Marcia Waldron developed a love for Spanish design while working in the country

December 29, 2021

In her childhood, Marcia Waldron was obsessed with silverware and ceramic heir cups.

They were in her home and cleaning mom’s china was part of her housework.

“It’s something I have always had an affinity for,” she said. “I was fascinated by the silverware and accessories in my home.”

While in Spain on work assignment nearly two decades ago, Waldron developed a passion for that country’s design.

Based in Madrid, she was the World Trade Organization/European Union Project Coordinator for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Tourism.

Fascinated by the richness of Spanish design and the myriad options its offers design enthusiasts, Waldron started a blog – Spain for Design – that covers interior design, artisan traditions and Spain’s lifestyle.

‘The whole aim is to make these things accessible to a larger audience and to start a dialogue about a part of the world that I feel is often overlooked in design circles,” she said. “There are very few English Language blogs focused on interior design in Spain. At the same time, there are so many devoted to Scandinavian or French design and countless others targeting travel, food and lifestyle in Spain. With my blog, Spaniards provide the content and I have had enormous support.”

Waldron’s design philosophy encompasses authentic materials, handcrafted design and the cultural design traditions preservation.

“I also value products that are made in or near to the local, region or country where they are designed,” she pointed out. “This is not to say that I am not interested in showcasing products from Spanish companies that are made abroad, notably if they are made by artisans outside of Spain who have an expertise in specific techniques following age-old traditions and who can source the finest materials of interest to the company’s brand.

“These represent some of the best artisanal products in Spain and I will showcase the work of their creators. I also understand that for logistical, cost and other reasons, it may not be viable for a company to make its products entirely in Spain. Still, there are many companies that pride themselves on making their products in Spain, proudly displaying their ‘Made in Spain’ credentials. They use age-old techniques, or adapt them to contemporary tastes in innovative ways. These are the businesses and products that I make a point of seeing when I travel to Spain. I have a desire to learn about their craft and the story behind the company, and to share this information with readers.”

Last year, Waldron commissioned Oviedo-based photographer Erika Anes to shoot five commercial spaces with standout designs in Gijon and Oviedo.

Her favourite artist is Lorenzo Castillo who was Architectural Digest’s 2014 Designer of the Year. He has designed rugs for The Rug Company and a collection of fabrics and wallpapers for Gaston y Daniela that is a prestigious Spanish textile company.

“Having worked as an antique dealer, he knows antiques,” Waldron said. “His rooms are a mix of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture, décor and art. With that background, he successfully achieves ‘the mix’ because he works with a classical design framework, mastering symmetry and balance added to which is a natural flair for pattern…He’s a designer who has a deft hand with textiles and is at ease with highly graphic patterns and strong colour combinations.”

While pregnant in 2004, she used the downtime at home to watch HGTV that primarily broadcasts reality programming related to home design and decorating.

She also enrolled in a residential décor course at Algonquin College which is her mother’s alma mater.

Graduating with an undergraduate degree in 1985 and a Law degree from McGill University, Waldron was called to the Bar in 1995.

She spent eight years working for inter-governmental organizations, including a stint as a civilian officer for the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Croatia.

Since 2010, Waldron has worked with the federal government in Ottawa.

Married just over a year after arriving in Spain in the summer in 2002, she and her husband have a 16-year-old son.