Martha Perez - Creating Spaces
MARTHA PEREZ’S DESIGNS ARE ORGANIC, MINIMALIST, INVITING TO ART AND LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. LAST TIME WE CHATTED HER DONKEY JOINED US IN HER LIVING ROOM….VIVA LA VIDA IS REAL! VISITING MARTHA IN MEXICO IS ON MY DREAM LIST AND INTRODUCING HER HERE MIGHT JUST TRIGGER THE SAME SENSATION.
WHEN I MET MARTHA PEREZ BACK IN LA IN 2018 I HAD LITTLE IDEA OF WHAT A GENIUS INTERIOR DESIGNER SHE IS. OUR TIME WAS ALL ABOUT WELLNESS AND SELF-CARE SET IN A LOT OF STYLE BY THE GOOP TEAM. I FEEL THAT THE CONNECTION WHEN IN A SPACE WHERE AWARENESS IS PROMOTED GOES DEEPER THAN USUAL.
Q: MARTHA, YOUR WORK HAS BEEN FEATURED IN PROMINENT PRESS. IT IS TITLED AS BEING "RAW BEAUTY". CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THIS? HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN?
A: My design is very organic in the sense that it understands the nature of the architectural project, the surroundings and the lifestyle and need of whoever inhabits the space. It develops slowly, very intuitively, trying to be coherent and respectful of the architectural style and integrating the surroundings and satisfaction of client’s needs.
Q: LIGHT IS ESSENCE AS MUCH AS IS NATURE. DO YOU ALWAYS INTEGRATE NATURE IN YOUR LIVING SPACES?
A: Always natural light and always the presence of nature and fragrant flowers where possible! In city dwellings I try to create small ecosystems of plants that go well with the dwelling and become a little oasis where one can relax and reconnect with oneself even in the chaos of the big metropolis.
Q: HOME IN MEXICO. YOUR DESIGNS ARE CONCRETE, BLACK, GREEN AND FULL OF LIGHT IN THE CONTRARY TO WHAT MANY IMAGES OF MEXICO REPRESENTATIONS. SIMPLICITY AND MINIMAL LUXE. HOW DOES THIS TRANSLATE INTO YOUR LIFE (FASHION, CHOICES, FOOD, QUALITY OVER QUALITY)?
A: Less is more in most cases. It is about showcasing the beauty of simple things without distractions. Giving the eye and mind the opportunity to meditate in depth over just a few elements. When you perceive harmony through your eyes you absorb it.
Q: ARE YOUR DESIGNS MOSTLY FOR PRIVATE HOMES? WHERE CAN READERS VISIT YOUR SPACES?
A: Most of my designs are residential makeovers, but I have also worked in commercial spaces, investment properties and law studios. Unfortunately they are all private, but www.martha-perez.com
Q: YOU LOVE VINTAGE FURNITURE AND ARTISANAL DESIGN. YOU MANAGE TO CREATE THE PERFECT BALANCE IN YOUR SPACES. A GREAT SENSIBILITY. IF YOU WERE TO ADD A SCENT : WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A: Star Jazmin (Trachelospermum jasminoides) or freshly cut white tuberose; both are clean, subtle and elegant, like fresh laundry.
Q: AS A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN, WHAT RITUALS KEEP YOU BALANCES, ENOUGH SPACE TO LET IMAGINATION DRIFT TO SUPPORT YOU?
A: Reading, mostly philosophy, anthropology, consciousness, art, architecture, gardening and cooking; spending time with my family (of course) and with my pets or digging some dirt and moving plants around!
Q: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PETS!
A: We have 5 dogs: 2 Irish Wolfhounds, a mutt and 2 griffons, also, Milou my daughter´s horse and Jack, my husband´s donkey, which we gave to him on his birthday! They all are a pack and run together everywhere, including the donkey. The most intelligent is of course Ines, the mutt, and the most connected with me is Puri, the beige wolfie.
Q: I AM DREAMING OF VISITING YOU IN MEXICO ONE DAY! CAN YOU RECOMMEND A PLACE OR TWO NO ONE SHOULD MISS (IN THE CITY AND IN THE COUNTRYSIDE OR BEACHSIDE)?
A: Oaxaca for me is a must: Tlacolula Market, Any of the institutions legacy of Maestro Toledo, mainly CASA in Etla, visit a Palenque and see how the make real Mezcal.
In Michoacan, visit a cemetery in the eve of Day of the Death.
In Mexico City, visit a working Chinampa in Xochimilco at the break of Dawn and hear the birds while you navigate the channels.
Try the best Mexican Moles at Techinanco, behind the Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan.
Take a plunge in a Cenote after a long walk through the jungle to get to it, in Yucatan.
Take a surfing lesson in Playa La Lancha in Nayarit. Sorry! There is too much to just give you a couple!