Interview with Spanish architect, designer and decorator Maria Ginot, for 25 years engaged in the creation of VIP class interiors

Passing the gallery

A photo: Evgeny Luchin, Juan Manuel Lopes-Vivas

Text: Natalya Sedyakina

Magazine: (41) 2000

Spanish architect, designer and decorator Maria Ginot For 25 years he has been creating VIP class interiors. At first glance, her style can be described as a palace, but in Maria’s opinion, this is “neoclassicism”. And indeed, you quickly understand that he is far from any known historical style. The first distinctive feature of Ginot interiors is the absence of overwhelming palace splendor - they are very “warm”, I want to live in them. The second feature is the elements of modernity. For example, often in living rooms one can see modern graphic paintings on the walls. Combining styles, it is important not to slip into pathos, but to achieve genuine originality and warmth of the interior. The secret lies in the fact that the Ginot family owns its own workshops and factories in Buriano and Valencia, where tables, armchairs, truly royal beds, screens, curtains, sets, boxes, chandeliers are created - all in one copy, by hand. The activity of the family company Colleccion Alexandra combines two areas: creative - Maria and her youngest son Jacobo, and business - her husband and eldest son. Now Colleccion Alexandra is completing in the United Arab Emirates a reconstruction of a 22,000-square-meter palace owned by Sheikh Shariah. This is the largest object for the entire period of the company's existence. During his first and only visit to Moscow Maria Ginot gave an exclusive interview to our magazine.Salon. Maria, what is your authority and passion for architecture? Favorite historical style?M. J. Guinot. There is much in modern styles, but there are no concrete preferences. Favorite historical style - imperial.S. Maria, I know that you worked on both private apartments and restaurants and offices. How did you manage to achieve success in such different directions?M.G. Many years ago, when I was just starting my design career, I liked creating interiors for large companies more. Because they prefer the style of the designer and do not go into the elaboration of details as a private customer does.S. What is your favorite implemented project?M.G. In spite of everything, it is still a private object. Palace of Sheikh Shariah in the United Arab Emirates. We have never done anything like this before; this is a very unusual project. It is made mainly in neoclassicism, but at the same time in a separate apartment of the palace presents a variety of styles. For example, Art Deco, minimalism, national Turkish and even Japanese. It was a very difficult job. Firstly, because of the climate, and secondly, due to the fact that none of the masters speak English. We had to constantly monitor their work to make sure that we were understood correctly.S. Who can you call an ideal customer?M.G. The one who believes you. It is difficult for the client to imagine the project as we create it. Then, the constant control is very tiring. Sometimes the customer comes in, sees the first layer of paint on the ceiling and shouts: it's very bright! The next day, he appears again and says: "This is not the color that is needed." But this is the same as evaluating an unfinished dress.S. How do color transitions from one room to another combine in a palace?M.G. There are no sharp jumps from one color to another. This is a smooth color and stylistic transition.S. Is there a color you prefer?M.G. I love blue.S. What feelings do you have when a big project is completed?M.G. I am happy, and at the same time I am dissatisfied with the result, because I want to redo much. I am always haunted by the desire for the best. I believe that an artist can never be satisfied with his work.