasing the original volume of the space, the design prioritizes openness. Only the accounting department and meeting room are enclosed, strategically positioned in the passageway connecting the two buildings.

Blow Models Barcelona gets a new headquarters by Isern Serra

minimalist design among industrial texture

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a spacious entrance hall featuring a custom-designed stainless steel bar. This sculptural piece, with its minimalist lines, balances the weight and light within the space. This area serves as a welcoming space for initial meetings with models, offering a glimpse into the agency’s work environment. A retractable curtain transforms this space into a dedicated photography area when needed.

The bathrooms are located along the facade on the right side of the staircase, further emphasizing the open-plan layout. A large makeup room bathed in natural light is situated within the glass facade, with a floor-to-ceiling mirror and a stone pillar serving as a barrier towards the street. With its innovative blend of functionality, aesthetics, and photography-friendly features, Isern Serra’s design for Blow Models Barcelona headquarters creates a truly unique workspace that empowers both work and creativity.

historic elements are integrated with modern function in the renovated space
light and greenery take center stage, inspired by Roman courtyards
‘onyx spaces’ offer a dreamlike backdrop for model photography

an open floor plan maximizes volume and natural light

a sculptural stainless steel bar welcomes visitors in the entrance hall

a glass-walled makeup room provides natural light and a street view

project info:

project title: Blow Models Headquarters

interior design: Isern Serra | @isernserra

location: Barcelona, Spain

team leader, art direction for photos: Aasheen Mittal

client:
Blow Models | @blowmodels

completion: 2024

photography: © Salva López | @salvalopez

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GIGI Studios, a Barcelona-based company known for its handcrafted and innovative eyewear, has a new headquarters designed by Isern Serra to reflect its brand identity. The space moves away from the traditional office setting and creates a more creative and collaborative environment. Patricia Ramo, CEO and creative director of GIGI Studios, envisioned a space that embodied the Spanish brand’s core values: contemporary, sophisticated, and creative. The nearly 1,000-square-meter headquarters is designed to evoke Domus (home) and a Museum.

images © Salva López

Custom-Made Elements and Natural Light

The offices by Isern Serra aimed to redefine the concept of workspace for GIGI Studios. The nearly 900-square-meter space occupies one floor of a building with a rectangular layout. By removing unnecessary walls and placing service areas in the center, the design creates a large, open floor plan. This open floor plan fosters interaction and encourages collaboration among employees. Furniture is used to create both formal and informal meeting spaces throughout the vast area.

Every detail of the space has been thoughtfully designed to reflect GIGI Studios’ commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Custom-made furniture pieces function as works of art, surprising visitors and sparking creativity. Natural light plays a significant role in the design. The morning sun bathes the kitchen in a warm glow, while the afternoon sun creates a magical play of light and shadow in the showroom.

GIGI STUDIOS’ new Barcelona headquarters combines the feel of a home and a museum

Offices that Embrace the Ethos of GIGI STUDIOS

The central core of Isern Serra’s offices for GIGI Studios is wrapped in a storage skin featuring circular niches made of stainless steel, which serve as shelves to showcase prototype books and materials. Large sculptural elements are scattered throughout the open space, creating unique work areas and ‘lungs’ within the office. The two entrances lead to welcoming areas designed for relaxation, informal meetings, and brainstorming sessions, all centered around a large, circular stainless steel sofa.

The open space features two distinct areas. Open Space 01 hosts a large, circular stainless steel sofa serves a dual purpose: a conversation area with seating on the inside and work tables or storage for design books along the perimeter. This area also features a custom-designed concrete work table and a higher table for team design. Meanwhile, Open Space 02 is defined by a large, C-shaped bench in the center. Curtains surrounding the bench offer adjustable privacy. The custom-made bench reflects the brand’s focus on craftsmanship and tradition.

designed to reflect the brand’s creativity, the space features open areas and custom-made furniture

The showroom, the most unique space in the project, is partially visible through a circular opening with rounded edges. Divided into an exhibition area and a meeting area, the showroom maintains a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the eyewear to take center stage. Two large, sculptural tables made from concrete tabletops supported by carved Roman travertine rocks serve as the primary display for the products. A backlit cabinet showcases the rest of the collection, while a mirrored cabinet cleverly conceals a large screen.

