DECADA was founded by Lucia Corredor and Cecilia Tena in 2010. It started as a project that turned into a passion and then became a lifestyle. In its early stages, it was just a vintage furniture shop that later transformed into an interior design firm. Its most distinctive feature is the unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that always have a story to tell.

Cecilia and Lucia have a broad vision that goes beyond the tangible and the aesthetic. They seek to evoke emotions and awaken sensations through both their showroom pieces and their projects.

1. How did you begin designing interiors ?

It was a very organic and natural process. As we immersed ourselves in the world of vintage furniture, our vision expanded. Instead of viewing furniture as independent pieces, we started seeing them within a context, which resonated with our clients and transformed us from a store into an interior design firm.

2. Has there been a defining moment in your career ?

2012, we had the opportunity to work with friends we already admired: Grupo Hábita. They gave us the task to make the interior design of Hotel Escondido in Puerto Escondido, which is also a place that we have in our hearts since we’ve been going there for years. It was a challenge for us as it was our first non-residential project, and the standards were very high. Definitely it was a leap in our career.

3. What is your favorite type of client/project ?

When the client trusts our vision and is open to taking risks, but most importantly, when we become a team so we can materialize theirs and our dreams. When this happens, the work is done.

4. What do you think is the deciding factor in a successful interior design project ?

BALANCE. Achieving a sense of balance and harmony for us is crucial for a successful interior design. This includes the integration of various design elements, such as color, texture, pattern, and scale.

5. What is the most challenging aspect of your work ?

Our biggest challenge has become something that defines us. If we need a specific piece for a project, we will find a way to get it no matter where it is or how tough it is to obtain.

6. How would you describe your creative process and its influences ? How do you get inspired ?

Every project has its own unique challenges and qualities, so we need to have a sense of the client and, most importantly, of the space. Everything begins with a gut instinct and is then followed by a method we created and continually refined over time.
We materialize emotions and transform them into something tangible.

7. What advice would you give beginner designers ?

Be curious and observe, observe, observe, and from what you observe, question what you like, and from there, create your identity and style.
Follow your instinct and take risks.

8. What would be the ideal place to design for you ?

An old hacienda, because it has its own history. We will be just the storytellers

9. Could you describe a typical day of your work ?

We don’t actually have a standard workday. Because our team is dispersed over the globe, inspiration comes from everywhere, and work is consequently everywhere, there is no such thing as a 9 to 5.
Our interior design firm is run globally while we also operate a vintage furniture boutique in Mexico City.

10. How do you choose the specific materials you work with ?

While we always prioritize natural and organic materials, the location and style of the project will ultimately determine the materials we use.

11. What artists/creatives have influenced you ?

Luis Barragan continues to excite us all with his brilliant use of color, light, space, and geometry. We admire how he used traditional materials, craftsmanship, and architectural aspects to reflect Mexico’s rich history.

Donal Judd’s minimalist aesthetic has had a huge influence on interior design, inspiring designers such as ourselves to embrace simplicity, eliminate unnecessary ornamentation, and experiment with new materials.

12. What contemporary designers do you appreciate ?

Axel Vervoord is a world reference for most designers, and we are huge followers of his work philosophy and approach to interior design. He has reimagined luxury, urging designers to embrace simplicity and craftsmanship in order to create meaningful and long-lasting interiors.

13. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be ?

They are timeless and reflect our soul on each of them.

14. Do you have any books/programs/podcasts to recommend to our readers?

For us, the book “In Praise of Shadows” by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki, first published in Japanese in 1933, is a must-have for any interior designer or architect. It exemplifies the timeless nature of Japanese aesthetics. It investigates shadow aesthetics and celebrates the ambiguity and subtlety of color, shade, texture, and tone.