Shoji Shadow

Shoji Shadow: Catalonia

If your holidays revolve around culture, boutiques, art, and cuisine, then Gràcia might be the region for you. As you browse the offerings of this sophisticated neighbourhood, passing Gaudí masterpieces at every turn, it only feels natural to stop in at a wine bar or designer store. And with the elegant boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia just a ten-minute walk from home, you won’t need to carry your shopping bags too far.

This apartment might be located in Catalonia’s most famous city, but global influence is a huge part of the design. Taking inspiration from Indonesia, Scandinavia, and Japan, the furniture and decor marry together diverse elements in a stylish way. From handcrafted cloth wall hangings, to the clean lines of a modern sofa, to the shoji partition, this intriguing display of texture and colour creates a unique home for work and relaxation.

With light flooding in from multiple French doors (leading to a cosy balconette, of course), this bright lounge is a fabulous spot for reading your novel or popping a tune on the record player. Or if you’d prefer a more active end to the day, there’s always the residents’ swimming pool.

Home truths:
*You have a private balconette at your apartment, but the pool and roof terrace are shared
*There's a dedicated workspace, plus laptop-friendly spots like the dining table
*Your host does not provide haircare products such as shampoo
*Parking isn't available, but the Verdaguer metro stop is a seven-minute walk
*The building entrance is shared, not private to your home
*As this home is in one of Barcelona’s most popular areas, some city and street noise is to be expected – light sleepers may want to pack earplugs just in case
*There is only air conditioning in some rooms