A kitchen is designed as a space that fosters connection and relaxation, and features a large concrete island finished in micro cement. Two large communal tables with accompanying stools designed specifically for the project structure the space. The connection between the kitchen and the showroom allows for brand events to extend with a post-event dinner for guests.

a kitchen is designed to feel like home, with a large island finished in micro cement

The office area features a curved tunnel with a niche sofa integrated into the wall, providing access to individual offices. These enclosed spaces offer the best views and feature custom-designed concrete tables with additional furniture for personal touches. Meanwhile, the main meeting room prioritizes natural light and scenic views. A large concrete table anchors the space, complemented by FF CHAIR chairs by Friends and Founders, offering a touch of lightness and sculptural interest.

large, open floor plans encourage interaction and collaboration among employees

the showroom features minimalist design with sculptural tables to showcase the eyewear

design-minded furniture elements are scattered throughout the offices

the centerpiece of the open space is a large, circular stainless steel sofa

project info:

project title: GIGI Studios Offices

interior design: Isern Serra | @isernserra

location: Barcelona, Spain

client: GIGI Studios | @gigistudios

team leader, art direction for photos: Aasheen Mittal

completion: 2024

photography: © Salva López | @salvalopez

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Barcelona‘s Poblenou neighborhood welcomes BOL Production House, a Spanish creative audiovisual production company, to its new headquarters realized by interior designer Isern Serra. The goal of the project was to move beyond the traditional office concept, fostering a space that feels dynamic, warm, and, most importantly, like a home. The team sought to break away from conventional office layout while maintaining functionality. Serra describes it as ‘a dynamic space that conceptually approaches the idea of a studio.’
images © Salva Lopez

isern serra’s ‘Pixelated’ Cube

Designing the BOL Production House workspace, designer Isern Serra begins with a 350 square meter space occupying the attic of an old industrial building. The lofty space opens broadly outward with three windowed facades that flood the interior with natural light. Serra’s first step was to strip away existing partitions and false ceilings, revealing the raw industrial spirit of the building. This exposed structure was then painted white to create a clean and bright canvas.

Serra divides the space with a large ‘cube’ wrapped in white tiles. This sculptural centerpiece hosts private meeting rooms and separates the open work area from the kitchen and service areas. The decision to forgo traditional doors and glass enclosures emphasizes the open and connected feel of the space. The cube itself is a visual reminder of BOL’s digital identity, as its finish of white ceramic tiles and green grout echoes a field of pixels. Inside, the cube is lined with green carpet which extends across the floors, walls, and ceilings.
BOL Production House, an audiovisual production company, sets up its new headquarters in Barcelona

the workspace and kitchen

Isern Serra leaves an expansive area open for workspaces at BOL Production House. Three large, custom-designed melamine tables, echoing the green color scheme, rest on sturdy circular concrete legs. Built-in shelves run beneath the windows, providing additional storage and support for the tables. Connecting the work area with the rest space, modular sofas from Hay are scattered throughout, interspersed with plants and coffee tables. This informal setting encourages relaxation and informal conversations.

The kitchen area is anchored by a central island crafted from brick and finished with green microcement. This multifunctional space is a gathering point, offering support for the kitchen tucked away in the background. This area’s true centerpiece is the large wooden dining table, a communal place which reinforces the concept of ‘BOL’s house’ as a home away from home.

Isern Serra creates a ‘home away from home,’ moving away from the traditional office concept
the space was stripped down to celebrate its raw industrial character
a large white cube hosts private meeting rooms and separates work areas from the kitchen

the cube’s interior is lined with green carpet, both comfortable and acoustically insulating

the cube is finished in white ceramic tiles with green grout, resembling a field of pixels

displayed is a painting created by SixnFive in collaboration with artist Pol Sola

project info:

project title: Offices for BOL Production House

interior design: Isern Serra | @isernserra

client: BOL Production House | @bol_house

location: Barcelona, Spain

completion: 2024

photography: © Salva Lopez | @salvalopez

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On Barcelona‘s vibrant Rambla de Catalunya, fashion brand Thinking Mu opens a new pop-up store with minimalistic, gallery-like modular interiors by Spanish designer Isern Serra and his team. This space breathes life into the ethos of the sustainable company by drawing influences from its motto, ‘Por amor al arte,’ or ‘for the love of art.’ Through sculptural design objects, collaborations with local artists, and partnerships with other Barcelona-based brands, the spaces unfold to combine a trend-setting gallery and contemporary retail interior captured here by photographer Salva López.

