Arrivederci, Prima Donna | Design Blog Post

I have a new banker. He visited the office last week to introduce himself and to begin our meet and greet session he asked “you’re and interior decorator, right?” Long silence and then, “no, I’m an architect.” Truth be known, it wasn’t a first, it won’t be the last, but frankly, does it matter? I realize my knee-jerk reaction is part of an education rooted in the Bauhaus school, which eschewed decoration, but this gentleman’s perception is worth exploring.

Stereotypes, which depict extremes will help explain what I do exactly. One end of the spectrum has the architect,

And the other, the decorator…

Truth be known, architect and decorator alike are often perceived as Prima Donna, and the battle is over who wins the title, which I think is a loosing proposition for all because life occurs somewhere in between what both of these design professionals do. It is my belief that Studio Santalla’s work exists in that zone and so I present the evidence.

This space, the Lobby of the Dupont East condominium in Washington, DC, is a very architectural space, complemented by the choice of furniture and accessories. Other views of the space show how the lighting, while functional, creates a decorative pattern on the ceiling.

https://www.ernestosantalla.com/spaces/r2c1.html

In this home in Potomac, Maryland, the Living Room was infrequently used, so the client claimed it as her own. To that effect, we created a “softer,” more “feminine” aesthetic. The custom carpet is based on a photo of a dogwood flower.

The Clubhouse for Treetops, a residential community in West Chester, Pennsylvania is in an old barn. The stair and second floor are new, as is everything except the original exterior walls of the building. Regardless of how great the space may be architecturally, it wouldn’t serve all its functions if it was not properly lit, furnished and had the right artwork and accessories. https://www.ernestosantalla.com/spaces/2r4c1.html

Frank Lloyd Wright designed the furnishings, light fixtures, and accessories for his homes and other buildings. For some of his clients, he designed dresses to complement the space. Nobody looks down on him for this, so why should I be worried about questions of being a decorator?

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Arrivederci Prima Donna

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