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Creating a Sanctuary: The Minimalist Home of Paul Antón and Bea Aiguabella
Since the publication of Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up in 2011, the concept of decluttering has resonated with many, inciting a global trend towards minimalism. Kondo’s philosophy emphasizes retaining only those items that “spark joy.” On a visit to the Spanish residence of architects and artists Paul Antón and Bea Aiguabella, Kondo would find little to reorganize, as the couple has already embraced this mindful lifestyle. Antón attributes their minimalist approach to their academic background, referencing design pioneer Adolf Loos, who controversially likened ornamentation to crime in his influential writings.
Antón’s architectural creation, Arkitekton 8, features prominently in the living area.
Four years ago, longing for a simpler existence, the couple and their three children made the decision to leave Madrid. “We sought to recapture the tranquility we experienced in London, where we would return to our serene neighborhood after work and savor its peaceful ambiance,” they share. Their new home, a quintessential example of the Castille-La Mancha region’s architecture, boasts a charming tiled gable roof, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. “The house is so discreet that it often goes unnoticed from the street,” they explain. Upon first sighting the property, they recognized the need for restoration but were committed to preserving its “humble and austere charm.”
The living room is adorned with a BKF chair, a sofa, and a rug from Kave Home, while the TMM floor lamp is designed by Miguel Milá for Santa & Cole. A collage named 1 TON (2024), crafted by Aiguabella, adds a personal touch to the space.
Above the staircase, a sculpture by Faustino Aizkorbe catches the eye, while elements like plaster, pale continuous flooring, and raw steel contribute to the home’s monastic atmosphere.
Spanning 4,300 square feet, the property includes a swimming pool and a lush sunken courtyard, where nature thrives in an almost unrestrained manner. At the rear, the architects designed an open-air kitchen and dining area, which is thoughtfully situated adjacent to the home. With numerous expansive windows, this space offers sweeping views of the garden. “The desire for an outdoor area stemmed from our children’s needs. Studies suggest that the architecture of one’s childhood home shapes personality,” they note. Inside, the layout features a compact living room that opens up to a spacious kitchen with an island, a principal bedroom with an en suite bathroom, a children’s bedroom, and an additional bathroom.
Antón emphasizes that the kitchen serves as the heart of their home: “We positioned it centrally in the floor plan, drawing inspiration from a txoko, a large room typically reserved for gatherings and celebrations.” The flow of the living space is designed so that every room is accessible through this communal area, reinforcing the home’s ethos of connection. “Our vision was similar to that described in Rodrigo Muñoz Avia’s memoir, La Casa de los Pintores, where the author’s parents frequently hosted guests. We wanted a setting where our children could actively engage in our social life,” Antón concludes.
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