- Interior
A well-designed home is not defined by trends or statement pieces, but by how it supports the wishes and needs of its residents. Therefore, the most successful interiors are those where each decision has a clear purpose and reflects their personal lifestyles. Rather than drawing attention to individual elements, Lorna de Santos relies on balance, carefully selected materials, and neutral colors to shape a home that aligns with the homeowners’ style. 
Lorna de Santos is a multidisciplinary design studio based in Spain and was founded in 2017. The practice works across architecture and interior design, with a strong focus on the connection between clients and their spaces. The founder’s experience living in Tel Aviv and Shanghai, including her time working at Neri&Hu, continue to shape the studio’s approach. Because of this experience, they go back to the basics, where daily life and simplicity are central. For each project, the studio takes the time to understand how clients live and what they value most. This process allows them to easily translate personal preferences into spatial decisions. Over the years, the studio has been recognized with awards such as AD’s Best Interior Designer of the Year in 2021 and the Fuera de Serie’s award for interior design restoration in 2024.
Both clients are passionate about reading and expressed a clear preference for a home without an overload of technology.
The Library Residence is an interior renovation located in Madrid’s Salamanca district and was designed for a young married couple. Both clients are passionate about reading and expressed a clear preference for a home without an overload of technology. Reflecting this lifestyle, a large library sits adjacent to the living room, where books are fully on display rather than stored away. Glass doors, finished with wooden frames, provide privacy when needed, while still maintaining a visual connection between the rooms. This library thus becomes the eye-catcher of the apartment. 
Materials play a defining role in shaping the interior’s character. Wood is used consistently throughout the apartment, which can be seen in the floors, the built-in cabinets, the tables, and the kitchen surfaces. In the kitchen, the wall is finished with brown tiles that add texture and color without disrupting the overall unity. Cream tones are introduced through the sofa and the walls, softening the darker wood and keeping the space balanced. The color palette remains neutral, contributing to a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Azulejos are also incorporated as a personal touch, reflecting the Portuguese heritage of the clients. Every part of The Library Residence is connected by the same careful choices, giving it a strong sense of identity without introducing flashy elements. This apartment aligns perfectly with the wishes of the homeowners, and shows how Lorna de Santos approaches their designs: they create homes that feel personal, yet timeless.
Photography by Rafa Dieguez Foto
Text by Ellen De Meyer