Let's dive into the captivating world of interior design and the unique story behind Cristina Lozano's stunning Basque home. This is a tale of friendship, heritage, and an incredible creative collaboration.
A Creative Partnership
Cristina Lozano, a passionate individual with deep Basque roots, and Lorenzo Castillo, one of Spain's leading interior designers, have formed an extraordinary bond. Their friendship has blossomed into a professional collaboration, resulting in several remarkable projects, with even more on the horizon. Lorenzo describes their connection as a 'twin creative soul' relationship, united by a shared love for antiques, contemporary art, and crafting beauty.
A Home Rooted in Heritage
Cristina's childhood was intertwined with the charming town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the Atlantic coast of southwest France. Her Basque heritage, passed down from her mother's side, runs deep. Her mother, born in Bilbao, spent many years in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, especially during the Spanish Civil War, and now resides there with Cristina's sister. Despite her primary residence in Madrid, Cristina's heart remains firmly rooted in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a place she considers home.
Transforming a Wreck into a Dream Home
The house, a typical Basque baserri with its half-timbered façade, gently sloping roofs, and shuttered windows, had been abandoned since the 1920s and was in a state of disrepair when Cristina first laid eyes on it. While considering other, less challenging properties nearby, Lorenzo's visit changed everything. He immediately recognized the potential of the 'noble architecture' and assured Cristina that together they could create the perfect family home.
A Home for All Seasons
While local planning laws restrict exterior alterations, the interior was free for remodeling. The result is a home that functions beautifully year-round, with warmer, cozier rooms upstairs for spring and autumn, and a focus on the downstairs and outdoor spaces during the summer. The garden-level wraparound veranda is a particular highlight, offering different areas to enjoy the sun's journey across the sky before it sets over the sea.
A Symphony of Color and Texture
Cristina's approach to space is unique; she relies on texture, color, pattern, and decoration to bring her vision to life. Lorenzo, an antique dealer-turned-designer, describes his style as a 'fresh update on classicism,' a blend of global influences and a keen eye for detail. Together, they scoured flea markets and antique shops, often designing rooms around specific finds, such as the carved wooden chimneypiece and oversized rattan lampshade.
A Celebration of Pattern and Texture
Every room in Cristina's home is a celebration of color and pattern. Eye-catching fabrics, books, lamps, plates, birds, shells, and flowers populate every surface, creating a vibrant and thoughtful atmosphere. Lorenzo's designs for Gastón y Daniela and Cristina's passion for Nathalie Farman-Farma's fabrics at Décors Barbares are evident throughout, reflecting their shared love for English country-house style.
A Sensational Location
Cristina's home overlooks the ocean in a quiet, residential area of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The weather, food, surfing, hiking, and endless outdoor activities make it the perfect place for creating memories. This sensational location, combined with the unique interior design, makes Cristina's home a true gem.
A Collaborative Extravaganza
The success of this project has inspired Lorenzo and Cristina to collaborate on another venture: a guesthouse brand, Cristine Bedford, with upcoming openings in Málaga and Seville. Their creative partnership continues to thrive, and we can expect more extraordinary designs and spaces from this dynamic duo.
In my opinion, this story highlights the power of friendship and collaboration in creating something truly special. The transformation of Cristina's home is a testament to the unique vision and talent of Lorenzo Castillo, and the deep connection between these two creative souls. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most inspiring spaces are born from a shared passion and a willingness to take on challenging projects.
