A Beautiful Transformation in Canillas de Aceituno
- leenvandenbrande
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
Recently, we had the pleasure of working closely with the new owner of a charming village house in Canillas de Aceituno. From the very beginning, this project was a true collaboration full of ideas, creativity, and shared enthusiasm.
The house didn’t require heavy structural renovations, but it was ready for a fresh start. Together with the owner, we focused on enhancing its character, bringing back natural materials, and creating a lighter, warmer atmosphere, all while respecting the authentic Andalusian style.
It was an absolute joy to work on, and we’re excited to share the transformation.
The Facade – Fresh, Bright & Welcoming
Years of sun and weather had left the facade looking dull and tired. Repainting the entire exterior in crisp white instantly brought the house back to life.
Now it stands proudly in its picturesque street, radiating brightness and charm. The fresh white walls beautifully highlight the traditional architecture and give the home a clean, inviting appearance.

Windows & Doors – Restoring Natural Warmth
One of the most satisfying parts of the renovation was restoring all the wooden windows and doors. Every door and window, inside and out, was carefully sanded down to reveal the original wood. Once treated with protective oil, the wood regained its rich, natural tone.
This simple but impactful change completely transformed the feel of the house. The darker, heavier look disappeared, replaced by warmth, authenticity, and a much lighter atmosphere.
The Kitchen – Subtle Changes, Big Difference
The kitchen makeover proves that thoughtful details can make all the difference.
An old wooden wall shelf hidden behind a curtain was replaced with five elegant open wooden shelves. Two heavy, dark beams above the counter were swapped for a slimmer shelf in natural wood, creating a much cleaner and more refined look.
The curtains under the counter were replaced with custom wooden cabinet doors, finished in the original wood tone and treated with oil. Not only more practical, but also visually harmonious.
To enhance the sense of space, the traditional dark ceiling beams were painted white; brightening the entire room while preserving its character.
The Bathroom – Practical & Full of Character
The bathroom entrance was previously closed off with curtains. We replaced them with charming saloon-style doors in natural wood. A relatively small adjustment, yet it adds so much personality and convenience. It fits perfectly within the rustic style of the home.

The Bedroom – Smart & Cozy
In the bedroom we created a partial wall behind the bed. This adds definition to the space and allowed room for an additional bedside cabinet and extra power outlets for reading lamps, a practical improvement that also enhances comfort.
We also installed an iron railing along the staircase to the upper floor. A subtle addition, but essential for safety; especially for families with children and beautifully in line with the home’s style.
The Living Room – Embracing the View
The original windows in the living room had suffered from years of sun and rain and needed replacing.
Together with the owner, we chose windows with as much glass surface as possible to fully capture the stunning views from the living room. Natural light now floods the space, making it feel open and connected to the outdoors.
Interior shutters help keep the summer heat outside, maintaining a pleasant indoor climate. Additional stair railings were also added here for comfort and safety.
The Rooftop Terrace – Calm, Cohesive & Inviting
The rooftop terrace used to be a collection of separate chairs and tables. To create a more unified and practical space, we built a masonry lounge area.
The result is a stylish and serene terrace where guests can truly relax. Functional too; only the small table needs to be moved when leaving. We also replaced the curtains under the outdoor counter with wooden cabinet doors, once again keeping the natural wood finish consistent throughout the house.
Terrace before renovation
Terrace after renovation
A Collaboration We Truly Enjoyed
This project was not about changing the identity of the house, but about enhancing its soul.
Working so closely with the new owner made the entire process incredibly enjoyable. Every decision was made together, combining vision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
The result is a bright, warm, and authentic village home, refreshed with care and ready for many beautiful new memories in Canillas de Aceituno.










































I've seen the hard work Leen & Johan did put in this delicate transformation but it turned out so charming and tasteful. Any house will become a home by you guys!