The Horizon apartment in Málaga, designed by Inter-Arch Architects, a design studio operating between Poland and Spain, was named the best residential interior in Spain at the 2025–2026 European Property Awards. However, this is not a project based on flashy opulence. In one of the residential developments on the Costa del Sol, a space has been created that is serene, elegant, and refined in every detail—combining the Mediterranean lifestyle with the comfort of a premium urban apartment.
The standout feature in the kitchen is a strip of quartzite that breaks up the calm lines of the cabinetry and adds a unique character to the interior — © Charly Simon
Design That Adds Value
In the luxury real estate segment, the address alone is increasingly insufficient. Clients are looking for move-in-ready apartments with a well-thought-out layout, high-quality materials, and finishes that require no further decisions or adjustments. In this case , the interior design was therefore treated from the outset not as an afterthought, but as a key component of the apartment’s value. According to the design studio, a standard finish for an apartment in this location could increase its value by approximately 20–30 percent. It was only a comprehensive premium design—based on high-quality materials, custom-built fixtures, and carefully selected furniture—that yielded a significantly greater impact: the apartment’s value was set to double compared to its developer-finished state. This demonstrates that well-planned design can genuinely enhance a property’s appeal—whether for sale or rent.
The living area combines the living room, dining room, and kitchen into a single open space. Quartzite, a wooden ceiling, and soft fabrics create an elegant, Mediterranean character for the interior — © Charly Simon
without vacation clichés
The designers began by asking what a Mediterranean apartment—one that isn’t merely a seasonal vacation spot— should look like . Today, Málaga attracts not only tourists but also investors, entrepreneurs, and people working in an international environment. The interior was therefore designed to meet the needs of a longer stay, rather than a short vacation. That’s why the design lacks the typical elements associated with seaside decor: white, pastel accents, wicker, and boho aesthetics. Instead, it features a more sophisticated color palette, richer materials, and a layout designed for everyday comfort. The apartment still makes the most of the southern light and atmosphere, but does so in a calm and more urban way.
The terrace serves as an outdoor living room. A wooden deck, soft modular seating, and greenery create a relaxing space with a view of the sea — © Charly Simon
living room opening onto the terrace
One of the most important design choices is treating the terrace as a full-fledged part of the apartment. It is not an addition to the living room, but its natural extension. A wooden platform leads the space outdoors, and the rhythmic wooden ceilings evoke associations with Mediterranean pergolas. As a result, the boundary between the interior and the terrace becomes less obvious. The living room doesn’t end at the glass walls; instead, it opens up to the view, light, and fresh air. This design works well for a coastal apartment but doesn’t turn it into a typical vacation home. Rather, it creates the atmosphere of a home where the outdoor space is part of daily rituals.
A two-zone sofa organizes the living room layout and allows the space to be used in several ways — © Charly Simon
The sofa as the center of life
In the living area , the two-zone sofa catches the eye . It’s not just a large piece of furniture for relaxation, but an element that organizes the entire space. One section forms the TV area, while the other opens up to the dining room, kitchen, and terrace. This layout encourages spending time together. Household members and guests can enjoy the living room’s various functions without losing touch with one another or with the view outside the window. Luxury here isn’t about a showy gesture, but rather the fact that the interior is comfortable, logical, and well-suited to everyday life.
The strongest accent in the kitchen is a strip of quartzite, which breaks up the calm cabinetry and adds a unique character to the interior — © Charly Simon
quartzite, wood, and a calm color palette
The most distinctive material in the apartment is Patagonia quartzite. Its natural pattern introduces a strong, unique accent to the interior without dominating the entire design. It is complemented by dark coffee-colored wood, soft fabrics, and meticulously crafted details.
This combination creates an effect of elegance without ostentation. The interior features no seasonal accents or color schemes that might quickly go out of style. The designers opted for materials designed to create an atmosphere that will last for years: refined, serene, and resistant to changing trends.
The master bedroom combines a soft upholstered headboard, decorative lighting, and a view of the Mediterranean Sea — © Charly Simon
An apartment ready from day one
The project was carried out on a “turnkey” basis. The design studio was responsible for the entire process: from construction work, through custom built-ins and materials, to furnishings and the final styling. The entire project was completed in four months. The way the project was managed was also unique. The owners didn’t see the apartment for the first time until the day of handover. They arrived to find an interior that was finished, furnished, and ready to move into. This allowed the designers to maintain complete conceptual consistency—without any random additions, compromises, or last-minute decisions.
The bathroom features a minimalist, modern aesthetic — © Charly Simon
Best Residential Interior in Spain
The Horizon apartment was recognized at the 2025–2026 European Property Awards. The project received a five-star award and the title of Best Residential Interior in Spain. It was also among the four finalists competing for the title of Best Apartment in Europe. The award highlights what is most interesting about this project: the attempt to find a new formula for a luxury coastal residence. The Horizon is neither a typical vacation apartment nor a cold urban interior. It combines the comfort of home, Mediterranean openness, and the standard expected by the premium segment.
Large windows open the interior to views of the city, the harbor, and the Mediterranean Sea — © Charly Simon
What can you incorporate into your own interior?
Although the project was designed for the luxury segment, several solutions can also serve as inspiration for smaller apartments. The first is to think of the balcony or terrace as an extension of the living room —with flooring, lighting, and furniture selected to create a cohesive whole with the interior. The second is choosing a single dominant material. This could be stone, wood, a distinctive texture, or beautiful built-in furniture that gives the space character, rather than many competing decorative elements. The third lesson concerns consistency. A premium interior doesn’t have to mean opulence. Often , a well-planned layout, a limited palette of materials, and solutions that truly make everyday life easier are more important .
