The Value of Observation in Nani Palomo’s Interior Design

For more than three decades, interior designer Nani Palomo has contributed to the evolving interior styling of the Costa del Sol. Her work combines experience, intuition and a meticulous approach to craftsmanship, shaped by a creative instinct that first emerged in childhood. From a young age, her passion for drawing and envisioning new spaces guided her, well before beginning any formal training. This laid the groundwork for a career that took her from Andújar in Jaén to Córdoba and ultimately to Marbella, where her studio has become a well-known benchmark for interior design on the Costa del Sol.

At the heart of her philosophy is a simple idea: interiors should have soul. For Nani, creating a space is not only about form and function but about designing something with genuine emotion and harmony, a space that reflects the person who lives within it.

A studio defined by collaboration and trust

After spending many years collaborating with well-known design firms along the coast, Nani established her own studio twelve years ago, aiming to pursue projects that truly expressed her individual vision. Last year, the studio transferred to a new location in Guadalmina, designed to offer a comfortable environment with natural light and a welcoming atmosphere for clients. It is a place where ideas are tested, materials are reviewed and long working days unfold naturally. Every detail of the new space reflects the bespoke nature of the work produced there.

Behind the scenes, a central figure in the studio is her colleague and friend Cristina Mombiedro, who oversees management and logistics and acts as a fundamental pillar in the day-to-day running of the practice. Nani describes their collaboration as a shared decision-making process, grounded in trust and continuity. Cristina’s role extends far beyond administration. She is involved at every stage of the workflow, ensuring projects progress smoothly and the studio’s high standards are maintained.

The collaborative dynamic carries over to the broader professional network surrounding the practice. Draughtsmen, render artists, photographers and artisanal manufacturers form part of this trusted circle, many of whom have worked with the studio for years. With around 80% of projects developed in an exclusive, handcrafted manner, this combination of shared commitment, specialist skill and genuine enthusiasm is essential to the way the studio works and to the results clients receive.

A design philosophy shaped by observation

Although she did not come from a creative family, Nani was always supported and encouraged to pursue her artistic interests. Her studies at the Mateo Inurria School of Art in Córdoba marked a significant turning point. Surrounded by peers who shared her curiosity, she learned by observing, listening and developing her own visual language.

Her approach to design prioritises functionality, balanced proportions and well-composed colour. The aim is to create warm, timeless interiors with an elegant and understated character. She believes that beauty lies in the harmony of every detail, a principle that guides her careful selection of natural materials such as wood, glass, high-quality marble and natural textiles. Strong tones appear as accents, while calm neutrals define the wider atmosphere. Furniture is functional, comfortable and shaped by clean lines.

Nature plays an essential role in her projects, introduced through plants and organic elements that bring a sense of grounding and continuity within the space. For Nani, creating interiors with soul means designing environments that feel authentic and deeply connected to the people who inhabit them.

Travel remains a powerful source of inspiration and one destination has influenced her more than most. Japan, she explains, impressed her with its balance, lightness in construction, respect for everything that surrounds it and the way architecture blends into the landscape. In her words, “its balance and beauty moved me deeply”. The experience strengthened her appreciation for subtlety, harmony and the profound importance of thoughtful design.

Residential, commercial and hospitality work

The studio works extensively with international clients seeking second residences in some of Marbella’s most prestigious locations, including La Zagaleta, Sierra Blanca and Cascada de Camoján. Privacy is always respected and each project is approached as a bespoke journey centred on the client’s unique lifestyle.

Commercial work has also become a significant part of the portfolio. Recent commissions include the redesign of Zusto by Eric, the café and patisserie at the entrance of Puerto Banús, and two projects in Málaga: Misuto, where both the interior and façade were updated, and Soca in the city centre. The studio has also collaborated on hotel projects, bringing its warm and functional aesthetic to hospitality environments.

A balance between progress and tradition

The interior design sector has evolved rapidly in recent years, shaped by technology and new access to ideas and materials. For Nani, this makes personalisation even more critical. Trends provide direction, but the objective is always to create something distinctive for each client.

As she explains, “we should continue personalising and offering as much exclusivity as possible in each project”, a principle that guides her approach no matter how the industry evolves.

Technological tools now allow clients to visualise the project's outcome long before execution, whether through renders or virtual reality. Even so, she values the fundamentals of design and, while she appreciates new technological advances, she never forgets where she started. Many of her ideas still take her back to a blank sheet of paper and a pencil.

Looking to the future

Nani envisions that luxury design will continue to move closer to nature, favouring natural materials and objects that feel rooted in the earth. These will be combined with innovative finishes enabled by new technology, fostering a dialogue between tradition and contemporary craft.

As she describes it, the future lies in “returning to nature through materials that come from the earth and are worked from their essence, pieces with history and memories that balance beautifully with newly manmade resources”.

A principle that guides the studio

Nani summarises her creative philosophy with a reflection that has guided her throughout her career. “To see is to perceive, to look is to focus, and to observe is to understand.”

It is a principle that continues to shape her work and defines a practice known for its subtle elegance, collaborative spirit and respect for craftsmanship, always grounded in authenticity and a thoughtful sense of unique character.

Pia Arrieta, 18 Dec 2025 - Professional Series