Interior designer Sonia Montoya was Blakstad Design Consultant’s first official employee, joining the company in 2006. She had the pleasure of working with founder Rolph Blakstad and credits him for instilling a sense of proportion into her work. Originally from Granada, Sonia has called Ibiza home for 25 years.
What inspired you to pursue interior design?
I was always in love with architecture and design, furniture design and interiors – even as a little kid. I was always moving things around at home. When I finished high school, I was able to study exactly what I wanted to become a designer. I came to Ibiza to visit family here and ended up staying, but by the time I had finished my studies, there were not that many opportunities in Ibiza, so I went into other types of work. My partner and I were thinking about moving back to Granada, but then we decided to stay which was the right decision!
How did you come to work at Blakstad Design Consultants?
I refreshed my studies in design at the Ibiza School of Arts and just when I finished that course, I was lucky enough to be working on a house with Rolf. They asked me to join them full time. I’ve been working here for 13 years – back then it was Rolf, his dad and me. Just the three of us. Then Angeles came to join us and now there are many of us!
What was it like to work with Rolph Blakstad?
I got to work with him for about three years and I learned so much from him. I think his aesthetic will stay with me forever. He was a perfectionist and he was meticulous. Rolf is the same. They both have a dedication to doing things properly, without being rushed. Everything makes sense and has a purpose.
What is a normal day like for you?
I start at 8am and I arrive already very activated, and ready for the day. Each day depends on what’s needed – it might be a kitchen design, a bathroom, wardrobes, or something for the architects for the plans. I help Rolf with the style of each project from the very start. During the planning and development, I work out lots of details and liaise with other craftspeople.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Well, I read a lot of magazines! I also use social media as a tool to find new things and stay updated. I’m always adapting to our clients’ styles and tastes. They come to us because they already like what we do, but they have their own styles of course. Usually, the design ends up a mix of ideas that works out beautifully. We don’t ever impose ourselves. Sometimes it’s easy, other times it’s more of a process. That’s what makes it interesting. And the island provides me with so much. Everything about it is inspiring – the light, the colours, the climate and the traditional architecture. All of this comes into my work.
If you could go anywhere in the world to experience the architecture and design where would you go?
I would love to go to Egypt or Jordan. I’ve always loved Islamic architecture even when I was at school. I’m from Granada so maybe that’s why I have an affinity with it. I used to go to the Alhambra a lot – I’m always amazed by it. There’s always something new to see. The gardens are amazing.
How do you spend your spare time?
I have two children so my spare time is very family oriented. In summer, we are at the beach a lot. We always look for new beaches and coves. Even though I’ve been here 25 years, there are still new places to discover. In winter it’s more about being at home with family.
What do you like most about living in Ibiza?
I love living here. I came here thinking I would stay for a year but I never left. I’m from a village and always thought I’d move to a city but here, I’m still a village girl. I love everything about Ibiza.
