Let's dive into the captivating world of interior design and the unique story behind a stunning Basque home. This is a tale of friendship, heritage, and the magic that happens when two creative souls collaborate.
A Creative Partnership
Cristina Lozano and Lorenzo Castillo, friends first and foremost, have an extraordinary professional relationship. Their shared passion for antiques, art, and crafting beauty has led to remarkable projects, including Cristina's house in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Lorenzo describes their connection as a 'twin creative soul' bond, which is evident in the house's vibrant interiors.
Basque Roots
Cristina's Basque heritage runs deep. Her mother, born in Bilbao, spent many years in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, especially during the Spanish Civil War. This town on the Atlantic seaboard holds a special place in Cristina's heart. It's where her mother and sister live, and it's her home away from her main residence in Madrid. The decision to upscale from a smaller holiday house to this larger one was driven by family, providing a space to accommodate her husband, Juan, their three sons, and an abundance of friends.
A Challenging Transformation
The house, a typical Basque baserri with a charming half-timbered façade, had been abandoned for decades and was in ruins when Cristina first saw it. Lorenzo, with his keen eye for 'noble architecture', recognized its potential and promised to create a perfect family home. Despite strict local planning laws for exterior alterations, the interior was a blank canvas, allowing for a redesign that would make the house functional year-round.
Interior Magic
The interiors are a celebration of texture, color, pattern, and decoration. Cristina relies on Lorenzo's expertise to bring her vision to life. Their style, a 'fresh update on classicism', is evident in every room. From the carved wooden chimneypiece in the drawing room to the oversized rattan lampshade in the dining room, each space is carefully curated. Flea markets and antique shops were their playgrounds, where they sourced unique pieces that became the focal points of each room.
A Sensory Experience
Color and pattern dance together, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Eye-catching fabrics, books, lamps, plates, birds, shells, and flowers populate every surface. The dining room, with its verre églomisé wall panels and large rattan ceiling light, is a masterpiece. Lorenzo's designs for Gastón y Daniela and Cristina's passion for Décors Barbares fabrics come together seamlessly. Their love for English country-house style is evident, but with a unique twist.
A Collaborative Extravaganza
This house has inspired Lorenzo and Cristina's latest project, a boutique hotel in Menorca's capital, Mahón. It's the first opening for their guesthouse brand, Cristine Bedfor, with future sites planned in Málaga and Seville. This collaborative duo never fails to impress, and their work continues to inspire and delight.
A Perfect Sanctuary
Cristina's house is more than just a stunning interior design project. It's a sanctuary overlooking the ocean, a place where memories are made. The weather, food, surfing, hiking, and endless outdoor activities make it the perfect getaway. This house, with its rich history and creative transformation, stands as a testament to the power of friendship, heritage, and collaborative design.
What makes this story particularly fascinating is the way it showcases the personal connections and passions that drive exceptional design. It's a reminder that behind every beautiful interior, there's a unique story waiting to be told.
