the conversation NOA SANTOS

Always using surfaces you can put a cup down on is the essence of good design for Noa Santos he tells our editor Pip Rich how to get the high/low mix right

N ew York-based designer Noa Santos is the founder of international studio NAINOA. His emphasis is on creating homes that feel luxurious yet relaxing and using a blend of opulent materials with more affordable decor.

PIP RICH I’m very excited by how many times I spotted the phrase ‘Coming Soon’ on the projects section of your website next to teaser images, as I always get so inspired by your work. What moods and materials can we expect to see next?

NOA SANTOS Thank you! There’s a huge trend post-Covid for homes that also function as retreats – and our work has a spa-like quality to it I think. We use lots of natural stones a nd plasters, unintentionally developing this style that seems to resonate with people wanting a place they can go home to and feel calmed.

PR I’m so glad to hear this as I was going to say that for all the grandness in your work, all the luxe stone and architectural statements, you always create spaces that seem soothing. I find it a little like schemes by Brigette Romanek – who I also love – smart, but in a shoes-off kind of way.