Cover Spanish decorator Lorenzo Castillo speak on his signature style, which merges old with the new
Spanish decorator Lorenzo Castillo speak on his signature style, which merges old with the new
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A true master of modern classicism, one of Spain’s most celebrated decorator Lorenzo Castillo takes us inside his most magnificent works, revealing how he transforms spaces into spectacular interiors
Lorenzo Castillo, with his bold and innovative designs, truly embodies Oscar Wilde’s definition of beauty. The Irish author stated, “Beauty is a form of genius—higher than genius, as it needs no explanation… It cannot be questioned. It has its divine right of sovereignty.” Castillo’s creations not only challenge conventional norms but also evoke deep emotions, illustrating that true beauty transcends aesthetics and resonates powerfully within us, echoing Wilde’s profound insights.
Castillo’s career began as an antique dealer, sourcing rare objects across Europe for 15 years. Today, he continues to create breathtaking interiors as an interior decorator, renowned for a unique, richly layered blend of classic and modern styles. He explains, “My design philosophy has its roots in the classic Roman Empire or Greek Mediterranean style. It’s classicism, but I transform it with a modern spirit.” His approach involves using classic timelessness as a foundation, then adding his distinctive touch through a combination of antiques, contemporary art, fabrics, textures and patterns to create exquisitely curated spaces.
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His artistic flair echoes inside this home in Madrid
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Lorenzo Castillo boldly states that he prioritises instinct and intellect over fleeting trends. While acknowledging the challenge of mixing pieces from different periods, he firmly believes that “good decoration and good design are timeless”. He illustrates, “A 17th-century walnut Spanish table can be mixed with a contemporary art piece and a beautiful fabric wall covering. It will never go out of fashion. We see pictures, for example, of the Christian Dior House in Paris, 50 or 60 years ago, and it is still fashionable.”
The key, he advises, is continuous learning to cultivate a discerning eye. “You have to educate your eye; learn the history of art and of decorative arts…Visit art galleries…Go to the museums. Read a lot of books. No more Instagram and Pinterest. No more screens,” he urges, emphasising the importance of distinguishing between good and bad aesthetics. “I don’t think there is [such a thing as] good taste or bad taste. You can train yourself the way to use beauty,” Lorenzo Castillo tells Tatler.
Lorenzo Castillo’s creative approach is fluid, constantly adapting to the specific project at hand. He notes a distinction in his process when decorating homes in different cities, such as Madrid, Manila, New York, or Paris, just as he observes varying methods for houses situated by the sea, in the mountains, or in urban settings.
The chimney room of Hotel Son Net in Mallorca
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However, a consistent first step in his work is understanding the client. Castillo emphasises that the client’s needs, wants and lifestyle must be central to the creative process. He likens it to a haute couture gown, highlighting the importance of the house perfectly aligning with the client’s lifestyle. Once this understanding is established, he proceeds to analyse the building’s structure, its location, and the historical period in which it was constructed.
Beyond simply meeting clients, Castillo finds it equally crucial to understand how they discovered him and his work. Interestingly, his clientele often boasts a strong background in arts and design. “Many of my clients are deeply invested in antiques and the arts. There are collectors; there are people who want to live in very sophisticated, classic and beautiful houses,” he explains. His diverse client base spans the globe, from New York, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Paris and London to Italy and even South America. This global reach necessitates a deep understanding of their varied lifestyles and their unique perspectives on decorative beauty.
One of Castillo’s most notable achievements is the Grand Hotel Son Net in Mallorca. This magnificent retreat, nestled at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is a celebration of art. Castillo describes it as “a 17th-century palace that we have transformed into a luxurious hotel with 80 suites and villas—each completely different from each other”.
A dining area at Cristina Bedfor echoes the colours of the sea
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For this award-winning project, Castillo was given complete freedom in selecting every element for the suites and villas, from custom fabrics to an extraordinary collection of antiques and art. He expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “I love that. I love it. It’s very unusual to find a client who instantly accepts and understands the way I decorate a hotel.” He emphasises that decorating a hotel differs significantly from designing private residences, where one must cater to the owners’ specific needs and lifestyles.
Castillo is currently undertaking a significant project to redesign the Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville, a landmark he considers “one of the most important and most historic hotels in Spain.” This early 20th-century building boasts remarkable architecture, characterised by a blend of Andalusian styles, including marble columns, brick arches and tiles. His approach to this iconic landmark involves a delicate balance: “The challenge is how to decorate that building with a beautiful new decoration without completely being different. I want the decoration to be [fluidly] part of the architecture.” He respects the centuries-old architecture and aims for a design that integrates seamlessly, creating a continuous flow with the interior.
Inside the award-winning Hotel Son Net decorated by Castillo
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Castillo has a strong preference for natural materials such as marble, stone and wood. He explains, “I love my walls in natural stucco similar to the Roman houses. I don’t like just leaving the walls painted, because anyone can do that. I enjoy upholstering the walls with beautiful fabrics. I like to use wallpapers and wallcoverings.” He emphasises his aversion to artificial or fake materials, opting instead for those that gain character and beauty with age.
Above The bedroom of the Grand Suite Maria de Napoles at Hotel Son Net
The bedroom of the Grand Suite Maria de Napoles at Hotel Son Net
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In addition to 16th to 18th-century European and Spanish art, the decorator also incorporates Eastern influences into his designs. He expresses his admiration for Eastern art, stating, “I love all the lacquers, porcelains, silk embroideries from the East like Japan and China because I love the sophistication, colours and the techniques. Incredible!” This appreciation is evident in his use of lacquer cabinets, screens, bronze, ivory and other decorative arts from the region.
When asked about the future, Castillo is committed to developing his own designs, including a collection of fabrics, furniture, and wall coverings. “I would also like to design jewellery. I love jewels. I’m a great collector of antique jewellery, so it’s something that I’m working on now,” he says. Currently, Castillo is part of a Spanish reality TV show, DecoMasters.
Above Castillo is a tamer of
the eccentric
Castillo is a tamer of the eccentric
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From a dedicated seeker of Europe’s hidden treasures to a celebrated creator of livable art, Castillo does not merely follow history; he rewrites it within the walls of each project, giving it a bold, modern voice. Castillo is cementing his legacy, proving that a well-educated eye can not only appreciate beauty but create it for generations to come.
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Whether on assignment or not, Maritess is always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as the yummiest finds in the Philippines and abroad. In 2020, she plunged into the black hole of Korean la la land. Follow her escapades at @matetreyes.
