In Conversation With Barcelona Based Interior Designer Abel Pérez Gabucio
This week we caught up with our friend, client and talented Interior Designer Abel Pérez Gabucio of Àbag Studio to talk all things art, design and why we love Barcelona so much!
Abel’s work has been featured in the likes of El Mueble, Arquitectura i Diseño and Interiores Magazine and he is considered one of the foremost interior designers in Spain.
Over the past year, The Art Büro have sourced several show-stopping pieces for Abel as his trusted art experts, by artists including Viani and ICO (pictured)!
Abel and his team have created some of the most spectacular spaces in the city and internationally. We learned more about his design philosophy and inspiration...
How would you describe your design aesthetic in one sentence?
I like to create warm contemporary and made to measure spaces either for living, working, commercial or hospitality - which all need to embrace the user in carefully thought out ways.
How do you approach a new design brief?
To start a design, I love to spend as much time as possible with the client to understand each and every single one of their needs, in order to achieve them on the upcoming design.
What has been your favourite project to date and why?
I’m really in love with every single project we work on in my studio, for one reason or another every project becomes my favourite. If I had to choose one, I’m currently so excited about a resort we are designing in Sardinia. ☺️
How does art influence your design work?
Art is one of the greatest inspirations! For my designs, sometimes one piece of art is the focal point so everything has to revolve around the character of that piece, or we plan out the perfect spots for future pieces of art that will bring the final touches to the space.
EA38 - PEDRALBES
EA38 - PEDRALBES
Your most challenging design brief so far?
At the moment we are working on the design of the Barcelona Art Academy by Jordi Díaz Alama, the top art school in Spain. It has been challenging to create perfect custom designs for every detail, as a white canvas at the centre of a creative space.
3 designers or fellow creatives you admire or who have influenced you?
Pierre Jeanneret, Coco Chanel, and Mark Rothko.
Your dream art purchase?
Haha, I have many! But my latest purchases were a dream come true. One of them is a Viani , introduced to me by The Art Büro, I fell in love at first sight! The other is a piece by Jordi Díaz Alama - the perfect combination of figurative art with a contemporary language.
What are your design trend predictions for the near future?
Warm pureness and honest materials.
Where do you go in Barcelona to feel inspired?
To find inspiration, I just go for a walk in the city! There is so much to see; people, places and hidden corners I still discover suddenly…I’m in love with Barcelona.
Describe your perfect Barcelona Sunday?
I would go to the beach, enjoy an aperitivo before lunch (still wet from swimming in the sea), go home to cook for family and friends and spend the evening on the terrace enjoying nice laughs. But not until too late as Sunday evening I like to plan out my week ahead, to start each new week with energy!
Most loved piece of Barcelona architecture?
Plenty of them, from Casa Batlló - a modernist icon of the city, to the Mies Van de Rohe Pavilion and all of the contemporary buildings that have changed the landscape of the city over the last 20 years.
Favourite museum or gallery in the city?
The Pop Up events hosted by the Art Büro for friends and art lovers are random, interesting and always surprising - I love them!
Finish the sentence:
Home is…the place that adapts to you perfectly to make you feel safe and beautiful.
Creativity is…the result of the fear of being average.
ART is…life!
We collaborate with and advise design studios and architects on the best of Spanish art!
Our team find the PERFECT pieces for the most incredible interior projects - aspirational works that are both aesthetically beautiful and investment worthy. Get in touch to see how we can light up your walls!