The practical beauty of AFAB Architecture's “picoesquina”

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
Picoesquina, AFAB architecture AFAB architecture Couloir, entrée, escaliers modernes
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Today’s inspirational piece comes from AFAB Architecture. Located in both London and Spain, AFAB Architecture is a Spanish architectural firm founded in 2017 by Aitor Frías and Joaquin Perailes.

Delicately balancing contemporary creation with traditional values, the company is relied upon by an ever-growing list of satisfied clients for first-rate designs that range from large-scale urban projects to smaller, more intimate creations. 

Today we focus on one of AFAB Architecture’s unique creations known as “picoesquina”. For this project, we travel to Murcia in Spain where a residential construction project required some creative and colourful accessories for the picoesquina. 

Those familiar with this region’s language will know that picoesquina refers to making use of peculiar corners or spaces that can seem a bit tricky to style up, as regular pieces like sofas or bookcases can’t be used to make corners more comfy or visually pleasing. For this particular space, which flaunts no fewer than seven doors that open up to the other rooms of the house, some visual interest was required by the owners who are self-confessed travel lovers and collectors of keepsakes from all across the globe. 

Let’s see how AFAB Architecture used picoesquina in a stylish and creative manner…   

The beauty of picoesquina

In a sense, picoesquina helps to make sense of a wasted space by making it more practical and, of course, beautiful. And for the first underused corner of this particular space, a floating shelf, upon which a series of trinkets and accessories could be displayed, was deemed as most appropriate. 

It’s minimalist, economical, and perfectly functional! 

The materials

As mentioned, the homeowners are travellers, meaning they love changing their surroundings on a constant basis. But of course there exists no material that constantly changes, which is why the next best thing was chosen: a transparent surface that is versatile and supports all kinds of aesthetic alterations. 

Styling up a practical little floating shelf, a sense of humbleness was created for this corner with a subtle and minimalistic design. Yet the chosen colour, a popping orange, is ideal for conveying brightness and fun, perfectly complementing the idea of creativity and change. 


Very functional

Like any professional firm worth its salt, AFAB Architecture not only wants to specialise in beautiful creations, but also focus on functional pieces. That was kept in mind with this project highlighting picoesquina, since the end result (the shelf) is most versatile: it can display a series of objects (from potted plants and mirrors to books and small sculptures) while also complementing the bare walls of the hallway. 


Freedom of creation

The professionals at AFAB Architecture always welcome clients’ ideas and suggestions when working on projects, yet also loves the freedom of experimenting with colours and creations. In this way, picoesquina emerged naturally by letting ideas flow and allowing the house’s design and structure to push their thoughts in a certain direction. 

Think about it: were it not for this hallway’s corners, picoesquina might not have taken place! 


A new way to style up hallways

We all know how tricky it can be to make hallways come alive in terms of appearance. They are usually very narrow and regarded as “in-between” zones that link up more interesting rooms like kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, etc. 

A new way to style up hallways 2

But thanks to the idea of picoesquina, and the professionals at AFAB Architecture, any hallway or entryway (especially with tricky layouts and corners) can be given new style and functionality.

Will it become a storing area for everything from coats to keys? A dressing room connected to your bedroom? For these clients, at least, we know that this hallway has become a prime zone for keeping their travel keepsakes conveniently together. 

Picoesquina

Of course no two houses’ layouts are the same, which means that one structure’s picoesquina will differ radically from the next’s. Luckily, picoesquina can be altered to make any tricky spaces (regardless of corners or layouts) flaunt a little bit of colour and functionality! 

From one expert professional to another, let’s explore First-class hallway lighting designs by Luxury Chandelier


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