Her presence makes it clear from the very first moment that Mónica Saravia is a woman who has always been clear about her calling: to create elegant environments that, in addition to being functional and timeless, possess an essence as unique as the people for whom they were designed.
That desire grew even more during the pandemic lockdown. “It was a time that helped us all become more aware and understand that our place is at home, that we can enjoy it more intensely in the company of our family,” says Saravia, assuring everyone that home will continue to be the epicenter of daily activities.
Under this premise, he emphasizes the role that interior design plays in creating healthy atmospheres at home. "A well-designed, warm, and pleasant room will ensure a good night's sleep. Meanwhile, good lighting and appropriate furniture in areas designated for study or work help maintain good performance and good mood."
Fresh environments with the use of light colors that make spaces appear larger than they actually are, always taking advantage of the benefits of natural light, and elements inspired by nature will prevail as a trend.
To achieve this, it's important to consider all spaces as a whole and through the lens of holistic design. "We must consider structures, circulation, focal points... concepts that are closely linked to architecture," he explains.
Saravia discovered her creative passion at an early age. She remembers being fascinated by changing the colors of the walls and the arrangement of the furniture in her room as a child. Over time, her professional vision broadened. She studied Business Administration at Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia and Interior Design at IED in Barcelona.
"I think we're at the forefront [in Latin America]. We have nothing to envy of other countries like the United States, or even Italy, leaders in the world of design. In our region, we have access to the best materials and a wealth of talent."
In 2013, she founded the design firm Mónica Saravia. “Since then, we haven't had a vacation. We were successful from the start. We started working with friends, and people were recommended to us.” And she says this in the plural because, for her, the achievements obtained are the result of teamwork.
The Samaria designer's dream is to consolidate her firm's presence in different regions of the country and, in the long term, to be recognized in dozens of countries. The paths toward these goals continue to open. Mónica Saravia has developed projects in Miami and was the only Colombian interior designer invited by the Italian Chamber of Commerce to participate in the Homi 2021 fair, which will take place in September as part of Milan Design Week.
Saravia is perfectly familiar with the international trade fair scene, having participated in several of them throughout his career. One of his priorities is staying on top of the latest in materials, trends, and sustainability.
In his experience, the status of interior design in Latin America is encouraging. “I think we're at the forefront. We have nothing to envy of other countries like the United States, or even Italy, which we consider leaders in the design world. In our region, we have access to the best materials and there's a lot of talent,” he states with authority and enthusiasm.
Mónica Saravia's projects demonstrate a distinctive use of image, scale, balance, textures, and proportions. This creative talent has allowed the firm to create a line of furniture made entirely by hand by expert Colombian artisans, paying special attention to detail. For the renowned interior designer, having a dream isn't enough; "you have to work with discipline, love, and the desire to always deliver the best."