The journals Wallpaper, DARC and Disegno, leading publications for the interiors sector on the British market, have filled their pages with the latest in Spanish design, which continues to strengthen its projection despite the adverse situation caused by the COVID-19.
In a joint discussion for the quarterly Disegno, with the participation of brands such as Lladró, Calma, Marset, Kettal, Diabla, Andreu World,Nani Marquina, Santa&Cole and Vondom, the designers Jordi Canudas and Inma Bermúdez point out some of the keys that have helped consolidate this international recognition. "Our greatest strength is our diversity," "and I think that a part of Spanish culture is to try to innovate," says Jordi Canudas during the discussion. "And we have very good handcraft and industrial production", adds Inma Bermúdez.
In this conversation between these two prestigious Spanish designers, Jordi Canudas also says that "we're lucky that Spain has a lot industrial tissue through its family-based companies." And as Inma Bermúdez points out, "these Spanish brands, known for their high quality, can be found at international design shows and work with international designers." As for Spanish designers, Inma says that "more and more, we're seeing small studios trying to do things differently and collaborate with local workshops." "I think Spanish design has a freshness of approach and a creativity in finding solutions." Both mention designers like Jaime Hayón, Patricia Urquiola and Martí Guixé as examples.
Pablo Conde, director of Fashion, Home Décor and Cultural Industries at ICEX and Interiors from Spain emphasizes the strength of Spain's craftmanship and creativity in an article for the September issue of DARC (pages 54-73), for decorative lighting professionals. "Spain has a rich manufacturing tradition that includes furniture, lighting and textiles, and there is real interest both from interior designers and clients in products with an authentic provenance that have their roots in the artisanal tradition of our industry."
From that basic foundation, Spanish design is constantly evolving to integrate increasingly innovative and versatile proposals, and to respond to current concerns such as sustainability, welfare, the organization of shared spaces or ergonomics applied to the home. In parallel, "many design studios have adopted a multidisciplinary approach to encompass all aspects of design including ephemeral spaces, branding, interior and product design," says Pablo Conde.
In lighting, this creative wealth is evident in DARC's review in this special of the proposals of the companies a by Arturo Alvarez, Aromas, Bover, Beneito Faure, Carpyen, Estiluz, Faro Barcelona, Lladró, Leds C4, Luzfin, LZF, Marset, Novolux Lighting, Ole! Lighting, Vibia, Vondom and the Yonoh design studio.
The showcase is complemented with a selection of pieces from the firms Andreu World, Coordoné, Expormim, Gandía Blasco, Gan, Kettal, Lladró, MadLab, Marset, Neolith, Nomon, Ondarreta, Sancal and Santa&Cole, which Wallpaper also includes in its November issue (pages 120-121). According to this journal, these pieces of furniture, decoration and lighting are examples of a fresh, peaceful and collection-worthy Spanish design, building the best interior design.