Meri +: Transforming Homes and Lives
His passion for transformation has not only changed his own life, but continues to inspire those who seek to create a home with soul.
Passionate about transforming homes, friendly, optimistic and creative, she is Meri + . Meri + will always be ready to help you have the home that will make you fall in love with your life and all those little moments that make it up. If you need her, you only have to look for her in her kitchen or in her studio, maybe listening to the BSO of Dirty Dancing. She herself has transformed her own story thanks to her 'Broken House'. If you want to know what it's all about, just read on.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
I always wanted to be an architect. I remember the day I first thought about it. I was very young. When I was 6 years old, I experienced my first change of house. I went with my parents to a carpenter to have a room made for my sister and me. I remember the drawings they made for us. They were hand drawn. I was amazed at how they had drawn the shadows and glitter on the materials to make them more real, easier to understand. I loved it. That was the first time I thought: I want to do this.
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and any that you are particularly proud of?
I am passionate about transformation. Turning a list of ingredients, materials and resources into something different, improved, more beautiful and efficient. I guess that's why I like to cook. In fact, the way I cook is similar to the way I approach projects. I prioritise the quality of the ingredients, the more natural the better. I like simple, tasty dishes with few elements, and the result is always something nice, healthy, tasty and beautiful.
What is your creative process like, what are your sources of inspiration, any particular music while working?
I find it essential to nurture my creativity. Seeing, hearing, reading, talking. When I start a project my head is predisposed to gather information. It's like when you get pregnant and you only see pregnant women in the street. Anything you see, hear or experience can give you answers. But, without a doubt, and although it has been hard for me to admit it, the biggest factor is experience. That is why I have learned so much by making my own home, and it is now, by living in it, that I am learning the most.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
Although I like all colours, my favourite, without a doubt, is white.
A book? The latest one inevitably comes to mind: Por si las voces vuelven by Ángel Martín. It talks about mental health. I don't know if it's the subject, the language, the writer's style or the fact of having listened to it in audiobook format in his own voice, but I've experienced it a lot. I have had some very crazy reflections with him, and never better said.
Peli and disc? I'm going to put this together. Dirty Dancing. Great film and great soundtrack, in fact, I don't know which is better. I'm a child of the 80s, what can I do!
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!
I don't think there is any other way! My house, my things, my routines, my habits, my privacy, my decisions, my family, my friends, my memories. All that is me. My house smells of bergamot, lavender and mandarin.
Although I've just moved into my new house and I admit that I don't have a favourite spot yet, you'll find me mostly in the kitchen and at the table. Also in my studio.
I like to open the window to the courtyard and feel the breeze while having breakfast, for example.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
It would probably be something old. I have a predilection for stories and I like nostalgia. That's why I like old houses.
A great plan at home always includes...
Outdoors. Tasty food. Homemade pizza, for example. A little wine. Wonderful people. Laughter and lots of conversation.
Do you have a signature dish?
The potato omelette.
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
I don't have one, I'll have to look for it! But I will tell you that I love Barcelona and Amsterdam, not because of any particular place, but because of what I have experienced there.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
I like people and I think that being nice is the best way to have a good day. I also invite you to know my story. How I bought a little old house from 1900 (which my daughter Mia christened 'broken house') and renovated it, thus changing my place, my work and my life.
Thank you for reading me and for lending me this space. Best regards.
