Natalia Miyar is the founder of the Natalia Miyar Atelier, an international interior architecture and design practice in London and Miami, and as such, she splits her time between the two cities.
But Ms. Miyar’s projects span apartments in London, a beachside home on the coast in Miami, a secluded architectural villa in the hills of Ibiza, a penthouse in Manhattan and a large home in Kenya. Her clients are both private residents and property developers.
Ms. Miyar, 42, spoke to us about why London and Portugal are safe bets, why cinema rooms are the hottest amenity around, and more.
More:Zaha Hadid Architects’ Chris Lepine Says Luxury is About Being ‘Carefree and Pampered’
Mansion Global: Describe your dream property.
Natalia Miyar: Great bones and great architecture. If you start with that, it’s hard to go wrong. High ceilings, great mouldings, original timber floors. I like old spaces that have great character. And well-proportioned rooms are important.
MG: What does luxury mean to you?
NM: For me it’s so clear—it’s one of a kind. Something that’s made for you. A beautiful interior, with your interests at the core. It’s a unique combination of architecture and furniture.
Above all else, what everyone wants is character.
MG: What area do you think is the next hub for luxury properties?
NM: There are parts of Europe that are really hot—Portugal, both as a style destination and a place to buy a property with a lot of character.
More:Architect Bjarke Ingels is Globally Inspired, but Locally Focused
MG: Where are the best luxury homes in the world and why?
NM: London is a market like few others. You can get an incredible house in Belgravia— an 18th century house, with beautiful rooms and architecture—or a brand new place like the former Battersea power station, or a loft in East London. There’s an incredible variety. That’s why London is always hot.
MG: What’s your favorite part of your home?
NM: I love it all. I love my master bedroom. It’s painted an almost-black color, and it has my favorite, very personal works of art.
It’s very serene but glamorous. It feels quite masculine for a woman’s room. But it’s quite cozy, too.
MG: What best describes the theme to your home and why?
NM: Nothing is redundant—it tells my narrative, the story of my travels. Local craftsmanship is important to me so I like to collect pottery, china and tablewares from all around the world.
More:Rare Nickel Expected to Fetch US$5 Million at Auction
MG: What’s the most valuable thing in your home?
NM: My art collection. I collect contemporary Cuban art.
MG: What’s the most valuable amenity to have in a home right now?
NM: Wine storage and wine display. Cinema rooms are huge, too, because they’re used by the whole family at different times during the day.
More:Click to Read More Luxury Real Estate Professionals Share Their Insights
MG: What’s your best piece of real estate advice?
NM: Buy something with architectural character in the best location you can afford. You can make anything work.
MG: If you had a choice of living in a new development or a prime resale property, which would you choose and why?
NM: Beautiful resale, but there are some beautiful new places, too. But I do love things that are really one-of-a-kind.