Lisa Santamaria is the designer and stylist for Santamaria Design in Sydney, Australia. As a member of the Design Institute of Australia and the Housing Institute of Australia her award winning projects have been featured in Modern Home and Kitchen and Bathroom magazines. Lisa enjoys working closely with her clients to help create their dream home. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Lisa Santamaria.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My style is classic contemporary, typically with a stand out piece and pops of colour. I use artworks and accessories to create a sense of fun and interest, keeping the main furniture pieces simple and streamlined. I like to incorporate natural timbers and textural fabrics to create warm and inviting rooms. Fabulous lighting and artwork also help to create the ‘wow factor’ and a happy mood.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
It is so very important to get a clear brief from the client. By conceptualising their sense of style through a collection of images, I find there is always a similar pattern of style in each image. I chat to my clients about how they like to live in the space and gauge their personalities. Then I create a design which is both beautiful and suits their lifestyle.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
When I first started in the industry I worked with a fabulous Polish furniture designer called Andrejz Loza. His pieces were always so well crafted and his style was both on trend and timeless. He and his wife were incredibly stylish and together they brought with them a strong sense of heritage, as well as an enthusiasm for design that was inspirational. People remember him for his passion.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
A beautiful beach or bush walk helps to clear my head and leaves me open to creative thinking and fresh ideas. I am inspired by travel, reading, art and fashion. Quite often on trend fashion will provide inspiration for colour, texture and pattern I might incorporate for my clients.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Passion for design and for helping to improve people’s lifestyles has brought me to this point. I love going back to a home years later and still being proud of the interiors I’ve help to create. My advice to others looking for a career in interiors is to be brave and follow your dream. It’s a joyful, rewarding and ever changing industry to be involved in.
