Ten Essential Spanish Design Media

Architectural Digest (AD) Spain and the special edition shopping guide

I regularly purchase interior design magazines when I travel to Spain. Each has a specific design aesthetic; some cutting edge contemporary design, others more of a classic country style, and others with a style that is eclectic, (but in a good way!). While I read the digital issues, I still enjoy flipping through the pages of the printed versions.

What I love about the printed versions are the price points, which are lower than those in other markets, but without any sacrifice to content. Some are published in both a full-size edition and a pocket edition that has the same content, but at an even lower price point. All have content-heavy, informative online sites.

Architectural Digest Spain is my favourite shelter magazine. It is beautifully art directed and photographed and features the work of some of the most notable Spanish and international designers, artisans and architects. With extensive information about design trends, events and products from Spain, it is an essential resource for those who are looking to gain inspiration from and insight into the Spanish design landscape. One of my must-read guilty pleasures is the monthly what’s “Up”, what’s “Down” list, a sly barometer of the taste level of trending looks.

I purchased some of the earliest issues when I lived in Spain (which I have held unto despite many moves) and have had subscriptions on and off since then. Particularly coveted is the special edition AD Guide, included with the purchase of the magazine. It provides an exhaustive list of galleries, decor, design and antique shops listed by major and smaller cities. The YouTube channel is a fantastic showcase of the work of designers from Spain. The online version is particularly content-heavy with information about design trends, events and places to visit in Spain and internationally.

The design aesthetic of Elle Decor España is similar to that of its American and French counterparts. It features unique spaces of homeowners with a story to tell.

When I am in Spain, I always purchase the latest edition of Nuevo Estilo which showcases homes which are eclectic in design, created by some of Spain’s leading and up-and-coming interior designers. Similar in aesthetic is Interiores.

Arquitectura y Diseño features homes in Spain and internationally. Although they have a variety of architectural and interior design styles, many are contemporary. It has a slightly higher price point than other design magazines on the market in Spain, but with more pages per issue. 

A large part of the readership of Diseño Interior are architects and designers. It covers the current landscape in design, architecture, art and product design in Spain. The style of the designs is decidedly contemporary.

Vogue Living Espana is a special edition lifestyle magazine published twice a year by Spanish Vogue. Printed on glossy pages, articles cover interiors, travel, food and health.

El Mueble is one of the most widely read and longest running Spanish interior design and lifestyle magazines. Although it showcases homes of different styles, many are decorated in a casual traditional or transitional style. Featured articles provide information about cooking, home maintenance and home decor DIY projects.

Newsletter, Blogs, Television

  • The Interiors From Spain newsletter is an excellent source of information about Spanish design, companies, designers and events.
  • Flash Moda is a half-hour television program that airs Saturday afternoons on RTVE, the Spanish national public television channel. While it features the fashion and beauty industry in Spain and internationally -with an admirable focus on Made in Spain businesses- it has regular segments about interior design and design events. I have accessed it online for many years.

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