Marta de la Rica is an interior designer and creator of universes filled with sensitivity. From her studio in Madrid, she conceives each project on both a national and international level, telling stories through textures, colours and unique pieces. Her inspiration comes from nature, travel, and art, resulting in elegant and vibrant spaces.
Craftsmanship is one of the values that resonate in your projects. How do you achieve a balance with current interior design trends?
“Indeed, in the studio we place great value on craftsmanship not only for the final result, but also for the process and the people behind it. Every handcrafted piece brings a story, a unique imprint that can’t be mass-produced. While trends are fleeting, craftsmanship offers permanence and authenticity. I believe the balance lies in incorporating contemporary elements without losing the essence of handmade work. It's about collaborating with artisans who keep traditional techniques alive, while simultaneously giving them a new context or language so that they can converse with the present.”
In your book Biarritz, A Vocabulary of Colour, colour takes center stage. Why is that?
“Color for me is both a motivation and a tool. It helps me compose, whether it's in interior design projects, objects, images... and it plays that same role in the book and in how I view Biarritz.”
How do you choose the palette for each project?
“There’s never a repeated formula. I start from a palette inspired by a fabric, the light itself, the landscape or sometimes simply the client’s brief but as the project unfolds, it begins to speak and you must be able to listen to what it’s asking for.”
Is there a designer or artist who has significantly marked your career?
“Oh, many! Madeleine Castaing, precisely for her use of color; Jacques Grange; Jaime Parladé… among many others. Also artists like Rothko, Hilma af Klint, and Georgia O’Keeffe.”
Which project has made you feel most proud?
“Each project poses a challenge, and completing them is almost always deeply satisfying. I've truly enjoyed working on homes, where I can genuinely convey my world. The same has happened with my book.”
If you could design any space in the world, which one would you choose?
“Impossible to name just one... but not necessarily something extravagant. I'm drawn to everyday life being able to contribute and improve people’s daily experience in a space is what motivates me.”
What is your favorite hotel?
“From my perspective… Christine Bedford in Málaga.”
Which place in the world would you love to explore while wearing your friulanas?
“Japan, I’m dying to experience it, and I just haven’t found the moment yet.”
How would you design your perfect Cayumas?
“With all the beautiful fabric scraps we have in the studio. I would love to make coordinated, mix-and-match pairs!”
