Old objects with a soul: Interview with Alquián
Juan and David, the minds behind the portraits, are here to make their clients' lives somewhat more beautiful than they already are.
It was necessary to bring together an interior designer and a journalist for Alquián to be born of that blend. Whether through their projects or via the pieces they sell through their online shop. Lovely, isn't it? Because is there really anything better than creating beauty around you?
Tell us about yourselves and your work. Where did your vocation begin? Any first memories?
An interior designer and a journalist. That is the unlikely mix with which we formed Alquián almost ten years ago now. After a long time working in large companies, we decided to make a life change and give shape to what had truly been calling to us for a long time: a personal project in which we could look after every single detail.
We remember how before taking the plunge and creating Alquián, we used to tell some friends who could see it crystal clear and encouraged us to do it.
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and is there anything you are particularly proud of?
Being able to make our customers' lives a little more comfortable, a little more beautiful. Whether it's when we create a bespoke project for their home or shop, or through that special piece they buy in the online store that becomes a part of their lives from that moment on.
Everyone. We put our heart into every project and get involved to give our all and achieve spaces that bring wellbeing and pleasure to the client. We like homes with personality and steer clear of that kind of cookie-cutter interior design that doesn't convey anything about those who live in them.
The home must be like a fingerprint: a different one for every person.
What is your creative process like, what are your sources of inspiration, any particular music while working?
In our projects, communication with the client is essential. Before beginning, we need to fully understand their needs, preferences and expectations in order to find the best formula and achieve a space that fits them like a glove.
It is true that inspiration strikes where you least expect it, so we try to always keep our eyes wide open. Being curious and eager to discover new things is the best way for inspiration to find us.
Music? Anything can play!
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
Rather than just one colour, we chose a whole palette: dark shades, like the one we use in our shop in Madrid. There is a certain hesitation about using dark palettes, but those who try it never regret it; ‘Hopscotch’ by Cortázar, which you can return to a thousand times and it is always inspiring; it’s impossible to choose just one.
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, whether you treasure any collections...
Our house is the laboratory where we run tests: we experiment with colours, mix textures, incorporate pieces that spend a season with us and then go on to become part of some project... It is an evolving space, although there are some fixed elements that are always with us, like the corduroy Chester sofa or our ceramic monkey. We've already lost count of the number of times people have wanted to buy both of them...
What do we collect? Too many things… for example, painted portraits and old model commercial aeroplanes.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
A portrait by Modigliani and another by Lucian Freud.
A great plan at home always includes...
Friends, delicious food and plenty of time lingering round the table afterwards.
Do you have any star dishes?
Let's get the oven on: lasagne.
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
In Barcelona, the monumental staircases of the Torre Colón.
Abroad, the gardens of the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon and the Gallery of Palaeontology at the Natural History Museum in Paris.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you - speak now or forever hold your peace!
As well as the interior design studio and the online shop, many people don't know that we also do window dressing, styling and art direction for publications and other companies. And yes: we have a whale of a time doing it. We're really keen to design a café or restaurant with character. We like a challenge and we love working with spaces that have history, restoring and incorporating original features.
