Marta de La Rica
Marta de La Rica is a Spanish interior designer based in Madrid, known for creating warm, layered interiors that elevate everyday living through beauty, comfort, and emotion. A graduate of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, she has also lived in New York and maintains a close connection to France, particularly Biarritz, where she spends part of her time.
Her passion for interiors began early, inspired by accompanying her father — an avid antiques collector — on his travels around the world. Through these experiences, she developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, objects, and the thrill of discovering unique pieces.
Founded in 2013, Marta de La Rica’s studio focuses primarily on residential interiors, while also working across hospitality and commercial spaces. Guided by the belief that thoughtful design can enrich daily life, her work combines elegance, personality, and a refined sense of livability to create interiors that feel both timeless and deeply personal.
“I was so eager in my search for harmony, beauty and function as a vehicle to help people live more joyful lives.”
INTERVIEW
Timing and logistics. I don’t think people truly imagine how many small details go into putting a house together. We once counted 100 different fabric designs in one single project!
I’m mostly inspired by everyday life. The small actions of our routine. On the other end of the spectrum, I’m also very much inspired by my travels. I’m lucky to travel quite often and to be able to leave Spain. I always bring inspiration and new things to the studio after a trip.
From a young age, I followed my father around to antique markets and auction houses. Our summer holidays as a family were planned around brocantes and similar events. I believe designing interiors started then, during my childhood, when I imagined how all these pieces would fit together to make a composition.
Professionally, I began the studio in 2013. The studio was founded with the purpose of enriching people’s lives. Looking back, I often felt clueless about what I was doing, but I was so eager in my search for harmony, beauty, and function as a vehicle to help people live more joyful lives that I kept going and persevered through all the hard times.
My first project was undoubtedly a defining moment. It was a large project, and I learned so much. It was probably the biggest learning curve in my career.
Recently, I would say my house in Madrid. It’s a direct reflection of our work at the studio. The balance between tradition and modernity. It’s a very bold project that took more than six years to be completed.
A good thing to remember is that you can learn from every project. However, like every creative individual, I’m thrilled when a client trusts my creative vision and allows for exploration and play to take place. Those always turn out to be the best projects because everyone gets so involved in making all the details happen.
I particularly like to design homes because it allows us to uncover very specific individual needs in the most creative ways!
Trust.
The clients must trust us. The interior designer must trust the different providers. In the end its an exercise in trust.
It’s a long journey, but one that is so worthwhile. Don’t give up on the search!
I’d love to design a house in the mountains. I have a house by the beach, which I adore, but I don’t consider myself a thalassophile. On the contrary, however, mountains give me peace. There is nothing like mountain air to refresh one’s mind. My dream would be to design a house in the mountains to enjoy the snow.
Haha. There is no typical day.
That’s the beauty of the search.
I have many trusted providers whom I have come to know throughout my career. Textiles are a big part of it, but I am always discovering new materials. I’m curious about what’s out in the world, whether through conventional streams like my providers in Madrid or through my travels.
Madeleine Castaing is a female designer whom I truly admire for her wit and boldness.
In Spain, I love the work of Casa Josephine Studio. Internationally, I think Giancarlo Valle has an amazing creative vision. I’m a big, big fan of Jonathan Anderson and all that he has been doing for the Spanish brand Loewe.
Harmony.
The World of Interiors – Houses are truly unique; one can truly understand what it’s like to design for someone’s individual needs.
Thank you so much Marta, for this lovely interview!
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