Creating homes that lift inhabitants out of their daily routines is what defines the interior design studio, says its globetrotting founder, Alberto Cortes.
A long timer on the San Juan Road, Ksar Living might be part of the furniture on Ibiza, but its outlook has always roamed far and wide. Curiosity still fuels the seminal interior design studio and showroom that Alberto Cortes founded with partner Yvonne Hulst more than two decades ago as an outlet for their collective creativity and globetrotting spirit.
Each Ksar Living creation has personality, but also purpose. Authenticity, alongside an unwavering attention to detail, are guiding principles. “Our design ethos is rooted in blending artistry and functionality to create timeless, handcrafted pieces that elevate everyday living,” proclaims Alberto of the studio’s creative process – which also “embraces sustainable practices, honours artisanal craftsmanship and draws inspiration from diverse cultural aesthetics”.
So far, so Ibiza. But this manifesto isn’t just lip service. After more than 25 years on the island, Alberto has seen it all. Arriving in San Juan at the height of the hippy era, he was swept up by the sense of freedom and continues to be energised by it. The studio’s longevity, he believes, is partly down to the fact that it has moved with the times and the island’s international demographic.
Today’s modern nomad still craves that barefoot sleep-under-the-stars feel of yore – albeit metaphorically speaking – and that suits Ksar Living’s eclectic yet refined aesthetic down to the ground. “Ibiza’s carefree vibe blends perfectly with a design style that emphasises organic, relaxed and natural elements,” Alberto clarifies. “We call it holiday architecture; designing a lifestyle you’ll never need to take a break from is our goal.”
“The mixture of cultures, designs and – most importantly – people, made Ksar Living what it is today”
In recent years the emphasis on luxury villas and sustainable development has become notable, he observes. The island might be many things to many people, but perhaps most universally it’s a sanctuary of sorts, and a place where people often choose to live differently. Many of Ksar Living’s clients crave a more authentic life, an impulse that resonates deeply with Alberto, whose approach has been inspired by a lifetime’s immersion in other cultures.
Barcelona born, he spent his childhood in Amsterdam, followed by 11 years in India and now divides his time between Ibiza, Menorca, Marrakech, Barcelona and Indonesia with Yvonne. “We’ve travelled the world observing, learning and cultivating our style,” he reflects.
Travel is unsurprisingly one of the studio’s biggest sources of inspiration, together with nature, the environment, art and culture. All add to the relaxed yet considered design approach, which is also deeply personal. The word ‘Ksar’ translates as ‘palace’ – something that Alberto keeps in mind with each project. “Every client needs to feel like they are in their own castle. The homes that we create aim to lift them out of their daily routines,” he explains. “We want you to feel at home in your palace, but also like you’re on holiday.”
The projects the studio works on are as eclectic and all-encompassing as its signature style. When we speak, the team is embarking on the full architectural design and complete interiors and exteriors for villas in Sant Josep and Cala Nova. Each is very much a collaboration with the client, Alberto emphasises, adapting to their wishes while paying close attention to the architectural features, natural light and flow of a property before “putting the Ksar sauce over it”.
The touch of the artisan is felt everywhere, too. The studio’s continually updated showroom is a trove of handmade pieces from around the world, from intricately carved Moroccan doors to trinkets from Bali, alongside design classics by glossy high-end furniture brands like Cassina and Tacchini, for which the showroom is the official island distributor.
“We’ve travelled the world observing, learning and cultivating our style.”
The mixture of cultures, designs and – most importantly – people, made Ksar Living what it is today,” muses Alberto. Unearthing talented craftspeople and collaborators is one of the most important parts of the job, which is where his wanderlust comes in particularly handy. Visiting a new country means making a beeline for the local markets – “and that’s how it starts”.
There’s no checklist as such, but Alberto is always looking for individuals and studios that combine high-quality craftsmanship with a shared vision for sustainability, authenticity and refinement. Said vision is one the studio will remain true to whatever comes next; innovation will always be balanced with originality, he asserts. “By doing this, we’re poised to evolve while staying true to our roots, creating meaningful, timeless spaces that resonate deeply with modern lifestyles.”
Related articles
Jungle Studio: Choreographing soulful outdoor spaces
We speak to Carmen Santiago of landscape design company Jungle Studio on choreographing soulful outdoor spaces with an environmental agenda.
In the studio with Romano Arquitectos
Less is more says Jaime Romano of his architecture studio’s outside-the-box island creations.