Let’s talk about creative norms. When you think of the idea of an apartment, what springs to mind? Is it a space filled with high contrast checkerboard tiles that line the floors and nearly all of the walls? Most likely not, and that is what’s special about Casa Cabanyal, a project by Viruta Lab.
The studio took on the project of revitalizing an old space while still keeping many of the original details. Their bold solution was a two-color blue and off-white checkerboard mosaic that covers the floors throughout the space, as well as halfway up most of the walls, taking inspiration from the Cabanyal neighborhood where the space is located, as well as a nod to the sea.
Why I think this project works so well is that they’ve chosen to diffuse the checkerboard pattern with woodwork in European oak that was stained to resemble Canaletto walnut, as well as the pops of green in the furnishings. The check is a lot to look at, which I think actually draws your eyes to other elements of the space, presenting even more value on the details of the original walls and ceilings. It’s such a striking combination of pattern, material, and colors, what do you think? Do you feel like you could live in a space as dynamic as this?
