Solana apartment: light & craft
- Andrea Muñoz Giner
- Feb 1
- 3 min read
Light, Craft, and a Sense of Play
Styling this second apartment within the same building as Ombria, in a small town nestled in a valley outside Valencia, was shaped by attention — to light, orientation, and the quiet traditions embedded in the place itself.
The apartment occupies the second level of a mid-century building, and its elevated position immediately defines the experience of the space. Natural light moves generously through the rooms throughout the day, and the balcony opens onto open views of the surrounding mountains. This relationship with light and landscape informed every decision, allowing the interior to feel airy, calm, and responsive to its setting.
The intention from the outset was to preserve as much of the existing furniture as possible, working with what was already there rather than replacing it. This approach naturally aligned with the town’s long-standing tradition of artisan-made furniture and objects crafted from natural materials — teak wood, rattan, straw, esparto grass, and other woven fibres that reflect both function and local knowledge.
While the material language remains grounded in natural fibres, this apartment allowed for a more playful interpretation. Decorative elements made from straw and esparto grass were introduced as sculptural accents rather than ornamentation. A donkey head crafted from woven fibres adds a quiet sense of humour, while handwoven bowls arranged along the dining room wall create rhythm and texture.
Two sculptural cacti made from dried natural grasses — each in a different scale — bring a tactile, almost graphic presence to the space. These pieces don’t attempt to mimic nature, but instead reinterpret it through craft, reinforcing the connection between material, place, and handwork.
A Functional Calm
The master bedroom reflects a quieter, more contemporary expression of comfort. Instead of a decorative fireplace, the room features a built-in wardrobe extending from wall to wall, with a floor-to-ceiling mirrored surface. The mirror amplifies the abundant natural light and visually expands the space, while maintaining a sense of restraint and order.
Design in Rhythm with the Landscape
The apartment was styled for holiday rental use, yet resists the transient feel often associated with short-term stays. The surrounding valley attracts visitors drawn to nature walks, mountain hikes, rock climbing routes, a natural saltwater pool, and subterranean cave exploration. After long days spent outdoors, the interior functions as a place of rest rather than stimulation.
Here, design supports a slower rhythm: morning light filtering through the balcony doors, simple meals, quiet evenings, and an awareness of the landscape just beyond the walls.
This balance between function and atmosphere defines the apartment as a whole. A compact but well-equipped kitchenette supports longer stays, while a breakfast bar integrated into a utility space prioritises practicality without sacrificing warmth. The layout is efficient, but never feels compressed — a result of careful consideration rather than excess.
Slow Material Play Rooted in Tradition
This apartment reflects a belief that hospitality can be both functional and deeply grounded. By preserving existing elements, working with natural materials, and allowing space for light and playfulness, the interior avoids spectacle in favour of longevity.
To honour that connection between history, craft, authenticity, comfort, and quiet beauty is rewarding because it invites us to live — even temporarily — in closer alignment with place. In doing so, design becomes less about creating impressions, and more about creating environments that feel honest, cared for, and enduring.
Written by Andrea Munoz
Slowtrends 2025
