How My Home Taught Me the True Meaning of Design

By Lola Fernandez-Redondo

A few years ago, I found myself living in a home that, on paper, was everything we were told to want. It had space, style, and ticked all the boxes. But in reality, it wasn’t supporting my family or me in the ways we truly needed. With two young children and a full schedule working in global consultancy, life already felt stretched. Home should have been our refuge—but instead, it felt like just another pressure point.

At the time, I was leading placemaking strategies through innovative, technology-driven design to improve people’s experiences in the built environment. Yet when it came to my own space, I struggled to find professionals who saw beyond the surface. Everyone seemed focused on the look of the home, not on how it could actually make us feel and function.

So I took matters into my own hands. I went back to the roots of why I became an architect, urbanist and placemaker in the first place: to create environments that genuinely improve how we live. I redesigned our home—not to impress, but to support. I asked:

What do we really need to feel calm, connected, inspired? How can our home help us thrive—not just function?

The transformation was powerful. The space didn’t just change physically—it changed how we lived within it. It helped us breathe, reset, and reconnect. And perhaps most importantly, it made me realise: this is the work I’m meant to do.

That was the beginning of Atelier Lola Ferré—a design practice dedicated to creating homes that don’t just look beautiful, but actually enhance your life.

Design That Goes Deeper

I believe our spaces shape us. They affect how we feel, behave, and relate—to ourselves and each other. A truly supportive home is more than well-styled; it’s intuitive, intentional, and aligned with who you are and how you live.

Through a blend of architecture, interior design, and wellness-driven principles, I help clients create spaces that feel like an extension of themselves. From thoughtful layouts that support flow and function, to materials and lighting that nourish the senses—every detail matters.

This isn’t about trends. It’s about creating something that works for you. Your home should empower your routines, support your goals, and evolve with you over time. Whether you’re navigating a big life change, building from scratch, or simply craving a sense of calm and clarity in your space—I’m here to help you unlock your home’s full potential.

A Personal, Collaborative Process

I know how overwhelming the design process can feel—especially when you're juggling the realities of modern life. That’s why I don’t just “decorate”—I guide. I ask the deeper questions, so we can co-create something meaningful together.

My role is part designer, part strategist, part coach, part storyteller. And every project begins with you: your needs, your lifestyle, your story, your aspirations.

Because ultimately, great design isn’t about me—it’s about you feeling supported, restored, and truly at home.

If this resonates with you, stay tuned. In upcoming posts, I’ll be sharing more about my mission, my process, and how wellness, sustainability, and strategic design can elevate the way we live.

Next Up: The Mission Behind Atelier Lola Ferré - In the next post, I’ll dive deeper into the values that guide my studio, why I started this work, and how I hope to help others reconnect with what home truly means.

✨ Ready for a design process that starts with you?

If you’re feeling unclear, unsure where to start, or want your home to truly support your life—I’d love to help.

👉 [Book a discovery consultation] — Let’s begin by uncovering what’s really going on in your space.

 👉 [Stay tuned for upcoming posts] — I’ll be sharing how we turn insight into transformation.