Antonio Llambías says interior design should begin with the people who live in a space

The Argentine designer argues that a personal interior starts with understanding someone’s way of life, rather than copying social-media images or choosing furniture.

Llambías says social-media images can provide ideas, but problems arise when someone else’s lifestyle becomes a template. In his view, that can make homes look alike, with rooms shaped by excessive functionality and fashion instead of the habits of the people who live in them.

The founder of Valuarte recommends beginning a project with a conversation. A designer should understand the client’s tastes, routine, needs and relationship with the space. The next step is technical: review plans and dimensions and develop a layout that fits the initial concept.

Llambías does not see function as a limit on creativity. After the layout is settled, materials, textures and proportions can be chosen, followed by objects that give a room character. He advises against buying everything from one collection, suggesting instead a considered mix of pieces from different periods, materials and sizes.

In an interview with La Nación, the designer described three stages: understand the person, plan the space and select its objects. This is his professional approach, not a universal rule. The right choices depend on residents’ needs and the features of the room.