Life after the domestic: Interview with Núria Vila
She knows a thing or two about beautiful homes. And although she doesn't say so, she also specialises in everything that smells of the 70s.
Núria (@nuriavilafoto on Instagram) is a photographer specialising in interior design, decoration and architecture. If you often browse through national interior design magazines, you've probably seen some of her photos without knowing it. But what she really likes are the stories that inhabit those four captured walls and their domesticity. Find out more about her in this interview.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
There are many memories with which my vocation is created. My first contact with photography was through my father, who was an amateur from a young age. He photographed my coming into the world in 69 with his Nikkormat 35mm. These photographs were only shown to me on my birthday, which I eagerly awaited to see pictures of the birth. In the attic of the family home my father had his photographic laboratory. I liked to help him develop and see the magic of photography. He had to travel a lot because of his job, and when he came back he would bring with him all those foreign decorating magazines that fascinated me and provoked me to experiment with the furniture in the family home. Those magazines from the 70s showed the spaces in a unique way, and with their bold and brave designs, they were a great revelation to me!
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and is there anything you are particularly proud of?
The moment of creation, it is as if I connect with my soul and it becomes happy to do what it really likes. At that moment everything makes sense. I am really lucky to have a job that I like, that inspires me and makes me feel free. I learn something from every shoot, I keep the memories of having been in every house I have photographed. It is fortunate to be able to enter the homes of people who, in reality, are opening the doors of their intimacy to you?
What is your creative process like, any particular music while working?
My creative process always starts with a good understanding with the client, knowing what their needs are. From there, I start with a first visit to the house or location to understand the interior and orientation to maximize the natural light that the house has. Then I look for props if necessary, and finally I organise myself with sketches and inspirations so that I don't forget any details on the day of the photo shoot. The music depends on the day, but I really like to listen to Radio 3.
"I'm left with the memories of having been in every house I've photographed. It is fortunate to be able to enter the homes of people who, in reality, are opening the doors of their intimacy to you...".
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
Undoubtedly, the black one. The darkest. In fact, photographers almost always wear black to avoid reflections when photographing spaces.
The praise of the shadowby Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, a manifesto on Japanese aesthetics. A book that I like and relaxes me.
Daggers in the back, a brilliant comedy thriller about a murder mystery, inspired by the original Sleuth film (1972). The location is incredible, a beautiful 1920's mansion.
Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin (1976).
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite corner, your favourite decorative object or piece of furniture, if you treasure a collection... And if you have a pet, introduce it to us!
My house is set in the seventies. I really like the design and furniture of that time. I'm not really a collector but whenever I do some work for a client and offer my Personal Deco-coaching services I end up buying a piece from that period if I get my hands on it. The mascot of the house is a grey cat called Everest. He has fallen twice from the third floor and, luckily, nothing has happened to him. He is an important part of the family: he regulates the energies in the house and always sleeps with company.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
I feel very comfortable in my house and I'm lucky to have a small amount of space, as I like to move house easily, which helps when moving house. What I would really like to do would be to change my bed for a bigger one so that the whole family could get into it, that would be absolute happiness...
A great plan at home always includes...
Cooking a good meal in the company of the patchwork family, a good game of board games with the children... And all without screens nearby, no mobile phones, tablets or TV.
Do you have a signature dish?
Curry or cous-cous, and always in good company... They taste better!
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
Any city at dawn, to see how it starts early in the morning and how the light changes. Abroad, today I prefer northern India, its people and its customs. It is attractive and interesting to experience the clash of cultures and their ways of life.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
We are living in an unprecedented situation for all of us, in the middle of a pandemic, and it is essential to help people to make their homes. We need to be aware of what is happening outside our homes, so our home is our temple and refuge.
