Ideas to decorate your house with New York style, by Antonio Matres

After years of building a successful career in New Yorkthe architect and interior designer Antonio Matres has decided to return to his hometown, Madrid, where just opened his own new studio. The decision to return to Spain was not easy, but the combination of the quality of life, the love of the family and the dynamic time that the city offers convinced him. We talked to Antonio knowledge of the differences in design trends between New York and Spain and the keys to decorating the house with a New York touch.

Antonio Matres He came to New York driven by love and in search of new opportunities. When he left his studio in Madrid, he launched himself into an unknown world that, despite the challenges, gave him valuable professional experience. “I went to New York for love. In Madrid I had a company with a partner, and we were doing very well. But over time I realized that I had to step up,” said Antonio.

However, life in the Big Apple is not like life in Spain. “I missed the quality of life we ​​have here, the closeness of the people,” he reveals. Despite the differences, Antonio found a niche in the American market. where he decided to implement a more comprehensive approach in his work: the design-builda concept that combines design and construction under one roof. «This approach has been well received. Make life easier for the client and avoid project interruptions between several professionals,” he explains.

(Photo: Antonio Matres)

“In New York I implemented the ‘design’, a common concept in Spain but uncommon in the US.”

One of the first differences Antonio noticed when he arrived New York it was the training of architects and their approach to design. «In the United States, the approach to architecture is very different. Technical training is weaker. In Spain, we have a more global and deeper vision in many aspectswhich is important to my growth,” he says.

In addition, it shows how the work process in the United States tends to be divided, with many specialists involved. “As there are more experts in each field, a multi-professional team is needed, where everyone depends on everythings, which sometimes limits creative freedom and decisions.

(Photo: Antonio Matres)

Antonio reflects and explains to us that “in Spain, from the moment you finish your degree, you are involved in the whole process. “You do architecture, interior design, you supervise the work … that broad approach allows you to better control the project.”

He tells us that one of his clients, in the Bahamas, trusted him for this reason, because his studio takes care of everything. “You’ve got the finished project without having to coordinate between architects, interior designers, builders or landscapers or swimming pools«.

“In New York in the world of luxury, there is a tendency to create places that look like museums”

Antonio sees that decorative trends also vary greatly between the two cultures. «In New York, people dress up and dress up more for comfort. Functionality is prioritized over beauty, and in Europe we follow certain style rules,” he says and adds an example: “What Zara that is sold in the United States is completely different from what is sold in Spain, which shows the marked differences in style between both sides of the Atlantic.

However, in terms of decoration it is very different because, many times, the places are like museums and magazines, prioritizing beauty over comfort.

«We encourage functionality in design. Often, when it comes to decoration, customers choose large sofas and decorations that are more like a show than they live in,” explains Antonio, insisting that it works to enhance their beauty to balance this with functionality. «For example, when we choose furniture, we meet a lot pieces that are visually appealing but not practicallike chairs that are uncomfortable after a while of use.

A house in the Hamptons. (Photo: Antonio Matres)

The key to decorating, he says, is knowing the client’s needs and choosing items that are both beautiful and comfortable. “It is necessary to consider how the spaces will be used, without losing sight of the visual appeal.”.

“Painting the walls and changing the switches gives a house a face”

Antonio also shares some keys for those who want to decorate and change their home without the need for a major renovation. «One well-chosen piece can transform a space.either. For example, if you clear a corner and put a sofa or a good lamp, you can turn it into a comfortable reading area,” he says and suggests changing or changing furniture. reupholster parts that are usually an effective solution.

He also suggests that “a fresh coat of paint and changes to the switches can make a big difference.” With small changes, a home can be completely renovated. The architect also designs furniture, like the chair shown in the following picture.

(Photo: Antonio Matres)

“It’s important to avoid temporary trends because they can disappear quickly.”

When asked about his favorite materials and colors to use when decorating, Antonio highlights the importance of choosing a pleasing texture and neutral colors that age well. “I prefer commercial, more sustainable clothes. Neutral colors are essential, such as white, bone tones and brown,” he said. “It’s important to avoid temporary trends, because they can disappear quickly.”

Also follow the 60-30-10 rule: “60% neutrals, 30% safe colors and 10% bolder tones.” This combination not only provides harmony for decoration, but also allows the spaces to have character.

(Photo: Antonio Matres)

Light, both natural and artificialplays an important role in Antonio’s design. “Natural light defines the space and changes throughout the day. It is important to consider how light enters each room.he explains. Without natural light, the choice of artificial lighting becomes essential, and Antonio warns about the importance of choosing the right tone and temperature of the light.

«It is important to avoid lights that are too cold, which can cause clinical sensitivities.or too warm that they can be too forgiving. It’s important to strike a balance, especially in rooms with dark colors that can absorb light.”