A Madrid apartment decorated in shades of olive green and terracotta

In the Spanish capital, the Salamanca neighborhood has exuded understated elegance since the 19th century. Its stone facades, moldings, and wrought-iron balconies reflect an urban design conceived for the aristocracy of that era. It is in this setting that this fully renovated Madrid apartment is tucked away, where color serves as the project’s guiding thread.

The walls are draped in olive green, mocha, and terracotta. Velvet sofas and textured wall coverings adorn the space. A chandelier made of ostrich feathers floats above a bed. Each room has its own personality, while still harmonizing with the others. The result is bold, yet surprisingly harmonious and balanced.

The living room, an olive green and aubergine velvet cocoon

Its living room occupies an alcove entirely lined with olive green wall covering that has the look of raw silk. Thin dark wood moldings divide the walls into large panels. This interplay of frames evokes the wood paneling of historic homes, in a more graphic interpretation. In the center, a spacious aubergine velvet corner sofa invites you to settle in

The coffee table immediately catches the eye. Its top features alternating bands of light and dark wood in broad diagonal stripes. Its legs, formed by joined cylinders, echo the same stripes but in a horizontal pattern. This unique piece breaks up the formality of the velvet and wood paneling.

A wooden partition that separates without closing off

A large partition clad in dark wood separates the living room from the dining area. It does not extend all the way to the ceiling, thus preserving the original moldings.

The dining area features a bench with retro charm

Behind the partition, the dining area features an oval walnut table accompanied by a bench upholstered in a floral fabric reminiscent of tapestry. These are complemented by two vintage striped chairs from the 1970s. A distorting mirror reflects the room and warps its image. Olive-green linen curtains filter the light from the windows.

The dark wood and terrazzo kitchen

In the kitchen, wood-veneer cabinet fronts cover the wall from floor to just below the crown molding. The built-in ovens blend into this large expanse of wood. Its island rests on a wide terrazzo base with brown and gray flecks. The two tall rattan stools add an unexpected rustic and Mediterranean touch to this classic-chic setting. Its veined brown marble countertop complements the dark wood Venetian blinds.

The bedrooms, three distinct atmospheres

Terracotta master bedroom

The first bedroom is immersed in a terracotta palette. Textured wall covering adorns all the walls. A massive headboard made of three panels of rust-colored bouclé fabric rises toward the ceiling. Above the bed, a chandelier made of ostrich feathers adds a theatrical and original touch. An octagonal bedside table made of light-colored burl wood replaces the classic nightstand. Opposite the bed, a glossy olive-green lacquered wardrobe creates a spectacular contrast with the terracotta walls.

The second bedroom and its graphic trim

The second bedroom takes a different approach. Its walls are a deep camel color. A red-and-white checkered trim highlights the corners and creates the illusion of a canopy extending all the way to the ceiling.

This simple idea transforms a plain room on a budget. The striped headboard echoes the trim’s colors, though with a different pattern. A powder-pink carpet has been laid on the floor, adding softness underfoot.

The third bedroom under a plum-colored ceiling

In the third bedroom, color extends up to the ceiling. The crown molding and ceiling are painted a deep plum shade, while the walls remain a luminous off-white. A pointed headboard, draped in a fabric with fine caramel stripes, follows the line of the wall like the roof of a house.

The bathrooms, from rough-hewn stone to red marble

Terracotta master bathroom

The master bathroom extends the terracotta theme of the bedroom. A long, suspended countertop in veined gray marble supports two white stone sinks with a rough, hand-hewn appearance. A black glass partition with small panes encloses the shower and evokes the atmosphere of an artisan’s workshop. In this space, the presence of the black steel in the partition disrupts the classic-chic aesthetic.

Two small, meticulously designed powder rooms

The guest powder room features dark wall cladding. Its beige stone countertop, white sink, and wooden cabinet with two drawers create a balanced ensemble. In the restroom, the monolithic sink is carved from red marble with spectacular veining.

The entryway with veined wall cladding

The entryway’s decor sets the tone for this Madrid apartment’s style, which is both classic and contemporary. Its walls are covered with wallpaper featuring an enlarged wood-grain pattern and iridescent highlights. An empty, gilded frame adds a playful touch to this welcoming space. A practical bench makes it easy to put on and take off shoes, helping to maintain the space’s cleanliness.

Our take on the decor

In this Madrid apartment, the designers have skillfully balanced intense colors. The secret lies in the consistency of the materials. Textured wall coverings, dark wood, and velvet recur from one room to the next. Yet each space adopts its own dominant hue: olive green adorns the living room, terracotta envelops the master suite, and plum graces the third bedroom.

The blend of eras is another highlight of the apartment. Vintage chairs sit alongside a contemporary coffee table. A “witch’s mirror” complements a feather chandelier. Canvas-style floral motifs evoke the 19th and 20th centuries with a touch of nostalgia. Finally, the design preserves its beautiful period features. The original moldings and cornices retain their rightful place.

The apartment is located on Recoletos Street, in the Salamanca neighborhood. This area, developed in the 19th century, features ornate facades and wrought-iron balconies. The neighborhood has retained its peaceful atmosphere, yet remains close to all the city’s must-see attractions. This Madrid apartment is available for rent through Airbnb