Get inspired by Unique Homes – Interior designer Mercedes Valdenebro
Unique homes Mercedes Valdenebro
Photography German Saiz
Mercedes Valdenebro, a Sevillian settled in Madrid and co-founder of the interior duo, Las 2 Mercedes, lives in an apartment from the 1930s with a stunning view overlooking El Retiro park together with her husband and their two children.
In 2012, after studying law and working as a photographer, Mercedes joined forces with Mercedes Peralta to set up their own interior design studio focusing on hotels, restaurants and private homes; ”Every one of our projects strives to embody our values of timelessness, warmth and originality”. The duo has taken a strong stand in the interior world and was listed on Architectural Digest´s AD 100 list in 2021.
Tell us about your home?
– My family and I live in a 1930s apartment in a very charming neighbourhood in the centre of Madrid. The most amazing thing about the apartment is that it is on the 7th floor with an incredible view of El Retiro, the biggest and most beautiful park in town. We moved here quite recently as our family grew and we felt the need for a bit more space.
How do you think about the interior when decorating your home and others?
– As interior designers, my business partner, Mercedes and I, consider it very important that our clients feel at home. For us, it means that the house must reflect the identity of the owner and the people living there and how they will spend time in their home. We work very hard on analyzing the way they live and try to leave our own “decorator ego” far away… After that search, we strive to create harmony, balance and of course beauty.
” I LOVE ANY ROOM WHERE WE CAN DESIGN A BEAUTIFUL LIBRARY – FOR US, IT IS A CENTRAL PIECE IN EVERY HOUSE. ”
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
– It is difficult for me to define my own style. But when I decorate for others I tend to choose classic and natural materials such as wood and marble. I always add modern art, midcentury pieces of furniture and lighting to get a more contemporary feeling.
What’s your favourite room to design?
– I love any room where we can design a beautiful library. For me, it is a central piece in every house.
Where do you find inspiration?
– I find inspiration everywhere and love to travel, walking around in new areas are a great source of inspiration. I also love to see old works of decorators, especially from the 1970s.
Your favourite part of your home?
– The living room with no doubts because of the view, space, the light.. but I think I spend most of my time in the kitchen.
When are you the most creative?
– When I arrive from a trip, full of inspiration but also early in the morning when there is no one else in the studio.
Welsh wool curtains in tobacco, antique french desk Louis XVI style.
From left – Table by Rosenthal and Louis Poulsen Enigma pendant lamp. Art deco side table, armchair from the 70s upholstered in Bisson Bruneel fabric. Art by Spanish artist Alberto Solsona, lamp by Gatto. Eero Saarinen’s Tulipe side table and art by Luis Feito.
” I LOVE ART AND HAVE STARTED TO COLLECT IT LITTLE BY LITTLE – I ALSO LIKE CERAMICS, I WOULD SAY IT IS MY BIGGEST WHIM. ”
What are you looking for at auctions?
– Mid–century design, tables, armchairs, antique tables as well as modern seating. At the moment we are looking at Bukowskis for pieces for a countryside hotel.
What was your latest thing you bought at an auction?
– Two enormous portraits from the 17th century for a country house.
Your top three favourite spots in Madrid?
– Museo del Prado is a must, also La Parra, a classic and beautiful restaurant and El Retiro Park.
What do you like to read?
– Mostly historical novels and old Architectural Digest and The World of Interiors for inspiration.
Coffee table designed by las2mercedes, a yellow art piece by Eusebio Sempere.
” I'M LOOKING FOR MID–CENTURY DESIGN, TABLES, ARMCHAIRS, ANTIQUE TABLES AS WELL AS MODERN SEATING – AT THE MOMENT WE'RE LOOKING AT BUKOWSKIS FOR PIECES FOR A COUNTRYSIDE HOTEL. ”
Bruno Mathsson Jetson swivel easy chair from Bukowskis, ceramic vintage lamp.
From left – Kitchen: Leggera style chairs. Bedroom: midcentury french tapestry and bench from Felipe Lindberg. Bathroom: antique mirror and Cristina Bossini tap.
Do you collect anything in particular?
– I love art and have started to collect it little by little…I also like ceramics, I would say it is my biggest whim.
How do you spend your weekend?
– With my kids! In the park, going to art exhibitions, to El Rastro where you can find antiques everywhere… But also going out with friends, for dinner and drinks, Madrid is a very fun city. And when we have the time we try to go to the countryside a lot.
View more interiors by Mercedes
50s terrazzo table from Ana Abascal, a Sevillian antique dealer, Ruan Hoffman ceramic bowls.
Bid on objects curated by Mercedes
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15 000 SEK
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6 000 SEK
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3 000 SEK
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7 000 SEK
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5 000 SEK
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20 000 SEK
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2 500 SEK
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300 EUR
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6 000 SEK
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20 000 SEK
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40 000 SEK
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2 500 SEK
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30 000 SEK
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250 EUR
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500 EUR
