Home Series with Anna
Anna Alfaro is a business and life coach who lives in Mallorca. She is originally from Barcelona, but has been living abroad for a while.
How important is your home to you? How important is personal space to you?
Having a place you can call “home” is essential to me. I lived abroad for a while and I always try to create my own space in which I feel connected, inspired, calm, safe and comfortable.
Beauty is essential, so I choose every element of the house very consciously. I prioritise sustainability, quality, aesthetics and, of course, functionality. I can say that over the past few years I have lived in beautiful places. From my own home in Barcelona, where I carefully chose every detail, to the rental homes where I lived in Mallorca, Lisbon and now in a small “casita” in the middle of La Tramontana in Mallorca. It is wonderful to see your dreams become reality.
What are your requirements when creating and furnishing a bedroom?
Cosy, warm, calming and personal. It has to say something about my partner and me and express who we are. I also prefer a minimalist style. Not too many things in that space, so that it stays quiet and relaxing.
How does this compare to choosing hotels when you are away? How does it compare to choosing a hotel?
When I travel, I always look for places where I can feel at home, so I pay attention to similar aspects as in my own home. Beautiful surroundings, natural light, cosiness, warm colours and nice details and objects, consciously chosen. As in my home, I prefer minimalist spaces where I can relax and enjoy a quiet and calm environment.
I usually pay a lot of attention to the bed, pillows and pillowcases and the kind of bed linen they use. And of course the bathroom, so that I can enjoy my beauty routine with candles and warm light.
How do you add a luxury hotel atmosphere to your own home?
By choosing the right elements for each space and taking a minimalist approach. Less is more. It is also important to put quality first, the sensation each element gives you, so that you can have the best experience every time. With the bed, for example, you want to feel a pleasant texture on your body, on your skin, and be able to sleep comfortably, since a good night’s sleep is essential for living well and staying healthy! Light, as said before: natural light is always preferred, but if that is not possible in every corner of the house, choose warm light.
Tips for others who want to create the same atmosphere?
Ask yourself what feels right for you. What are your values and how can you create and express them in your home? If, like me, you are looking for a calming way of life, then natural light, warm colours and harmonious objects must be a priority for you.
Invest where your choices lie, choose quality over quantity, look for organic, sustainable and high-quality options that respect us and the environment. Decide which objects can create a better experience for you and your lifestyle (lighting, candles, books, ceramics, flowers, bed linen made of linen, etc.) and go for it.
- Anna
