- Art & Design
The work of Paloma González-Espejo is a continuous exploration of materials and shapes that create a timeless, harmonious environment. Each project is a new beginning and a new challenge that must be resolved. Next to her work as an interior architect, she also developed Yume and Doppio, two design collections that completely reinvent furniture. ‘Having my own furniture collection is truly a dream come true.’
Art played an important role in Paloma González-Espejo's life even in her childhood. This love for all things beautiful was very much fostered in her family. 'My parents travelled a lot and are very curious, and they taught me to embrace different cultures and look for beauty by visiting cities, museums and studios,' the designer tells us. She moved from Madrid to Brussels in 2000, while her interest in design and architecture continued to grow. After years working as a lawyer, she decided to turn her life around and go full steam ahead for her dream. At 40, she studied interior architecture and design at the Brussels College of Art & Design and founded her own interior design studio Joyful Homes. It is during that study that the Yume and Doppio By Paloma collections originated.
Approaching traditional designs in an unusual, playful way
The designer enjoys working with materials like wood and natural stone and natural fibres like hemp, wool, linen and cotton. She would like to expand that palette in the future, including natural resins and translucent materials Neutral colour palettes really appeal to her, but "colour is paradise and complex for me". According to her, using the right nuances requires sufficient sensitivity and knowledge, as there is a certain energy and symbolism attached to each colour. Moreover, its use is very personal. 'The right shade in the right place is magical, the opposite is a disaster,' González-Espejo sums up. 
In her furniture designs, then, duality is a key feature. González-Espejo is very interested in the ideas of locking and interaction, although she doesn't want to let that limit herself too much either. 'I want to have the freedom to also create in other ways and use different shapes and materials,' she explains. When she herself buys objects for her home, she believes it is important to inform herself about the product and how it has been produced. That way, we carry our responsibility to take care of the earth. The Yume furniture collection is made in Belgium and started with a bedside table that approaches the traditional model in an unusual, playful way. A hidden drawer is reminiscent of antique writing desks. The designer found inspiration in eclectic influences such as Eduardo Chillida, Ellsworth Kelly and Russian constructivism. Yume is a pun on 'you/me', referring to the dual nature of all creations. Coincidentally, the designer also discovered that 'yume' means dream in Japanese, and of course that was a perfect fit for this new project. The connection between shapes and materials is the common thread throughout all the models.
González-Espejo still has many dreams she wants to fulfil. For instance, she would like to work in a team, as it gives her the chance to learn from others and share her own experiences. In addition, she would one day like to collaborate on the interior of a hotel or restaurant. We are also very curious to see what the future looks like for Yume and Doppio and hope that many products will join the collections. Read the full article in Imagicasa Spring 2023. 
Images courtesy of Yume by Paloma & Doppio Collections, photography by Cafeine
Styling by @palomajoyfulhomes, @benefrg and @alice.dalle