Meet the Designer | Alejandra Ríos
We interviewed Alejandra Ríos, founder of Palma House, to discover the inspiration, material choices and design decisions behind the Notting Hill Attic Suite.
1. For anyone discovering Palma House for the first time, how would you describe your approach to design?
When approaching a new project, we always start with the architecture of the space before developing the interior design. Lighting, textures and materials are all incredibly important, but we believe that every design decision should have a purpose. For us, good interior design is about creating a cohesive space where every detail works together and contributes to the overall atmosphere.
2. When you start a new project, what is usually the first thing that inspires the direction of the design?
For me, the most important thing is how a space makes you feel when you walk into it. I always think about the atmosphere we want to create and how we want people to experience the interior. Whether we're designing a home, a bedroom or a bathroom, that feeling guides our decisions throughout the project, from the layout and lighting to the colours, textures and materials we choose.
3. What were the main challenges with the Notting Hill Attic Suite?
The attic in this Notting Hill property was quite cramped and had a lot of awkward corners, so one of our main priorities was to rethink the layout and the way the space worked. We wanted to make better use of the available volume, improve the flow between areas and ensure the architectural features worked with the interior design. Reorganising the space was essential to creating a more functional result.
4. How do you create interiors that feel personal rather than simply following what is currently popular?
When I meet a client, I try to understand their energy, their personality, the way they live and even how they dress. All of these things give me references that help me create a tailored interior that feels personal to them.
I use these insights to develop the colours, textures and materials within a scheme, creating bespoke interiors that reflect the people who live in them rather than simply following a trend. It's about having a conversation with the client, understanding the places they love, the environments they feel comfortable in and the colours that suit them. From there, translating their personality into the interior design comes very naturally to me.
At Coalbrook, we believe great interior design comes from the thoughtful combination of architecture, materials and carefully considered details. Our conversation with Alejandra Ríos highlights the importance of creating bespoke interiors that reflect individual personalities while balancing functionality with design.
The Notting Hill Attic Suite demonstrates how creative interior design, intelligent space planning, carefully selected colour palettes and distinctive materials can transform a challenging layout into a characterful and inviting home. From bespoke joinery and natural stone to the finishing touches that complete a bathroom or WC, every element contributes to the overall scheme.
At Coalbrook, our brassware and finishes are designed to complement a wide range of interior styles, helping designers create cohesive, individual spaces. Whether you are looking for luxury bathroom inspiration, planning a bathroom renovation or specifying brassware for a residential interior design project, discover the Coalbrook ranges and find your nearest retailer to begin planning your next bathroom design.
