Writer LAURA ARENAS
Jaime Beriestain is Chilean but has lived in Barcelona for 14 years. Famous interior designer, among his numerous projects are the renovation of the Palace Hotel (former Ritz) and its exquisite jazz club in the basement, Rien de Rien, where the charm of an authentic and essential elegance is perceived. As a designer, he displays his talent by collaborating with brands such as DAB and MARSET or creating the windows of the Santa Eulàlia boutique. But it was the remodeling of the apartment that the veteran Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood owns in the Eixample, which has placed him at the top of the international design scene.
His most recent venture, the Concept Store built at c/ Pau Clarís, 167 (Barcelona), shows us a space with a unique sensory universe, where taste and design go hand in hand.
What are your sources of inspiration when creating? My sources of inspiration are many. I am a collector of information. I have boxes with samples of paintings, photographs, smells, anecdotes, memories….
How would you define your style? A timeless, cozy and warm.
Interior design, design, gastronomy, catering… What new projects are you currently involved in? I am developing three 5-star hotels in Barcelona and two in Madrid. Also one in Ibiza and two in Nice. My priority is always interior design, but I continue to develop different types of products as a challenge and personal development. For example, I will soon be launching a collection of lamps and a collection of leather goods.
Flowers are very present in your Concept Store, which one is your favorite? The peony is my favorite flower.
How would you define beauty? It is harmony in proportions.
What is elegance for you? Elegance is respect. I respect the rules, the tradition, the education, the others…
What memories of your native Chile still excite you? Family memories when you were young. Sunday meals in the kitchen, with my grandparents, cousins, siblings… A timeless pleasure.
A gastronomic curiosity: what is your favorite dish? I like boeuf bourguignon, cebiche and the traditional Chilean dish: porotos granados.
JAIME BERIESTAIN HITS
1- Your favorite book? I read many biographies. The latest ones: Julia Child, Steve Jobs, Grace Coddington, Haruki Murakami…
2- A film? “Io sono l’amore” by Luca Guadagnino.
3- What are your hobbies to disconnect from work? Actually my work is my life. There is no clear separation in my work and personal life. But biking in the mountains until I’m exhausted… that’s a great disconnect!
4- Of all the trips you have made, what place has impacted you the most? Crossing the fjords in Patagonia, watching the icebergs.
