The environments we inhabit profoundly influence how we feel and live. A space conceived with purpose, which maintains coherence with its inhabitant, has the extraordinary capacity to generate well-being and serenity. This is precisely the premise on which the KIGA studio is founded.
The name of this Madrid-based interior design studio is not a casual choice; it is closely related to its vocation and work philosophy. KIGA derives from the Japanese concept Ikigai, originating from the Okinawa Islands. Its closest translation would be "your reason for being": the pursuit of happiness through doing what you love, providing value, and responding to what the environment needs.
In these Japanese communities, "yui-maru" is practiced, a deep spirit of mutual cooperation. The studio has adopted this vision to translate it into interior design. Its goal is not to sell unattainable illusions or promise effortless magical transformations, as the reality of a construction project involves inevitable technical challenges. Therefore, KIGA offers foresight, rigor, and meticulous work. The purpose is for the client to experience the renovation and decoration process without the usual mental burden, building everything on an honest, transparent, and realistic relationship, so that each space acquires true relevance.
From real estate investment to transatlantic refuge.
This way of understanding the profession is clearly exemplified in a project carried out in the classic Chamberí neighborhood.
The commission came from a businessman residing in Mexico, who acquired an apartment with the initial idea of diversifying and having a financial refuge in Europe. However, after an exhaustive briefing – the fundamental pillar of KIGA's methodology to align design with real needs – a deeper desire emerged: the need for a true home upon arriving in Madrid, leaving behind the coldness of a mere transit flat.
At first glance, the property appeared to be in good condition. Nevertheless, a detailed technical review by the studio revealed that the passage of time required optimizing the layout and renovating the finishes to ensure full functionality.
A design with narrative and warmth.
A clear guiding principle was established: a balanced fusion between a restrained mid-century style and the elegance of Nordic furniture. The aim was to create an atmosphere of European sophistication that would contrast with the Mexican aesthetic the owner was accustomed to, while retaining the feeling of comfort.
Pure white on the walls was replaced by warm earth tones, bringing Mediterranean serenity without losing luminosity. The kitchen was transformed into a coherent space that now invites pause. In this process, each piece of furniture, each material, and each textile was carefully selected by the team to ensure that the ensemble communicated in perfect harmony, achieving a refined and unostentatious ambiance.
The peace of mind of delegating.
The construction world is complex. Organizing tasks, coordinating trades, and controlling costs often becomes a tedious process that consumes valuable time. When the owner is over 9,000 kilometers away, this logistics challenge multiplies exponentially.
This is where KIGA's comprehensive service proves its worth. During the months of intervention, the client remained in Mexico. By acting as the sole point of contact, the studio took responsibility for the entire operation. Behind an outstanding result, there are no shortcuts, but meticulous planning that guarantees fixed budgets and strict adherence to deadlines, avoiding discrepancies and financial surprises.
The day that apartment door opened again, the space had transformed not only into a secure investment but into a meeting point for a family on the European continent.
If you wish to transform a space with the peace of mind of leaving it in expert hands, avoiding the usual complications of a construction project, it's time to contact KIGA. Upon sharing your project idea, the studio will assess whether its methodology aligns with your home's needs to provide a tailored and fully transparent proposal.
You can find more information about this project here: https://kiga.es/proyectos-interiorismo/decoracion-apartamento-en-chamberi-cliente-mexicano/
