Amanda Rodriguez

Hello Amanda, how would you describe yourself?
“I’m a passionated woman, with a lot of thoughts and emotions. I decided pretty early in life to take advantage of that sensitive side and put it into creations. I work as a set designer with focus on interior, concept, shape, color and light. I see my work as in the boundary between reality and illusion, where the materials, shapes and hidden details are in great focus. Regardless if it is a commercial or an editorial assignment, my work is all about creating that timeless image.”

The people in your life, tell us about them.
“So, it’s my amazing son Nico who teach me something new every day. Then it’s my baby daddy, lover and best friend – Dan. And of course my sister, mother, father and my beautiful friends. All of them inspires me in different ways.”

Where do you live?
“We live in Hammarbyhöjden, south of Södermalm, in Stockholm. I love the calm and green there. We live high up so I see the sky and pine crowns from all windows. The light gives such beautiful patterns on the walls and forms different shapes every day. We don’t have much on the walls, everything is quite sparse, it is the light that plays a big role for the whole feeling.”

Your work is…?
“Fun, challenging, interesting, developing and free …”

What does your job mean to you?
“A lot, it’s where I can express my passion for form, light, details, compositions… all that creates an image that stays in your mind. It’s also a place for great collaborations with other creative people such as photographers, filmmakers, art directors, designers among many.”

Is there something you struggle with in work?
“I would say that the biggest challenge for me is to try keep on doing interesting work that really affects the viewer. We live in a digital world today where everything goes so fast, which means more competition. Considering the stream of images you are exposed to every day, it must touch the viewer otherwise you just keep scrolling.”

Which buy to your home are you most happy with?
“That’s a hard one … I would say the White on white artwork by Liza Giles, our Tiki sofa by Andreas Engesvik for Fogia or our travertine coffee table that I bought on an auction site.”

Your passion is?
“Music, photography, food, flowers, different cultures, people.”

The most beautiful thing is…?
“Our son Nico.”

Tell us about your apartment!
“It gives me harmony, balance and security. Since it’s quite a small apartment, grouping is important so it does not become scattered, I want it dynamic so I can move around furniture and details. I like different heights and sizes that create balance. The difficult thing is that when you appreciate minimalistic interior, it can sometimes feel cold and boring, I strive for a warm feeling, harmony and calmness. I want the freedom to be able to redo and change colors and small details, such as pillows and still lifes. The base must therefore be calm and sparse.”

When you renovated this beautiful apartment, what did you think about?
“The challenge was to get an airy feeling in a fairly small apartment (47sqm). I wanted to get an architectural feel throughout the apartment. I opened up between the bedroom and living room, removed all the doors and door lining. Painted walls and moldings, radiators, wardrobe doors in the same color. New herringbone parquet in the bedroom and kitchen that matched the original floor in the living room to achieve peace and uniformity. The kitchen interior is completely new, with IKEA’s cabinets with fronts that I spray painted in the same shade as the walls. I carefully chose the stone for the countertop (Crema Marfil marble) so that it would blend in with the same warm tone as the walls and doors.”

Your inspiration is …?
“Different shifts and colors of light, details, the unexpected, the slightly surreal. Materials and shapes that subtly tell a story. Music, nature, documentaries, cultures … Creative people who are passionate about their creation. Also I love fashion in all its forms!”

A place everybody should visit?
“Casa Hallmans, located on Södermalm in Stockholm, amazing food, wine and people. Definitely our favorite restaurant.”

You often work with rocks, paper and soft textiles, why is that?
“That’s true, I usually fall for interesting shapes, different materials like stone, wood, plastic, fabric, paper and so on.
I would say objects that tells a story with it’s history or just the feel of the material. It can be a beautiful viscose crepe fabric, stones I found behind a gas station or just a used roll of tape. The balance between beauty and something odd is something that really attracts me.”

How did you and Dan meet?
“During a photoshoot, a couple of years ago. His eyes, smile, and firm handshake attracted me. During that day we talked about music and life, it was something with him that made me feel calm and safe.”

What has he taught you about life?
“He taught me what honesty, trust, security, love and true collaboration really looks like.”

The most important thing for you when it comes to relationships are …?
“Trust, laughter, and acceptance.”

What are you not afraid of?
“I’m not afraid of being consistent and curios, to trust what my gut feels and to speak out!”

Do you want to share your life philosophy?
“Trust your inner voice.”

Your dream place is …?
“Our next apartment which we hope to find soon.”

When do you feel amazing?
“When I dance, listening to music, playing with Nico, appreciation from family, friends and work.”

A truly remembering experience?
“When I gave birth to Nico.”

At the moment you’re really into?
“Finding a balance between work and private life and trying to let go of things I can’t control.”

You never thought this would happen but …?
“It did… I never thought I could love someone this much as I love Nico”

If you could you would?
“If I could I would travel and show Nico the world.”

What do you want to recommend?
“Dare to trust your gut feeling. You know when something feels right, you just have to have the courage to feel it.”

What are you most proud of?
“Nico and my career.”

See Amandas beautiful work on instagram @studioamandarodriguez