Madrid is changing and has undergone a large scale structural transformation over the last few decades to adapt to the demands of international tourism. As a result of these changes, new and attractive areas have emerged in the heart of the Spanish capital, opening up new opportunities in terms of urban planning. This is the case of Arenal street, on the main pedestrian arteries in the heart of Madrid, which runs from the iconic Puerta del Sol to the historic Teatro Real opera house. Right in the middle of this street, at number 15, is the building that houses the historic Francisco I hotel.

From its privileged location, this 6-storey, 90-room hotel offers a 4-star service that has adapted to the passage of time. In its latest renovation, carried out by designer Manuel Espejo, the hotel has been transformed into a comfortable and very stylish space. The designer managed to balance the different atmospheres by adding great versatility and multi functionality to the rooms, allowing the bedrooms to be transformed into cosy living rooms.

Every detail of the design has been chosen to achieve a perfect aesthetic balance and to meet the most demanding functional requirements. The base colour of the design is white, which has been used for the walls and ceilings, and which is complemented by a black perimeter line that adds depth and a sense of geometry to the rooms. The headboard walls are upholstered in a dark shade and feature mouldings for a cosy feel.

The historic character of the building has been respected, maintaining its original wooden beams. The past dialogues with the present through the furniture and art pieces, all designed by Manuel Espejo, including the canvas headboards and chairs with Gancedo fabrics. To create part of the furniture, the studio chose Cosentino’s innovative products, which guarantee perfect finishes and durability, making them ideal for the intensive use typical of a busy hotel.

“Cosentino materials have been used to create sturdy and designer furniture that plays with the contrasting materials. Everything has been custom made and designed exclusively for the hotel”, says the studio. “Dekton is a fantastic surface. It always delivers. It is very easy to clean and very hard-wearing. It is also very easy to install and to create contrasts with the different finishes. In addition, Cosentino not only supplied the material, but also carried out the entire cutting process”, they further say.

This intense colour is also the star of the luggage rack, the mini fridge and the bedside tables, where it is used in combination with oak wood. The wardrobes, also in natural oak, feature the same Dekton colour and have mirrored walls that enhance the feeling of spaciousness. The lacquered metal desks also feature Dekton Domoos, and, continuing in the same vein, the bathrooms are fitted with Domoos countertops on a lacquered metal frame. All custom made and designed exclusively for this renovated hotel.

Specifically, Manuel Espejo created a number of pieces of furniture for the rooms using Dekton Domoos, a graphite black shade that provides an elegant and sober look, perfect for combining with other materials. “We really liked it for its plain matt black design and durable finish”, says the designer.