Avant-Garde Elegance – Nieto de Alba Residence by Nova Stylo +
"Thoughtfully crafted interiors reveal their greatest beauty when every detail quietly enriches the experience of everyday living with timeless elegance."
More than a residential renovation, Vivienda Nieto de Alba is a thoughtful exploration of contemporary living. Every space has been carefully composed to establish a harmonious dialogue between architecture, light, and materiality, creating an atmosphere where elegance is experienced through simplicity, spatial fluidity, and a profound sense of everyday comfort.
Situated in the centre of Castro Urdiales, Nova Stylo + has transformed this 90-square-metre apartment into a residence that celebrates openness, craftsmanship, and refined contemporary design. Rather than simply updating the existing layout, the project introduces a completely new spatial experience where every room flows naturally into the next. A restrained palette of warm neutrals, natural timber, and textured ceramics enhances the perception of space while establishing a calm and inviting atmosphere that defines the entire home.
At the heart of the residence lies an open-plan living environment where the kitchen, dining area, and lounge coexist as one continuous space. Clean architectural lines and carefully curated materials reinforce the sense of visual continuity, allowing natural light to move freely throughout the interior. Every element has been considered to encourage effortless interaction while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic that remains understated rather than ornamental.
The project's defining feature is a sculptural freestanding central volume that organises the social area without interrupting its openness. Characterised by soft curved edges, this multifunctional element accommodates the entertainment area together with integrated open shelving, becoming both a practical storage solution and an architectural focal point. Embedded within its base, a striking three-sided wood-burning fireplace introduces warmth and movement, allowing the flames to be appreciated from multiple perspectives. Beside it, a recessed timber log storage niche transforms a functional necessity into a decorative feature rich in texture and authenticity.
"Through timeless materials, sculptural simplicity, and meticulous craftsmanship, Nova Stylo transforms everyday routines into moments of architectural elegance."
The transition between the public and private areas is achieved through an elegant vertical timber slatted wall that extends seamlessly along the circulation space. Beyond adding warmth and rhythm, this bespoke installation discreetly conceals a flush hidden door that disappears entirely into the panelling when closed. The result is an uninterrupted architectural composition where functionality is integrated with remarkable precision. Above, recessed LED lighting traces the curved geometry of the ceilings before continuing through the corridors in clean linear compositions, creating a subtle sense of movement while emphasising the home's fluid circulation.
The primary suite continues the home's architectural narrative through a bespoke timber slatted headboard that transcends its traditional function to become a floating spatial divider. Separating the sleeping area from the dressing room without compromising openness, the feature allows natural light to filter gently between spaces while maintaining a sense of intimacy. Suspended bedside tables crafted from matching timber and minimalist pendant lighting reinforce the refined atmosphere, while beyond the divider, a fully integrated dressing room unfolds with floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry, recessed vertical finger pulls, and a tranquil reading corner furnished with a sculptural bouclé armchair. The adjoining en-suite bathroom extends this sense of retreat through textured large-format ceramics, floating timber cabinetry, matte black fixtures, and concealed LED lighting, creating a spa-like environment dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing.
Hidden behind the timber screen, the guest bathroom introduces an unexpected moment of colour. While the remainder of the residence embraces a neutral palette, this intimate space is anchored by a suspended vanity in a vibrant emerald green finish. A matte black vessel basin, matching tapware, rounded illuminated mirror, and black-framed glass shower enclosure establish a sophisticated contrast against warm sand-toned ceramic surfaces. Indirect LED lighting enhances the tranquil atmosphere while maintaining the project's overall commitment to clean lines and carefully balanced proportions.
Completing the residence, the guest bedroom reinterprets the project's architectural language on a more intimate scale through an integrated timber slatted headboard, symmetrical bespoke joinery, warm ambient lighting, and generous windows that invite natural light throughout the day. Together with the carefully curated palette of premium materials, organic furnishings, and seamless architectural detailing found across every space, Vivienda Nieto de Alba reflects Nova Stylo's commitment to creating interiors where functionality and emotion coexist effortlessly. The result is a contemporary home that celebrates timeless design, elevating everyday living through craftsmanship, material honesty, and a profound understanding of how architecture shapes the experience of home.
