Inside the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain | Architectural Digest

TL;DR

The U.S. Ambassador's residence in Spain underwent a renovation to make it more representative of the country and to showcase American art.

Transcript

thank you for this opportunity to speak before this distinguished committee as President Obama's nominee to serve as the United States ambassador to Spain and in Dora I'm so grateful and proud that my partner Michael Smith of 14 years is also here I am certain he will also represent our country right well he was called from Air Force one and asked ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 The U.S. Ambassador's residence in Spain underwent a renovation to create a representational and impactful space.
• 😐 The design transformed the house, originally a library, into a flowing sequence of rooms with a neutral and elegant aesthetic.
• 🥰 American art was incorporated into the renovation to make the residence personal and showcase the strong U.S.-Spain relationship.
• 🧑‍🎨 Local craftsmen and artists were engaged to highlight the importance of regional traditions and support Spanish artisans.
• 💄 The renovation aimed to create a cozy and warm atmosphere while also making the residence practical and usable.
• 🥰 The U.S. embassy's art program has an impressive exhibition and aims to connect American art with the host country's culture.
• 🛟 The U.S. Ambassador's residence in Spain serves as a receptacle for the stories and history of the U.S.-Spain relationship.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the renovation of the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Spain come about?

The nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Spain and their partner decided to renovate the residence to make it more representational and impactful. They saw it as a form of public service.

Q: What was the vision for the remodel?

The vision was to create a cozy and warm space that also felt like part of the city. The house was transformed into a series of rooms flowing together, with a luxurious and quiet atmosphere.

Q: How was American art incorporated into the renovation?

The nominee wanted to make the residence personal, engaging, and intellectual. They borrowed paintings from storage, and the embassy's art program is impressive, with a large exhibition showcasing American art.

Q: What was the inspiration behind the design and craftsmanship of the residence?

The importance of family in Spanish culture and the respect for regional traditions inspired the use of local craftspeople. Lights, wool fabric, and dishes were all made in Spain for the renovation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The nominee for the U.S. Ambassador to Spain, along with their partner, undertook a renovation of the residence, aiming to create a space that represents the country and is impactful.

• The house, originally a library, was transformed into a series of rooms flowing together, with a neutral and elegant design.

• The renovation focused on making the residence both elegant and practical, while also showcasing American art and the importance of the U.S.-Spain relationship.