F5: Gala Magriñá Talks New York City, Nature, Travel + More

Gala Magriñá, an interior designer, shares her journey from film and television studies at New York University to founding her eponymous design firm in 2018. Initially, Magriñá worked for Diesel, creating window and in-store displays, and later launched her own production agency, orchestrating events for high-profile companies. A pivotal moment in her career was the discovery of Vedic meditation, which led her to redefine her professional purpose and shift from temporary event spaces to permanent interiors. This newfound passion for mindfulness became a cornerstone of her design philosophy, aiming to create spaces that merge aesthetic appeal with holistic well-being. Her Westchester, New York-based firm, which is women-led, undertakes both commercial and residential projects globally. Magriñá's design approach focuses on balancing diverse elements to create environments that inspire and uplift the energy of their occupants. She values the support and guidance of her mentors and fellow interior designers, often collaborating and seeking feedback to enrich her creative process. Despite a demanding schedule, she prioritizes meditation to maintain her well-being and productivity, especially when feeling fatigued in the afternoon. In her "Friday Five" feature, Magriñá identifies five key sources of inspiration. Travel is her primary muse; she finds visiting diverse cities like Rishikesh, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Tokyo particularly transformative. She enjoys planning visits to museums, stores, and restaurants in new cities but also embraces spontaneity, allowing herself to wander and discover hidden gems. Art and objects are another significant source of inspiration. She frequently attends art and design fairs, such as Art Basel and Design Miami, documenting ideas for future projects. These outings, often shared with designer friends, serve as essential breaks from routine work, fostering creativity and camaraderie. Interior architectural and design details consistently capture her attention. Magriñá often photographs elements like door handles and moldings, particularly noting European design for its simple yet modern aesthetics, which she integrates into her projects in the United States. Nature provides another profound source of inspiration and peace. Daily walks in the park, regardless of weather, help her find mental clarity and generate new ideas, as the vastness of nature helps put her problems into perspective. Finally, her hometown, New York City, remains a constant wellspring of creativity. The city's energy, people, fashion, and architecture, from the bustling streets to the iconic Chrysler Building, continually stimulate her imagination. She resonates with artist Marina Abramovic's sentiment that Manhattan's bedrock amplifies its energy, a feeling Magriñá experiences every time she steps into the city. The article also showcases several projects by Gala Magriñá Design, illustrating her aesthetic. The Design Studio Office in Long Island City, a 4,000-square-foot headquarters for a creative agency, blends mid-century modern with industrial flair, featuring hybrid meeting rooms and collaborative spaces tailored for a post-COVID work environment. The Irvington, NY Residence involved transforming a 1929 colonial-style home by preserving original details, using soothing off-white palettes, and incorporating pops of color through furniture, abstract art, and curated accessories. The West 67th Street Apartment, a two-bedroom unit with New York City views, underwent a full remodel emphasizing soft tones, natural woods, and textures to create a "sanctuary" feel, with notable features like a dark blue grasscloth wallpaper in the primary bedroom. The Postlight 5th Avenue Office was reimagined as a Soho House-inspired space, featuring curated lounge areas, custom wallpaper, and a 24-foot TV wall, designed for both employees and clients. Lastly, the Yousician NYC Office, located in a loft-style building in the Meatpacking district, incorporates the company's signature green, converting a space into a music-inspired hangout room with a bar and record player, embracing a "resimercial" concept for a fun and informal setting. #InteriorDesign #GalaMagrina #DesignInspiration #NewYorkCity #MindfulDesign #CommercialDesign #ResidentialDesign #TravelInspiration #ArtAndDesign #InteriorDesign #GalaMagrina #DesignInspiration #NewYorkCity #MindfulDesign #CommercialDesign #ResidentialDesign #TravelInspiration #ArtAndDesign