Interior designer and founder of Churina Design studio Katerina Churina was searching for a home for her own family where she could breathe new life and create a cozy atmosphere for years to come.
As an interior designer specializing in remodeling and reimagining spaces, Katerina Churina didn't intend to spend years designing and building from scratch for her new home. Instead, she chose a different path: to find a house that already had character.
The goal of the project was to create a warm home for the whole family — a space that would not only be beautiful, but truly alive.
The main criterion for Katerina Churina was an unusual layout — a home with personality, not a standard rectangular structure. The second, equally important factor was the staircase: the family did not want steep flights. The house had to be comfortable for both children and adults. But in a mountainous area, where almost every plot is a cascade of levels, this was not easy.
It took designer Katerina Churina 2 years to find and purchase a suitable house in Spain. What makes it special?
— A split-level architecture with a large central staircase, reminiscent of classical residences.
— The rooms barely touch each other, creating intimacy and quiet without the need for complex acoustic solutions.
— The house had never been renovated: everything remained as it was since its construction 25 years ago. This allowed to see every layer — from engineering to material condition — and begin the transformation from a clear base.
The interior of A Home Built with Love features a neutral palette and a contemporary interpretation of classical elegance.
Just as many architects prefer black in their clothing, designer Katerina Churina moved away from bright accents in favor of deep textures and subtle nuances — to listen to the space, not overwhelm it.
Approximately 70% of the original layout was preserved, while the remaining 30% required intervention. In some areas, more light was needed; in others, better functionality.
During the renovation, everything possible was preserved, including windows, wooden floors. Many of these elements have been carefully restored.
The project designed by Churina Design reflects a belief in a sustainable approach. Instead of building something new, a second life was given to a house that had aged, but still had a strong and noble structure.
Now it will become a home for the next 25 years — with a new meaning, a new atmosphere, and life inside it.
The project received an Honorable Mention at the International Design Awards (IDA) 2025.
