Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

A medley of plain whites and bold textures come together at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

The interiors of the Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona are a lesson in bringing warmth and soul into a white space without compromising on a neutral colour palette. Located on the stylish Passeig de Gràcia street, the hotel housed in a mid-century building, boasts sleek, contemporary interiors with Mediterranean and Oriental influences.  

Spanish interior designer Patricia Urquiola took advantage of the abundant natural light that floods the space. What makes the interiors so distinctive are the custom-made furnishings, artwork, bespoke furniture by B&B Italia, DePadova, Flos, Moroso and extensive use of the designer’s own collection for sanitaryware brand Hansgrohe, Axor Urquiola.

In the lobby, textured wall art, parquet flooring and deep blue carpet with bold, floral motifs softens the outlook presented by the modern furniture and white colour palette. The entire hotel has a sophisticated, minimalistic aesthetic but unique pieces in each area like Scandinavian-style armchairs and gold motif ceiling in the Moments restaurant; a restored 20th century French tailor’s table and latticed sculptural frame surrounding the Blanc restaurant, lend a unique outlook to the space.

In the Banker’s Bar, Fat-Fat side tables from B&B Italia, deep lounge armchairs and feature wall decorated with safe-deposit box fronts set a masculine tone. Caboche lights from Italian furniture label Foscarini and subtle detailing on fabric walls in the rooms tie in an Asian feel. The Penthouse suite strays from the neutral palette with sophisticated materials like leather, velvet, wool and silk that complement rich blues and golds with statement wooden furniture.