Quintana Partners do plenty to the kitchens they remodel, but you’d never know it. Based on the Spanish island of Menorca (land of white sand bays and British colonial architecture, not be confused with its larger neighbor Mallorca), the design firm specialize in resuscitating atmospheric, old seaside houses.
When it comes to kitchen remodels, rather than taking the familiar remove-and-replace clinical approach, the three partners—Escat Benito Diaz; his son, Benito Escat Velez; and Pol Castells—believe in leaving next to no trace. And so they introduce new plumbing, electricity, and appliances, and often re-scale the spaces (“most of the time, there are height sizes that are not compatible anymore in the 21st century; the population used to be shorter a hundred years ago,” Pol tells us), while also preserving tile work, revealing original paint, and adding simpatico antiques. Count us among the enthralled. Here’s a sampling of their remodels.
Photography courtesy of Quintana Partners.
Sa Calma
The tiles and terrazzo floor are original, as is the laundry sink, which was given a new use and pride of place.
New appliances include a Smeg 5os-Style Refrigerator, Smeg 30-Inch Gas Range, Smeg Victoria Ventilation Hood, and Corberó dishwasher.
The pot rack is a traditional Menorcan clothes rail. The pendant lights came from the local flea market. Explore the whole house in our post The All-Vintage Renovation by Quintana Partners.
Sa Calma Annex
Note the decorated fridge: The owners had bought a generic white model that stuck out in the setting, and so the designers decoupaged it with old magazine and newspaper clippings and glue.
Townhouse A
Casa Telmo
The kitchen opens to a dining room with a 1930s gray-and-cream checked floor, model ships as wall art, and a two-armed Serge Mouille light.
The house has five bedrooms and operates as a guesthouse; go to Casa Telmo to see more and inquire about booking.
Garden Shed
New additions include stainless steel appliances, a stone sink, and solar panels to supply electricity.
Go to Quintana Partners to see more of the studio’s work.
Working on your own kitchen update? Here are three more inspiring vintage kitchens:
- A Retro Kitchen in London from an Emerging Design Star
- A Compact Kitchen in a Vintage Airstream Trailer
- A DIY Kitchen Overhaul for Under $500
For a mobile-first version of this post, check out this content as a web story, or browse all our web stories.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation