The South American metropolis of Santiago is proving that Chilean interior design has a unique visual language, one melding old with new to create vibrant colour contrasts with a bold use of pattern. Here are five names you need to know if you love Chilean design
Chilean culture and design has an identity of its own. The unique geographical location of Chile, as well as its rich history, has led to a unique style fusing influences from its local Mapuche people and its Spanish colonial past. From visual arts, textiles, ornate silverwork and architecture, Chile has a vibrant and distinctive vision incorporating local materials and traditional craft skills. The popularity of its design aesthetic is communicated by Chile’s home-grown interior designers, who are in demand across the globe.
Here, we round up five interior designers from Chile that you need to know now.
Grisanti & Cussen
Gristanti & Cussen is an interior design office based in Santiago, founded by architect Hugo Grisanti and interior designer Kana Cussen. Their spaces are often designed around opposing themes, such as ancient and modern, natural and artificial and cosy and sophisticated. With the aim to create eclectic spaces, Gritsanti & Cussen use eccentric gestures to refresh traditional spaces such as the creation of an audio visual room in a colonial mansion, complete with gold panelling, chandeliers and flat screen televisions masquerading as 18th century still life paintings. Recent projects include Hotel Bidasoa, a chic eco-boutique hotel in the Chilean capital. See more of their work @grisanticussen
Micky Hurley
Born and raised in Santiago, New York-based Micky Hurley is known for turning his colourful background as a globe-trotter into lively interior design. With a style that ranges from modern classic to downright eccentric, recent projects include a private residence in the Dominican Republic, in which Hurley transformed the building from salmon pink to a crisp white and went on to introduce pattern and colour throughout the interiors. Highlights include an idyllic two storey al fresco seating area with bright pink and blue cushions and a bedroom with a hand painted yellow headboard and playful pink pompom bedspread. See more of his work @micky_hurley
Katherine Rahal
Interior designer Katherine Rahal set up Katherine Rahal Interior Architecture 10 years ago in Santiago. Katherine’s signature style uses a lot of natural materials, texture and simplicity. Having studied at the University of Chile and successfully acquired two diplomas in design, Katherine has over 20 year’s experience. Her Instagram account, @katherinerahal, offers a constant stream of inspirational imagery of the firm’s work and of the everyday things that catch her eye. Her eponymous company works on both residential and commercial properties, including the redesign of the restaurant and bar Puerto Claro Valparaíso. The project aims for that ‘wow factor’ with a bespoke bar that against a backdrop of multi-coloured box lights and hanging gold lamps that reach out from the bar like rays of sunshine. To see more of Rahal’s work visit @katherinerahal
Enrique Concha & Co.
Enrique Concha & Co was started by the prominent Chilean designer Enrique Concha, who has a penchant for designing the interiors of super yachts. If you are looking to pick up the spirit of your natural surroundings in a space, then its design aesthetic keeps nature at the forefront of each project. For example, its Hotel Alto de Atacama project, in the Chilean desert, was created in keeping with its neutral and rustic surroundings, with 100% natural materials. The firm works on both large-scale hotel and residential projects, harmoniously integrating different styles and epoch objects with influences from Eastern and contemporary art as well as incorporating quality natural materials into interior spaces. See more of their work @enriqueconcha_co
Urban Chic Muebles Decoración
With several services under one roof, Urban Chic Muebles Decoración in Santiago offer colourful design solutions with a luxurious edge. Run by Marcelo Varetto Armstrong, Urban Chic seeks to mix modern, classic, restored and unique objects together in a contemporary key. Having taken on the complete conversion of the beautiful Matildas Boutique Hotel in Santiago. it will come as no surprise that they have also created a furniture and home accessories range, with bespoke pieces available on request. See more of their work @urban_chic_stgo
Words by Sophie Breitsameter
Images courtesy of @grisanticussen, @micky_hurley, @katherinerahal, @enriqueconcha_co and @urban_chic_stgo
