Where Function Meets Beauty: Miriam Barrio’s Approach to Interior Design
people • DESIGNERS
Miriam Barrio’s design language speaks in layers—of colour, craftsmanship, and emotional resonance. In this exclusive interview, the Barcelona-based designer reveals how she translates a client’s personality into immersive concepts that are bold, expressive, and deeply personal. From choosing earthy Mediterranean tones to imagining a surrealist-inspired dream home for Salvador Dalí, her reflections offer a vibrant glimpse into a practice where intuition, precision, and passion intersect. Dive in to explore how Miriam redefines luxury and pushes the boundaries of contemporary interior design.
Words: designeers
APRIL 2025
WEBSITE: miriambarrio.com
INSTAGRAM: @miriam.barrio
DESIGNEERS
Your designs are instantly recognizable—bold, vibrant, and immersive. If you had to describe your aesthetic in three words, what would they be?
Miriam Barrio
Versatile, passionate, and adaptive.
DESIGNEERS
What is your process for translating a client’s personality into a space that still carries the signature Miriam Barrio touch?
Miriam Barrio
We believe that every project should tell a unique story. Our approach starts with deep listening—understanding the client’s personality, aspirations, and lifestyle. Then, we filter these insights through our creative lens, combining unexpected contrasts, textures, and compositions that maintain the essence of our design philosophy. The key is to balance personalisation with innovation, ensuring each space feels tailor-made, brought to life through immersive concepts that engage the senses and reflect our bold aesthetic.
DESIGNEERS
You’ve created spaces that feel like art installations. What’s the most unexpected or challenging project you’ve worked on?
Miriam Barrio
It’s hard to choose just one because we love taking on projects with distinct characters and purposes. The more different they are, the more we learn from each one—it’s incredibly enriching. Every challenge pushes us to explore new ideas, materials, and creative solutions, which keeps our work exciting and ever-evolving.
DESIGNEERS
If you could design with just one colour palette for the next year, what shades would dominate?
Miriam Barrio
Olive green, ochre, and mustard. Warm, mediterranean, earthy tones that bring depth, sophistication, and versatility to any space. However, we love playing with colours and exploring new combinations—we don’t like to repeat ourselves too much!
“Luxury is in craftsmanship, in the way materials interact, and in the feeling that a space has been designed just for you.”
Miriam Barrio
DESIGNEERS
If you could design the dream home of any artist, past or present, who would it be?
Miriam Barrio
Salvador Dalí. His surrealist vision and fearless approach to creativity would be an incredible foundation for an unconventional and imaginative space. The challenge of merging functionality with artistic extravagance would be both thrilling and inspiring.
DESIGNEERS
What’s your personal definition of “luxury” in interior design?
Miriam Barrio
Luxury is not about excess—it’s about precision, personalisation, and the seamless integration of beauty and function. It’s about spaces that evoke emotion, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered to enhance the experience of living. Luxury is in craftsmanship, in the way materials interact, and in the feeling that a space has been designed just for you.
DESIGNEERS
How do you see the future of interior design evolving, particularly in the way people engage with spaces?
Miriam Barrio
We see a future where design is more intuitive and adaptable. Spaces will need to be flexible, evolving with the needs of their users while maintaining a strong emotional and sensory impact. Sustainability will no longer be a choice but a necessity, pushing us to find innovative ways to create beauty with responsibility. The interaction between physical and digital experiences will also become more prominent, blending immersive design with technology in a seamless way. As the boundaries between digital and physical blur, immersive concepts will become essential in creating emotionally resonant, future-ready spaces.
DESIGNEERS
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be doing?
Miriam Barrio
I would probably be an event planner, creating unforgettable experiences and taking part in spectacular set-ups. I love working with my hands, so I wouldn’t just design the event—I’d also enjoy building and assembling everything myself. From designing a dish and cooking it to setting a beautiful table or crafting a floral arrangement, I find joy in every step of the creative process. For me, the magic is in both the concept and the hands-on execution.