images © Salva López

isern serra draws from the brand’s philosophy

The design team, led by Isern Serra, sought to create a flexible space for Thinking Mu that could easily adapt to both current and future collections. This current collection reflects the brand’s commitment to passion-driven endeavors, a message echoed by the opening of this location along Rambla de Catalunya, one of the most vibrant streets in Barcelona. Inside the space, a dialogue between design, craft, and function infuses each displayed object with a distinctive character. Thus, the project serves as a canvas for the brand’s narrative, treating each piece as an artwork. The brands and artists displayed as part of the collection include Rowse, GIGI Studios, Ölend, Deren Rice, and Alejo Palacios.

with interiors by Isern Serra, Thinking Mu’s pop-up shop opens on Rambla de Catalunya

raw materials and modularity

The team behind Thinking Mu advocates for natural and ecological manufacturing, a principle deeply ingrained in the brand’s history and design philosophy. This interiors project by Isern Serra translates this ethos into the physical realm, employing natural and organic materials that impart a raw, human essence to the space. By embracing raw materials, the design underscores Thinking Mu’s authenticity and environmental consciousness. The pop-up shop, designed to operate for three months, features a modular and transportable design using wooden and metal furniture. Each piece is crafted to be replicated in other spaces and cities across Europe. This intentional design decision empowers the brand to transport its unique identity to multiple locations in the future.

the versatile space will host rotating collections in collaboration with local and international artists and brands
the use of organic materials conveys a raw and human touch
each piece of furniture within the space is treated as a unique work of art

Isern Serra draws from Thinking Mu’s dedication to natural and ecological manufacturing

starting with a vision of simplicity, the space is cleansed and bathed in warm tones

modular and transportable wooden and metal furniture lend an adaptable configuration

project info:

project title: Thinking Mu | @thinkingmu

interior design: Isern Serra | @isernserra

location: Barcelona, Spain

team leader: Aasheen Mittal
metalwork: Jarque
carpentry: Fusteria J. Vidal, BIG Grup

completion: November 2023

photography: © Salva López | @salvalopez

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Located in Barcelona, a newly opened Miners Café has been completed by interior designer Isern Serra. This specialty coffee shop, originally established in Prague in 2019, has now expanded its operations to Spain, starting with its first spot in Barcelona. In collaboration with Isern Serra, the goal was to transform an empty space in the heart of El Poblenou into a unique and serene café that would stand out amidst the artistic city.

The concept behind The Miners Café interiors aims to convey the craftsmanship and delicacy involved in coffee coffee production. The design reflects this idea, aiming to create an honest and simple space that exudes serenity. At the core of the space is a large bar and display element which was carefully built on-site and is wrapped in vibrantly colored tiles.

images © Salva Lopez | @salvalopez

spaces unified with color and texture

The layout of the Isern Serra-designed Miners Café in Barcelona is defined by its elongated, rectangular floor plan. The first retail space features a prominent longitudinal bar, while the central zone houses the service and storeroom areas. Towards the back is the workshop, benefiting from a back courtyard that provides ample natural light.

The walls of the café narrate the passage of time, showcasing different textures from various construction stages. These textures, ranging from stone to different brick constructions, have been preserved to add richness and character to the space. However, they have been unified through the application of a cream color scheme, creating a harmonious and luminous atmosphere. This choice of color enhances the height of the premises and brings an abundance of light to the longitudinal space, while also accentuating the bar and bakery area with a tile-colored finish.

the bar and display

The bar at the Miners Café is an eye-catching feature in the entrance area. Custom-made and reinforced, it serves both as a counter for coffee service and a bar table for customers to enjoy a peaceful coffee experience. In the coffee-serving areas, the seating is intentionally eliminated, allowing the entire space to be dedicated to the placement of machines and equipment. The bar stands out with its tiling and unique color, reminiscent of the craftsmanship and artisanal process behind the production of coffee.

