What does it take to transform a property into a place that truly feels like home — even when it is your second home and you are managing the entire renovation from 2,500 kilometres away?
Located on the Golden Mile in Marbella, southern Spain, Casa Felicia was envisioned as a relaxed Mediterranean family home with the warmth of Ibiza and Bali boutique interiors. A place the owners could enjoy themselves, but also one that would feel special for guests staying there throughout the year.
From the initial concept to furniture, materials, styling and project management, Zoco Home Interior Design Studio accompanied the homeowners throughout the transformation.
We spoke with this Danish couple about their vision, the renovation process and what it was like creating their Mediterranean home in one of Marbella’s most sought-after locations.
What was your original vision for Casa Felicia?
Our main goal was to create a vacation home for the family with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere — somewhere that would really feel like home, despite being our secondary residence.
Being located on the Golden Mile, Marbella, we also wanted the interiors to feel connected to the Mediterranean lifestyle outside the house.
At the same time, we wanted to introduce an Ibiza and Bali boutique feeling that would make the property attractive for short-term rentals. We only expect to use the house ourselves for around 10–12 weeks each year, so it was important to us that the property could also be enjoyed during the rest of the year.
Why did you choose Zoco Home for the renovation and interior design?
My wife had explored pretty much every supplier along the Costa del Sol looking for the style she wanted, and she kept coming back to Zoco Home.
What stood out was the complete range. Furniture, surfaces, wardrobes, tiles, cabinetry, kitchens, laundry solutions — almost everything we needed could be handled in one place.
The decision became much easier when we discovered that Zoco Home could also manage a complete or partial renovation, including project management and close coordination with the construction company.
Since we couldn't be in Marbella during the six-month renovation, that was incredibly important to us.
How did you define the interior design style?
We explained our ideas and the atmosphere we wanted to create to the Zoco Home Interior Design team.
They immediately understood what we were looking for and created a complete design proposal that was very close to our vision from the beginning.
The combination of a Mediterranean base with influences from Ibiza and Bali felt exactly right for the property and its location close to the beach on Marbella’s Golden Mile.
How did you choose the materials and finishes?
The design concept gave us a clear direction for the entire house.
Rather than selecting individual materials without considering the bigger picture, every finish became part of the same visual language — creating a home that feels warm, natural and cohesive.
The result was very close to what we had imagined from the start.
What helped you select the furniture and decoration?
The design package was an important source of inspiration.
We are the kind of people who like to explore every possibility before making a decision, so we also looked at several other suppliers. But time after time, we came back to Zoco Home because of the style, materials and balance between comfort and price.
The final styling was another important part of the project. Zoco Home created a complete decoration proposal while incorporating some of the special objects my wife had collected during our travels around the world.
That combination made the finished home feel much more personal.
What is your favourite part of Casa Felicia?
It is difficult to choose because we have many favourites. If we had to pick one, it would probably be the living room because of how rich and balanced the space feels and, especially, its connection with the terrace.
It almost feels as though the garden outside continues directly into the house.
That indoor-outdoor connection became particularly important in creating the relaxed Mediterranean feeling we wanted for our home in Marbella.
What was it like renovating a home in Spain while living 2,500 km away?
We decided to start the renovation before every final detail had been defined so that the project could move forward as quickly as possible.
Weekly online meetings, regular on-site inspections and active WhatsApp conversations allowed us to follow what was happening and make decisions remotely.
There were naturally many questions throughout the construction process, so it required involvement from our side as owners too.
Managing a major renovation on the Costa del Sol from 2,500 kilometres away is something you have to take seriously, but having regular communication with the design and construction teams made the process possible.
How would you describe your experience working with Zoco Home?
Very professional and competent in every aspect.
Communication was timely and precise, with clear answers that left very little open to interpretation — something particularly important when you are managing a project in Marbella while living abroad.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Casa Felicia today?
The perfect Mediterranean beach-house family home.
How does the finished home make you feel?
It is our dream come true, and we cannot wait to spend more time here.
The house itself was only one part of what we wanted to create. Being able to step outside and enjoy the sun, beach, swimming, golf, tennis, padel, restaurants and everything that comes with the Marbella lifestyle was equally important.
Now the house feels completely connected to its surroundings and to the way we wanted to experience life on the Costa del Sol.
Would you recommend Zoco Home to other homeowners?
Definitely.
I work professionally with construction projects myself, and the way Zoco Home managed the project, recommended the general contractor and collaborated throughout the renovation created what I believe is an ideal solution for someone looking to create an outstanding home.
Especially for international homeowners looking to renovate a property in Marbella or elsewhere on the Costa del Sol, having one team capable of coordinating design, furniture and project management can make a major difference.
Share:
Renovating a home on the Costa del Sol: from first vision to finished home