Cottage with spacious living room and invisible kitchen

This bright cottage in northeastern Catalonia, featuring three bedrooms and a stunning view of the Pyrenees, was designed and decorated by Marta Tobella from the Spanish architectural firm Sacum.

Guests did not want a typical winter cottage at the end of the project. They envisioned something more urban yet charmingly Alpine in style. Therefore, Marta focused a lot on layout planning, warm tactile textiles, and delicate woodworking.

Abundant use of wood was a key feature here. Pine was used for ceiling finishes and some furniture, while oak planks covered the floor. The designer isn't a fan of bleached wood, which is trendy in country homes today, so the natural tones of pine and oak were subtly toned down.

The work was meticulous. First, the pine and furniture were sanded down, then coated with a walnut-toned lacquer, followed by a layer of gray paint. The aged oak floor was finished with a clear lacquer. Combined with other woods and accessories—woven lampshades and baskets, as well as cozy and textured textiles—the interior gained many warm, subtle nuances, making the wood in the house appear soft and unobtrusive.

To ensure that everyone in the living room can enjoy the panoramic mountain view, Marta literally oriented the whole layout toward the windows. Additionally, the designer decided to keep the kitchen (essentially a small cooking area) hidden behind opaque glass. “This is also for surprising guests who will remain in the dark about what’s for dinner or supper until the very last moment,” explains Marta.

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