BARCELONA: THE ART OF SLOWING DOWN
It’s 8am in Barcelona and you’re walking down the cobblestone streets excited to see what this city has to offer. The sun is just starting to rise over the terracotta rooftops. You notice you’re walking slower - not because you have to, but because the city invites you to. In these moments of slowing down, you begin to notice more: the architecture, the layers of culture, but most importantly - the people.
Here at Studio Thomas, we’re always asking: how can design elevate the way our clients live? This week, we’ve found inspiration in the beloved city of Barcelona, Spain. It’s a place where life is designed to be lived, not rushed through.
Architecture that Breathes
The buildings and colours of Barcelona truly tell stories, creating moments to pause and feel. The organic curves of Gaudi’s facades, the exquisite titles, the quiet elegance of a shaded courtyard invite those slow moments. Even the simplest details - shutters, ironwork, and garden walls are crafted with immense care and intention.
That’s what intentional living looks like: creating an environment that supports the way you want to feel. This is the exact lens the creatives at Studio Thomas design with. Homes are meant to be much more than a backdrop to our everyday lives, they should be a catalyst of a more meaningful life.
Connection + Gathering
Barcelona moves slowly, but with intention and joy at the forefront. Meals often stretch for hours. Midday siestas are sacred. Plazas are filled with laughter and conversation. Even the city’s layout naturally encourages walking and moments to pause and take it all in. This city isn’t meant for speed, it’s designed for people.
This culture of gathering reminds us that real, authentic connection isn’t rushed and should be present, This concept echoes what we hold close at Studio Thomas - designing environments that naturally bring people together. Maybe it's a long table for meals that lasts, or a quiet corner for intimate conversations. Wellness shouldn’t be something you have to chase, it can and should be woven into your own daily rhythm. Barcelona teaches us that wellness can be found in the everyday moments, it's how you choose to start your morning, and how you close your day. It’s about choosing less, but better, even in the smallest moments.
As Kristen Thomas often says, “we design a life you don’t need a vacation from.” Barcelona is more than a travel destination, it’s a perspective on what intentional living really means: to live slowly, gather often, and take time to build a world that supports who you are and how you want to feel.
Want more moments of meaning at home? Follow along as we explore design through the lens of intentional living.