Interview: Veronica del Castillo Caldas on How Interior Design is a Vessel for Stories

Carbone Interior Design is synonymous with that elegant yet modern touch. With projects spanning from private properties to hospitality and retail, Veronica del Castillo Caldas (Head of Creative) has put the Swiss interior design company on the international map when it comes to high-end interior design. The young Colombian powerhouse is spearheading the construction of AP House on Zürich's prestigious Bahnhofstrasse as well as many other private and hospitality projects. We sat down with Veronica to find out more of what brings her inspiration, how art ties into her projects and what her secret is to creating beautiful spaces.
 

Veronica, you have many years of experience in Interior Design to look back on. Having worked for luxury residential as well as hospitality projects all over Europe - Why did you initially choose this career path in Interior Design?
As a young girl, I dreamt about creating spaces that told stories and left a mark on those who visited. Interior design is a vessel for those stories to be shared and created. Whether it is a retail brand, a hotel, or a private residence, each space shares a vision by creating a story composed of colors, textures, materials, and patterns. The junction of these elements gives the space a soul, and this triggers me, the experimentation and exploration of different cultures are what led me to pursue this career.
 

Who or what is your biggest inspiration when it comes to interior design?
I have always had a passion for understanding and learning from Cultural Traditions Around the World. Art and Design influence society by bringing culture into a tangible form, sharing ideas, and translating experiences across space and time. My approach is to design with a deep respect for artisanal craft and a direct response to its environment. Materials and architectural details should correspond to the context of the project at hand, carefully considering the function and a client’s individuality and needs.
 

What is your secret to creating beautiful spaces?
Layering. Neutral tones and true materials create a great a-temporal backdrop which can later be transformed into unique compositions creating depth and drama which are key for storytelling. When designing I always start with analyzing the layout and the use of space. It is important to understand a person's journey through this space and anticipate their needs. When the user is defined, I love creating a conversation between the interior and its exterior both culturally and design-wise. Each place has a historical, physical, and cultural context which makes it unique through different textures and design lines. The intrinsic nature that is surrounded, the local craftsmanship, and the history of the land creates a sense of place. This should always come together and be communicated through the design language of the space. Layering different details and hints through the space will create both a visual and tactile connection to its surroundings and environment creating a strong sense of belonging. In order to create a beautifully unique space, it is important to respect its essence.
 

What is the first thing you look at when entering a room?
The light. Lighting adds another dimension to a space, it brings the rooms to life and directly connects to our emotions. The right light setup can completely change the perception of the room as it affects the overall mood of the space. It helps us navigate the space and should highlight the stylistic features of any room. Being intangible, it is always our first take on a room by creating depth, drawing attention to the most unique details and areas.  Good design finished with incredible lighting invites you to explore the space - it makes you want to come back and stay.
 

How big of a role would you say Art plays in your projects?
If I design a space, I look for inspiration in Art. Throughout history, artists have been responsible for sharing a unique point of view on actual matters without having to create a functional piece. It is creativity in its purest form, and it helps us bring context into a space. From inspiration to materialization artworks tell a story. For me, they are key to reinforcing the concept of space and, as light, bringing it to life.

Would you say there is a marriage between Interior Design and Art per se?
I believe art and design have been working hand in hand since ancient times. From mosaic work in ancient Rome to dinnerware through the renaissance, all the way to the Diego Rivera murals in Mexico City, the interior escape has always been intertwined and defined by art in different forms. Interior Design in my perception, is a form of art that created a vessel for other artwork to exist within giving them a place and giving back a context to space. Without art, a design would not be completed.
 

Who is your favorite artist?
This is a hard one, I would not say I have a favorite artist, I am intrigued by different artists and movements. However, I am a deep fan of Latin American art and its use of color. One of my current favorite artists is Eloin Rivera. A young Colombian muralist, that uses fine and delicate brush strokes to represent the most beautiful escapes transporting you to Colombian magical realism.
 

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