Talk Shop: Marta Galaz & Vero Torres // Casa Felix
Vero (left), Marta (right)
ABOUT VERO & MARTA
If there’s one thing we love here at AOI, it’s a good monogram; specifically, beautifully illustrated stationery (you should see the sets we hoard in the office!) So when we heard about Casa Felix, we knew we had to have the co-founders Marta Galaz and Vero Torress on for a Talk Shop.
Founded in 2020, Casa Felix Design Studio’s ethos is to spread happiness and play through craft paper goods for letter-writing, inviting and entertaining. Marta and Vero believe their creations are a way to enhance life moments and form meaningful connections, and we’d have to agree – in a world where texting, emailing, and Slacking have assumed the main forms of communication, a handwritten letter on beautifully designed paper always stands out from the crowd.
We sat down with the tastemakers for a little tête-à-tête – check it out below!
Describe your style in three words or less:
M: Feminine, eclectic and elegant (I hope)
V: Organized chaos
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
M: If I had to pick three I would say that growing up in Madrid taught me the importance of heritage and respect for tradition. Living in New York definitely rubbed off a bit of its edge. And finally, the three years spent among the exceptional artists and faculty at the Yale School of Art influenced me in more ways I can type up.
V: I have to agree with Marta on NYC! Living and working there in my 20s definitely had a major influence. I’d also include travel and my parents. My parents used to drag my brother and me to antique shops when we were kids. What I would givvve to return to those shops with them now, having gained enough knowledge to appreciate those timeless pieces.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
M: M: I have been in design my whole life, mostly working for clients with specific briefs and lots of boundaries. I began experimenting with botanical illustration during my maternity leave and loved the freedom I felt designing these playful, lush, dreamlike landscapes. They started becoming their own little fantasy worlds. I dreamt of starting my own studio but knew I needed a partner to help me from an operational standpoint. Then, at just the right time, I met Vero—the ying to my yang.
V: I worked in hospitality most of my life. What I most enjoyed was creating stories and enhancing an experience for our guests. Whether in a hotel property or a board room with Ownership groups, the root of my decisions always came back to nurturing “the story” these guests would bring back home with them. What I learned is that there are several factors necessary, many of which are intangible, to make a moment special and authentic. Marta and I joined forces for my wedding crest and realized there was something special with our partnership. Not only do we balance each other well, but we got to start a company where we can create dream-like worlds and tell stories.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
V: I think I can safely say both of our fathers.
M: Yes, my father teaches me the value of work, synthesizing my thoughts, and staying focused.
What does your home say about you:
M: That I love to be home
V: I hope it shows endearing quirks, a love for nature, and an intention to create a welcoming environment
Where do you find inspiration:
M: It very much depends on the mood. Lately, a playlist of Mediterranean classics.
V: Nature & travel
Who are your style icons:
M: My friends—they are fabulous.
V: Johanna Ortiz and Oscar de la Renta
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
M: Growing up in a Spanish family, nothing matters if the food isn’t good. So—good food! Also, my husband’s playlists to set the mood. And lighting. Everything looks better in dim candlelight.
V: Never a shortage of food, glasses always full, curated playlists, and try to make guests feel they can completely disconnect from their everyday lives.
Do you collect anything:
M: Cookbooks! Tableware. And shawls, like my mother.
V: Mementos from travels that will elicit a specific memory or experience like a rug, statement earrings, or a matchbook.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
M: @sandraweingort, @yolojournal, @jduncancampbell, @tat.london
V: @camillaguiness, @remy_renzullo @lamaisonpierrefrey, @steffan
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
M: I always keep in mind that any design move should look intentional: if you are going for it, do it fully and never halfway. If it looks hesitant, it won’t look good. If it looks confident, it most likely will.
There is a saying that goes: “Rosa y rojo puñetazo en el ojo” (Red and pink: a punch in the eye). Can anyone think of a rule that is more meant to be broken?
What are you working on right now:
The launch of our website with new collections in a few weeks! Many exciting things to come!!
