Andrés Reisinger first burst into the collective consciousness with his ‘Hortensia’ chair for Moooi – a candyfloss explosion of 20,000 pink petals born out of a hyperreal 3D rendering. This viral sensation, along with projects such as ‘The Shipping’ collection and the recent ‘Take Over’ digital-art installation series, means the designer is now known for his surreal yet minimalist aesthetic that blurs the virtual and physical worlds into something entirely new.
Born and bred in Argentina, he lives in Barcelona with his wife Mica Lucas, a visual artist and founder of jewellery brand Mila Sai. Andrés can’t explain exactly how they ended up there, admitting ‘as with much else in life, it just happened’. It’s safe to say, the couple adore their adopted home city, finding it ‘a never-ending source of energy’.
Their shared apartment is in the vibrant Turó Park neighbourhood of Sant Gervasi, nestled in the upper reaches of the city between the mountains and the beach. Describing this lively, family-oriented area as ‘brimming with modernity’, Andrés loves how it offers a perfect balance between urban life and nature. ‘My partner and I are both curious souls,’ he says, ‘perpetually enamoured with unearthing life’s hidden gems.’ ‘This jewel of an apartment,’ he adds, ‘revealed itself to us serendipitously at just the right moment!’
The couple’s home has a simple layout – living space at one end, kitchen in the middle and bedroom and bathroom at the other end, all wrapped around a generous terrace, which Andrés describes as the heart of the space. ‘It is so intimate and open at the same time. Living in a big city, sometimes it is hard to find one’s own dimension. Here I feel we can connect to nature and at the same time experience the privacy of our home environment.’ Large windows along one side of the property bring in plenty of natural light and offer amazing views of the city.
So how do two artists, each with their own distinct visual language and way of seeing the world, ever agree on an aesthetic for their home? Andrés explains that their need for somewhere to ‘restore our souls and energy’ determined the design. ‘Both Mica and I believe in the power of calmness, therefore no tension emerges, but rather a shared vision. The idea revolves around creating a soothing atmosphere: the natural materials, the organic tones, the open layout, it all gives life to a comforting environment.’
What they’ve created together is a serene, pared-back space defined by its simple plan and a neutral, natural palette lifted by soft pops of pink. The majority of the structural elements are made from pale wood, including the walls and floor, but also countertops and chairs ‘to conceive an envelope-like environment’, as Andrés puts it. ‘The space was developed in length, rather than in height,’ he explains, adding, ‘As for the shapes, much of what is present features rectangular elongated forms, with a few rounded and organic edges.’
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They were determined to keep clutter to a minimum, he says, ‘Once you move to a new apartment it’s so easy to fill it, but this time we really wanted to let the architectural project live and breathe, and allow only essentials in the rooms.’ To that end, they commissioned plenty of built-in storage to keep things organised, with the wooden walls also maintaining visual harmony.
He credits the interior and industrial designer Isern Serra, who also designed his studio, for his often ingenious interventions, including the colossal sofa ‘that invites us to dream big and embrace the limitless potential of our surroundings’.
Andrés finds freedom in designing in the digital realm, where the only limits are his own imagination, and relishes the challenge of translating those fantastical ideas into physical reality. While you’ll see some examples of his work and Mica’s in the apartment, they are careful not to let it feel like an exhibition space. ‘Our lives naturally intertwine our creative expression with our day-to-day routines,’ Andrés says. ‘It is challenging to establish a boundary between work and leisure; however, we have always allowed our home to primarily serve as a sanctuary, where we may occasionally work.’ The touches of blush pink that appear throughout are a subtle nod to the designer’s now signature style. ‘I’m very drawn to that colour and I embody it a lot in my work,’ he says.
He may spend his working days immersed in a dreamlike virtual world where anything is possible, but it’s the physical materiality of the home he has created with his partner that Andrés cherishes the most. Every aspect of this sleek, linear sanctuary is designed to improve their lives. ‘We are incredibly fortunate to have a park directly in front of our apartment,’ he says. ‘In the springtime, our vantage point aligns perfectly with the treetops, enveloping us in a magical environment that offers a rare sense of privacy in the city. As the sun caresses the surfaces of our home, it casts a warmth that is difficult to forget, enhancing the unique charm of our living space.’ reisinger.studio