Adjacent to the bar is another reinforced concrete countertop with a micro-cement finish, aligned with a displaced wall. This clever arrangement provides additional seating capacity by incorporating shelves. These shelves not only support the bar on the sides but also serve as a display area, perfectly integrated with the overall color scheme, ensuring that the products stand out.

captivating light and mirrors

Lighting plays a central role in The Miners Café, contributing to its overall ambiance. The design includes custom-made lighting with horizontal Linestra fixtures supported by iron structures, guiding visitors from the café to the bakery section. LEDS C4 provides the technical lighting, while special decorative lighting fixtures, such as hanging lights like the white Bowl pendant by Santa & Cole, are incorporated into the bar area.

Another element that adds character and visual interest to the space is the use of mirrors with a pink finish. These mirrors not only amplify the linear space but also introduce rhythm and depth. An arched mirror at the entrance offers a glimpse of the bar and display shelves from the street, while another circular mirror frames the coffee area, featuring a large Slayer coffee machine.

The workshop area of The Miners Café takes the form of a central arch, seamlessly continuing from the arch between the service area and the corridor. Exposed pillars and kitchen units define this space, while tile-colored ceramics protect the walls, providing a smooth transition between service areas. To add a touch of nature, a large window acts as a divider between the workshop and a courtyard filled with plants, serving as an aesthetic backdrop. On special occasions and during the summer, the doors can be opened, allowing the interior and exterior spaces to merge, creating a dynamic and inviting atmosphere.

circular and arch-shaped mirrors create graphically layered depth to the narrow space

archways divide the café and rear workshop

the building’s original stone texture is preserved and celebrated

neutral tones help showcase the vibrant packaging displayed

project info:

project title: The Miners

interior design: Isern Serra | @isernserra

location: Barcelona, Spain

team leader: Anna Mandri
graphics: Basora
construction: Tegola Rosso
carpentry: Fusteria J. Vidal
ceramics: cerámica Ferrer

completion: 2023

photography: © Salva Lopez | @salvalopez

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In Barcelona‘s bustling office district of El Poblenou is hidden away an oasis dwelling dubbed Gallery House by interior designer Isern Serra — a small loft in a former industrial building from the 1970s. The designer’s team, led by Anna Mandri, has successfully created an aesthetic and practical living space for the artist Pol Solà.

A sense of peace and serenity washes over visitors at once upon crossing the threshold of this loft. The interior designer took inspiration from the dreamlike architecture of the metaverse, and has crafted a space that evokes the aesthetic of the digital world while maintaining the warmth of a home. The resulting atmosphere is as a blend of contemporary minimalism and a Mediterranean touch that permeates every corner.

© Enric Badrinas | @enricbadrinas

gallery house for the artist’s own work

With the design of the Gallery House in El Poblenou, Isern Serra achieves a sense of spaciousness in the compact loft lies in meticulous planning and the careful selection of elements. The interior designer has managed to imbue the loft with a soft, curated style while maintaining functionality. Strategically placed touches of color, a careful collection of furniture, and carefully chosen artworks, integrating Pol’s own pieces and those of his friends, all contribute to creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with life and a personal touch.

circular furnishings harmonize with moon gate walls

Notable among the furnishings are custom-made tables that perfectly adapt to the space’s geometry, adding a sense of personalization and coherence to the design. Additionally, a large division in the middle of the loft, with a circular cutout wall evoking a moon gate in a Chinese garden, elegantly and functionally separates the living area from the sleeping area. Different curtains also aid in dividing the spaces, providing a greater sense of openness and privacy.

the house acts as a gallery for the works of the artist and his friends
the space blends the aesthetic of the digital world with the warmth of a home a collection of greenery infuses the loft with nature

a full wall of windows floods the room with soft daylight

circular furnishings harmonize with the moon gate portals

Isern Serra blends contemporary minimalism with a Mediterranean touch

project info:

project title: Gallery House

interior design: Isern Serra | @isernserra

location: Barcelona, Spain

client: Pol Solà | @polsola

team leader: Anna Mandri

construction: Tegola Rosso

carpenter: Big Grup

completion: 2023

photography: © Enric Badrinas | @enricbadrinas

The post isern serra frames an artist’s loft with circular portals in barcelona appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.