Quick Five Questions with Natalia Miyar Atelier – Creative Director and Founder of Natalia Miyar Atelier
23rd April 2024
At The Twenty Two, Philip Siden
You studied Architecture and had your heart set on becoming a History of Art Professor. What inspired you to move towards interiors?
Art History is the most wonderful subject one can study at university, gaining not only an appreciation of the decorative arts but also a deeper understanding of the social, cultural and political climate of a period. I am truly fascinated by what we can learn through remnants of the visual work left behind.
I think this is why Interior Design piqued my interest, as a good designer you are always trying to learn more about your client and their lifestyle. So much of my study was based on research and that is fundamental to the beginning of all my projects.
Of course, the focus of my study was architecture and that remains integral to my practice. Whilst I love interiors and working with colour and fabrics, the architectural layout and hard finishes are perhaps the most important and impactful elements of the design.
A Garden House – Dining Room, Nicole Franzen
A Garden House – Living Room, Nicole Franzen
A Garden House – Powder Room, Nicole Franzen
You have such a remarkable use of colour and material. Do you think your Cuban heritage and having lived in Mexico, Miami and London has given you this unique balance or did you have that anyway?
My heritage and upbringing have absolutely influenced my love of colour and material. I have lived in such visually inspiring places that are constantly informing my work. From the bright turquoise and lush green of Miami (A Garden House) to the landscapes of Mexico filled with reds, rich ochres and earthy greens.
Colour is contextual and that is how I like to work. I love to put together colour palettes and materials that feel appropriate to the location, and the architecture of the building and that reflect the personality of my client. Colour is so evocative and is such a focus in my practice it can be calming, provocative or uplifting.
Restaurant at The Twenty Two, Philip Siden
The Artist Suite at The Twenty Two, Philip Siden
The Terrace Suite at The Twenty Two, Ana Lui
Tell us about one of your most unusual commissions creating a unique room.
I recently started my foray into hotels which I am enjoying hugely. I love being able to be more exuberant in my use of colour and to be more playful in the interpretation of historicism. One room I particularly cherish is the living room at The Twenty Two. The design draws on so many elements of 18th Century design but in a fresh and playful way that feels neither slavish nor contrived. The style was very different for me and felt so new. It pushed me out of my comfort zone which is always so exciting in design.
Which museums and galleries do you visit for inspiration? Is there any work you admire most?
I am an equal opportunist when it comes to art, and there is no medium I am not inspired by. Living in London and travelling so frequently allows me so many opportunities to visit galleries and museums, which I think is so important when you are in design.
I particularly enjoy the Victoria & Albert Museum because of its vast collection of decorative arts which resonates so much with my work. I love exploring unique and niche museums like the Nissim de Camondo in Paris which gives a glimpse into the lives of those who lived there and ignites my love of history. In total contrast, I recently visited the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver Colorado, a retrospective of the abstract artist’s work and process which was such an intriguing experience and I was absolutely mesmerized by his colour combinations.
You travel a lot, do you still have any countries on your ‘bucket list’?
I love travel and have been so fortunate to have projects in so many different places from Mexico to Switzerland. At the top of my bucket list is Japan. Everyone I know who has visited has told me it is a must and that it’s such a visually inspiring place. The attention to detail, quality of the design and overall level of beauty is breathtaking.
I have always been intrigued by the idea of an African safari, but of course in a luxurious way! I am picturing beautifully draped tents set against a vast backdrop of savannas, rugged mountains, and painterly skies. Nature is endlessly inspiring to me, I particularly love different landscapes and their intense yet harmonious colour palettes and I find nature constantly informs my work. I always take the time to be out in nature and absorb my surroundings.