Interior design might seem exclusive or intimidating, but it's something everyone can embrace. My main goal is to demystify this field by offering practical guidance and sharing real-life stories I've gathered throughout my career. I want every reader of this blog to feel inspired to explore the endless possibilities of interior design without the fear of making mistakes.

 

The Power of a Good Start

One of the biggest challenges when starting a design project is facing the dreaded “blank page.” That overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to begin can be paralyzing. However, in interior design, there's a powerful tool that helps overcome this hurdle: the Design Thread. This concept is central to my approach, serving as a guiding principle throughout the design process. It aids in decision-making and ensures the project maintains visual and conceptual coherence.

 

 Inspirations and Projects: Real-Life Stories

Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work on exciting projects that allowed me to explore different inspirations and concepts. I'd like to share some of these experiences with you to show how design can transform spaces and tell unique stories.

 

Project on Mount Street, London: The Luxury of Hermes and Chanel

One of the projects I fondly remember was on Mount Street, a charming street in the heart of London. This project was special because I worked with an investor rather than a direct client, which gave me the freedom to experiment with bolder ideas. The goal was to create luxury apartments with a special touch, and we decided to draw inspiration from two iconic brands: Hermes and Chanel.

 

For the Hermes-inspired apartment, the central idea was the concept of “travel and exploration.” I used a Pierre Frey fabric with an antique world map design to cover the living room walls. This element was not only visually striking but also evoked the adventurous spirit and elegance of Hermes. Neutral tones and leather textures complemented the theme, creating a space that invited exploration and discovery.

 

In contrast, the Chanel-inspired apartment focused on the elegance and simplicity characteristic of the brand. I used panels with vertical stripes in pearly and grey tones, inspired by Chanel's colour palette. This design contrasted with the Hermes-inspired apartment, giving each a distinct yet equally sophisticated identity.

 

The Importance of Concept in Design

One of the most crucial aspects of interior design is having a clear concept or guiding thread. This concept not only helps you make design decisions but also ensures that the final space is cohesive and reflects the original vision. When I worked on the Hermes and Chanel-inspired apartments, every decision, from material choices to colours, was based on that initial concept.

But what happens if you're faced with a project where there’s no defined concept, or the client has very varied tastes? I encountered this in another project in London, in a building near Buckingham Palace. The goal was to create apartments that would appeal to any potential buyer, so the design had to be more neutral. Even so, I drew inspiration from the essence of London, using local materials and artisans to reflect the city’s tradition and character.

 

How to Tackle the Blank Page

If you ever find yourself staring at a blank page, unsure where to start, my advice is simple: make a list. Include things you like, elements that bring you peace or happiness. It could be anything—colours, textures, places that inspire you, or even personal memories. This list can be the starting point for developing a unique and personal concept for your project.

Interior design is a discipline full of possibilities. Whether your inspiration comes from a luxury brand like Hermes or Chanel, or something simpler and more personal, the important thing is that the design reflects your vision and that you feel confident in every decision you make. And remember, any idea can lead to something wonderful. Dare to explore and create!

If you prefer audio format, I share many anecdotes on ATELIER PRADA PODCAST –  *Also available in Spanish.*