A conversation with Marcela Cure, following the design of Sascha Barboza’s home
Every project is a dialogue—between space and memory, form and function, art and utility. After unveiling the home we designed for wellness entrepreneur Sascha Barboza and her family, we received an outpouring of questions. Here, Marcela shares a deeper look into the vision behind the project, her creative process, and what it means to design with soul.
Q: What was your inspiration for Sascha’s home?
A: For this project, I wanted to translate the essence of Sascha and her family—a couple with an active, contemporary, and authentic lifestyle, and three young daughters who fill the home with energy and movement. We designed a space that is functional yet full of character, created to grow with them. A unique, timeless, and intentional place where elegance lives naturally alongside everyday life.
Q: How do you find inspiration?
A: My mind is always designing, even when I’m not trying to. I find inspiration in absolutely everything—travel, the architecture of a hotel, a beautifully curated store, a sculpture, or a page in a magazine. I like to think I live in a constant state of visual learning—processing images, textures, and atmospheres. Art holds a special place in that process: the colors of a painting or the presence of a sculpture can ignite an entire concept. For me, inspiration is about presence—observing with intention.
Q: How do you connect with your clients to understand what they want?
A: First, I listen—deeply. I aim to understand their lifestyle, routines, and how they want to feel in their home. From there, I translate that into an aesthetic and emotional language. It’s a collaborative process, but I always begin with a clear conceptual proposal we refine together.
Q: Where is the dining table from?
A: This dining table has a whole story behind it. It was one of the first pieces I selected for Sascha’s home. I fell in love with a beautiful design by an Italian creator—but it arrived broken. They re-made it, and it arrived damaged again. Then we tried another stunning piece by a renowned Iranian-French designer—again, it arrived broken. So we stopped.
I stepped away from the “big names” and decided to design it myself. @arca.ww brought it to life. Out of all the versions, this one—my own design—ended up being my favorite. Sometimes the most meaningful pieces aren’t discovered; they’re born from within.
Q: Why didn’t you use a rug in the dining room?
A: I used two large rugs in the living and family areas—they add texture and help define each space. In the dining room, I chose not to use one, especially considering the presence of young children. I believe every design decision should respond not only to aesthetics but also to real life—there’s beauty in what allows for ease of living.
Q: What are your favorite furniture brands?
A: More than big brands, I’m drawn to pieces with intention and a story. I find myself increasingly inspired by emerging designers, independent studios, vintage finds with history, and limited editions I come across while exploring fairs, galleries, and curated collections. I enjoy the research and discovery process as much as the design itself—it’s about finding what’s not obvious, what surprises, and what has soul.
Q: How can someone work with your studio? Does it have to be a full project?
A: I focus on full-scope interior design projects with a curated, artistic vision. I don’t take on isolated spaces or one-off rooms—my process is intentional and cohesive. If you’re considering a complete transformation, I’d love to start the conversation. You can write to us at info@marcelacure.com.
Q: Do you take on projects in Venezuela or outside Colombia?
A: Yes, I work with international clients. As long as the project is comprehensive and there’s a clear vision, I’m happy to take it on—regardless of location.
Q: What is your price range?
A: Each project is unique, so I prefer to receive inquiries with details about the space, scope, and expectations. I work exclusively on full-scale projects with a curated vision, so it’s important that there’s alignment in approach and level of execution. From there, we can evaluate if it’s a good fit to work together.
Q: What is your must-have statement piece?
A: A must-have for me is a piece that catches the eye and sparks conversation… ideally, one of mine. I like to think of objects that transform a space and stir emotion.
Q: What do you love most about this work?
A: The connection—with the space, with the materials, with the people I design for. To me, the magic of this profession lies in translating emotion into form—and leaving behind something that will be lived in and loved.
