After living in Spain for a few years, I decided it was time to stop renting. Last year, I finally took the plunge and bought a chalet with a small yard in the suburbs of Barcelona. After a hectic six months of renovations, the major construction and interior decorating are mostly done. Today, I finally have some time to take photos and share the ‘final project’ with everyone on the forum, and to document this journey. The overall style is the Mediterranean look I’ve always dreamed of—after all, when in Spain, you have to embrace the sun, sand, and sea vibe!
Living Room and Sunroom: The Heart of the Home
The part of the house I’m most pleased with is the open-plan design connecting the living room and the sunroom. The previous owner had enclosed the balcony, but the small windows made it feel dark and cramped. I hired someone to knock down part of the wall and replaced it with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that open up to our small yard. On sunny days, with the glass doors fully open, sunlight floods the entire living room, making the space feel twice as large. Sitting here with a coffee, a book, or just daydreaming, I really don’t want to go to work. When friends come over for a gathering, this area for a Spanish villa renovation is always the most popular spot.
Kitchen and Dining Area: Vintage and Full of Life
I opted for an open-plan kitchen with a breakfast bar that connects directly to the dining area. What I’m most proud of are the vintage patterned tiles on the floor and walls—a real treasure I found after visiting several building material markets. While they might require a bit more effort to clean than regular tiles, they are absolutely gorgeous and instantly add a warm, lived-in feel. The cabinets were custom-made by a local carpenter; simple white paired with brass handles, they complement the patterned tiles perfectly. Now, cooking every day feels like a pleasure, not a chore.
I ran into quite a few challenges during the renovation, especially with material selection and labor costs. The local customs and cost calculations are quite different from what I was used to. I’ve put together a simple cost comparison table for your reference. Of course, this is just for my project; prices can vary significantly depending on the region and material brands.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Notes |
|---|
| Full Kitchen Remodel | 8,000 | 9,500 | Mainly over budget due to custom cabinets and appliance upgrades |
| Tiling for the entire house | 5,000 | 5,200 | Patterned tile price was slightly higher than expected |
| Wall Painting | 3,000 | 3,800 | Found some wall sections that needed repair, increasing labor hours |
| Bathroom Renovation | 6,000 | 7,000 | Chose better-quality sanitary ware brands |
Although the process was exhausting, seeing the final result makes it all worthwhile. Living in a home you’ve created with your own hands brings a sense of belonging and happiness that renting can’t compare to. I hope my little experience can provide some inspiration to friends who are settling down or planning to settle down in Spain. Feel free to leave any questions below, and I’ll reply when I see them! ¡Buena suerte a todos
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