Not long ago, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Casa Decor, an annual design exhibition in Madrid where Spanish designers and industry partners take over an entire building and turn it into a living showcase of creativity. This year’s location was in the Sagasta Building, constructed between1899 and 1901 by the Bilbao-born architect Luis de Jordán y Urries, exemplifying late 19th-century Madrid eclecticism.
A Design Dream in Madrid: My Visit to Casa Decor
Walking through the building felt like stepping into the collective imagination of Spain’s top design minds. Each room offered a new perspective on space, function, and aesthetic storytelling. From curved walls clad in natural finishes to handpainted walls & ceilings and artful lighting concepts, the building was overflowing with fresh ideas and fearless (yes, fearless) experimentation.
One standout moment for me was discovering the outdoor courtyard, a serene WELLNESS SPACE that not only was I gaga over, but perfectly blended luxury and intention. It featured a cedar sauna and a cold plunge setup, framed by greenery and textured stonework that instantly invited calm.
Directly across from this space was a sun-drenched solarium, complete with minimal yet elegant cabinetry, sculptural seating, eye-catching textures and curated decor pieces that maximized every inch of an otherwise awkward layout. The marriage of wellness and design felt purposefully poetic and cleverly creative!
Needless to say, my designer brain is overloaded with ideas! But to distill some of this exciting design inspiration for your own home, here are 3 key takeaways and design tips from Casa Decor to help you bring a bit of Madrid magic into your own space!
Tip 1: Layer Textures for Depth and Warmth
Every room in Casa Decor this year was a masterclass in layering- woven fabrics against natural stone, sleek, simplistic finishes beside raw, natural wood, and hand-troweled walls that felt sculptural to the touch. Texture is a subtle but powerful way to make a space feel lived-in and visually rich.
Tip: Start with tactile accessories like these throw pillows or accent rugs to introduce new materials without overwhelming your existing aesthetic.
Indoor/ Outdoor Throw Pillow Covers
These throw pillows feature woven textures and neutral tones that easily complement most interiors while adding dimension.
Tip 2: Transform an Awkward Nook into a Functional Gem
The solarium at Casa Decor was the perfect example of smart, beautiful space planning. What could’ve been a disjointed room became a glorious retreat thanks to custom cabinetry, modular furniture, and a clear design vision.
Tip: Don’t ignore “difficult” areas in your home. With a little creativity, they can become your favorite spot.
Fluted Corner Storage Cabinet with Marble Top
These appealing corner units are perfect for turning underused spaces into efficient storage or display zones.
Tip 3: Incorporate Wellness Elements into Daily Life
Are you just as inspired by that dreamy sauna and plunge combo!? Well, I’m even MORE convinced that wellness should be woven into our everyday spaces. Whether it’s a mini spa moment or a daily meditation corner, these details elevate how we feel in our homes.
Tip: Create a sensory ritual space with aromatherapy, soft lighting, or temperature-based therapies.
Wellness Facial Steamer
An accessible wellness upgrade that helps recreate the steam room experience at home.
Casa Decor reminded me that great design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about how we experience our surroundings. From the emotive power of texture to the restorative promise of wellness, this show house was a powerful nudge to design with complete intention.
Whether you’re revamping a room or just looking to spark a new idea, I hope this peek into Madrid’s creative scene of Casa Decor leaves you as inspired as I felt walking through those storied halls.
Let’s keep creating spaces that let us Live Beautifully, Live Well ™ .
With Gratitude,
Megan
We want to hear all about your favorite design inspirations that have impacted your wellness journey, share in the comments below and let’s inspire each other to live well!
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