INTERVIEW WITH MARIA LÓPEZ VIDAL

great design
never goes out of fashion

Where do you start when designing a space?

First, you have to know what function it should fulfil and the feel it should give off. That is why we talk to the client and find out about their tastes, hobbies, interests… All of this is crucial so that we can add a personal touch to every project.

 

Define Pilma’s style in one sentence.

Pilma believes in design built to last, with specific finishes and materials that work, last and are liked.

 

What inspires you?

I have endless sources of inspiration. I’m just as likely to be inspired by architecture, interior design and art, as I am by a trip, a photo or a landscape.

 

Why is the idea behind the design so important?

There are plenty of ideas, but not so many good ones. It’s important
to think long and hard about it until you find the right path, rather than going with the first thing that pops into your head. Good ideas stick; they stay there over time.

 

What makes your designs unique?

I try to look for balance, creating harmonious, understated, minimalist environments, but with a lot of personality.

pilma-interiors-proyectos
pilma-interiors-proyectos
pilma-interiors-proyectos

What is the average Pilma Interiors client like? What do they usually ask you for?

Our clients are very varied. We work with both individuals and companies. In terms of individuals, we have long-term clients who trust our judgement and always come back, and first-time clients. As for businesses, we work with all sorts, from the biggest, best-known companies to the newest start-ups. We help them to design their spaces, from offices and workspaces to apartments, hotels, or even restaurants.

 

What do you think of fashions and trends?

I’m not a big fan of fashions or trends in the world of interior design. I prefer timelessness, the classics, playing with furniture that lasts for years and years…
Great design never goes out of fashion.

 

How important are aesthetics when making decisions?

For us, aesthetics go hand in hand with functionality, and all of our projects are based on this premise. It’s important to find the best possible distribution so that all the furniture and lighting is coordinated. That way, the space works and the ambience is right. Our aesthetics are based on no-frills design.

pilma-interiors-proyectos

What do all the projects the department produces have in common?

Every project is unique and one of a kind, but we always like to play with mixing different natural, sustainable materials – like wood – combining various textures and fabrics, and creating just the right lighting.

 

How involved does the client get in the project? Can they contribute their own pieces?

The client is involved from start to finish. A home or a space has to reflect the personality of its inhabitants, so it’s vital for us to include the client in the process throughout the evolution of the project. And the client can contribute their own pieces, of course. In fact, the blend of styles is precisely what makes the space unique.

 

What have you learned at Pilma over the years?

I have Pilma running through my veins: I started out here when I was young, helping out at Christmas and in the summer in the store. I loved selling, tidying up and talking to clients. Later on, I trained professionally so that I could join the family business properly. Over the years, I have learned the importance of perseverance. We are still here thanks to our contemporary, timeless design.