The bulthaup Nicolau showroom in Palma de Mallorca has become a veritable classic within the local contemporary interior design scene. Located at number 15 on the Rambla in Palma, the bulthaup space covers 250 m2 split across two levels in Can Pinós, an elegant 18th-century palace.
Timelessness as a gathering place
Even from a afar, the bulthaup banners hanging from the façade announce the showroom. On the street level, as an embassy to the bulthaup world, a cashmere-colored b3 kitchen meets the visitor in the shop window. Both the office and the design department are within this mezzanine area.
We cross the tall entrance with two regal wooden doors into a cobblestone courtyard, at the back of which the carriages and horses were kept long ago, and climb the grand staircase to the upper floors. The second floor -the planta noble-, with tall balcony windows facing the main façade and the inner courtyard, is where the main content of the showroom is on display. The mansion’s original layout has been tastefully preserved: a harmonious interplay between bulthaup’s ageless design -merging state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship- and time standing still in the noble residence, creates an exquisite sense of contrast.
Designing the essence
After crossing the vestibule, we reach the first large room with a b3 kitchen finished in a gravel-hued finish, a stainless steel worktop, and beige aluminum wall panels. All the kitchen cabinets open without handles, heightening the clear, open atmosphere of the space.
An American walnut b2 kitchen tool cabinet, a solid oak b solitaire for food preparation, and a b solitaire table -also made of oak wood- complete the furniture display.
Utmost elegance in black
The second room is especially striking. A b3 kitchen equipped with oak door fronts and panels with a black finish and a 5-cm black granite worktop is topped off with an island -also in shades of black and supported by slim stainless steel, seemingly floating in the air. The ensemble emanates austere, irresistible elegance.
Last of all, after crossing a small room presided over a French fireplace mantel, we reach the last space, this one equipped with an alpine white b1 kitchen and a white bar counter.
Absorbed in beauty
The renovated showroom at bulthaup Nicolau is well worth an unrushed visit. The dialogue between the past and the boldest contemporary spirit appeals to the senses, bringing on the kind of self-absorption that only beauty can elicit.