Raúl Martins restores the original grandeur of this stately Madrid apartment

This splendid apartment—born from the union of two adjacent homes—is located in one of Madrid’s most distinguished neighborhoods. Thanks to its many balconies, natural light floods the interiors, enhancing every detail of this stunning renovation..

Though the building dates back to 1922, it still preserved valuable architectural elements that Raúl Martins chose to restore, reviving the grandeur of another era and infusing the space with the early-20th-century Parisian charm that the designer so admires.

“We must highlight the extraordinary work of RM’s craftsmen and cabinetmakers,” Martins explains. “They created molds of the original ceiling plasterwork and replicated original doors, windows, and other architectural features.”

With his signature immaculate style, Raúl Martins creates interiors that are elegant, serene, and contemporary, enhancing the apartment’s generous proportions with a fluid layout that introduces new spaces—such as a spacious walk-in closet in the master bedroom. High-end finishes and materials elevate the sense of light and refinement throughout.

Most walls are covered in boiserie or hand-lacquered solid wood moldings, complemented by white upholstery, textiles, and furniture. Many of the pieces are exclusive designs from Martins’s own studio, alongside minimalist artworks carefully placed to highlight the home’s architecture.

The classical essence of the apartment is especially present in the living room, which features a near-monochrome palette and custom contemporary furniture. Standout elements include a grey silk rug, a white-treated linen sofa, a modern rounded armchair, and a Louis XV-style seat from RM Studio, upholstered in Dedar chenille, alongside a striking painting by Eduardo Lalane. The 1920s-style ceilings have been lovingly restored by expert artisans.

The formal dining room embodies understated elegance with a Calacatta marble-top table, American walnut legs, Directoire-style chairs upholstered in Dedar fabrics, and a 1940s iron console with a stucco top, topped by an artwork by Elena Morales.

The casual dining area, perfect for two, features a Yugoslavian marble and brass table designed by Martins, paired with chairs from his online boutique.

The kitchen is centered around a bold freestanding island in Calacatta Gold, accompanied by Mobalco cabinetry, a Silestone countertop, and appliances by Siemens and Neff. A space of light, clarity, and quiet luxury.

In the hallway, the original melis pine flooring has been restored, revealing its intricate grain and historical charm.

The master bedroom is adorned with fabrics by Pepe Peñalver, curtains by Manuel Cánovas, a pair of delicate lamps from findings-gallery.com, and an artwork by Elena Morales, all adding warmth and a touch of softness to the suite.

Raúl Martins

Raúl Martins studied Political Science and Public Administration at the Complutense University of Madrid, and Interior Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Madrid in 1996. He completed his academic training with a Landscape Design course at the University of Bath and a Historic Preservation course in Scotland.

His studio brings together a multidisciplinary team working across interior design, decoration, architecture, and graphic design. He has completed residential projects throughout Europe and the United States, as well as corporate headquarters, retail spaces, private clinics, diplomatic residences, and temporary installations for private clubs and commercial events.

Source: Raúl Martins

Project by Raúl Martins