Wardrobe staples:
M: Now that I live in Miami, definitely anything light and easy. I love patterned pants and matching tops such as ones from Etro or Ciao Lucia. Lots of effortless linen as well, like the sets from Asceno....any Pippa Holt dress too. I also always resort back to the classic jeans and a t-shirt or the timeless jean on jean.
V: Comfort… but (try to) make it chic. Puff sleeves always welcomed.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
M: I have been loving Namay Samay: they work in an artisanal manner and craft all their weaves, prints and embroideries by hand.
V: Currently in awe of the paper weave designs Casa Branca has created
Best interior advice you ever received:
M: Bring back items from your travels.
Best career advice you ever received:
M: Trust your own process.
V: A hard one to follow, but: give yourself a hard stop at the end of each day to avoid burning out. The to-do list will never get shorter, and there will always be more work to be done.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
M: Invest in art, good furniture, towels and linens, tableware... Save on flower arrangements because, for better or for worse, I like to make them myself.
V: Invest in items you will use on a daily basis like a comfortable couch. There are incredible finds with great prices in vintage shops and estate sales with timeless pieces in impeccable condition. Saving doesn’t always mean you need to sacrifice quality.
Your greatest extravagance:
M: Beach walks every afternoon with my son Mateo
V: Food, always
Favorite places to shop for home:
M: So many to list—Lasanta & Co. in Mallorca, Tado in Madrid, 1st Dibs, Mishcat Co, ZsuzsannaNyul, Ofelia in Madrid, Summerill & Bishop, Jade Paton ceramics, Alex Eagle in London...
V: Currently obsessed with estate sales. I’m not sure what excites me more—the hunt or the find!
Most prized possession and why:
M: Everything that reminds me of special moments with the people I love. And, more practically, the account where I store all of my design work and photos. And all the backup drives!!!
V: I love that Marta mentioned all the backup drives, our babies. For me at home, it’s my grandmother’s signet ring. It’s a gold band with the crest of my Italian family engraved in green jade.
Your interiors motto:
M: Have a free spirit—and a strong point of view.
Your life motto:
M: Don’t take anything too seriously is up there. Also, and this is a direct translation: there is nothing a good laugh can’t cure. As a mother, I also like to remind myself to always live the actual moment.
V: I agree with Marta on the sense of humor: a person can find strength in the ability to laugh at any situation. Also, happiness is a matter of perspective.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
M: I would say stay true to yourself. A home should tell your story. If you only pick things you are drawn to, it will be interesting because it will be you, with your own edge, fantasies and egocentricities.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food:
M: Home cooking
V: oof it’s like choosing your favorite kid. I love it all!
Drink:
M: Wine
V: Margarita
Film:
M: Depends on the day. Yesterday I watched Djando Unchained and re-entered a Tarantino phase...
V: Triple tie: The Sound of Music, The Grand Budapest Hotel & Pulp Fiction. I’m not sure what my love for Maria Von Trapp, M. Gustave, and Mrs. Mia Wallace (and their insanely different lives) say about me, but I can watch them on repeat
Hotel:
M: Monteverdi in Castiglioncello del Trinoro, Tuscany
V: Villa Magia, Positano
City:
M: Madrid
V: Istanbul
Bedding:
M: Organic Linen
V: Silk duvet
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it):
M: Do I have to pick? Latte and icea matcha latte—both with Oatly oat milk
V: Typical Miamian here: Cafe con Leche with honey (at home) or very little sugar (if ordered at a ventanita)
Playlist:
M: This depends on the mood, but I am always ready for anything latin/reggaeton
V: According to Spotify, there’s a mix of Lucio Battisti, Gipsy Kings, and Leon Bridges these days
Weekend Activity:
M: Sobremesa (the delight of spending time after a meal, hanging out and chatting with family or friends)
V: Eat, Sleep, Play, Repeat
Design Book:
M: Too many good ones!
V: Just purchased Beata Heuman's Every Room Should Sing and can't get enough!