Holger Stewen – Interior Designer in Palma

I meet Holger in his small atelier on Plaça Frederic Chopin, in the heart of Palma. He appears as you would expect: calm, with an eye for details that immediately catches your attention. For around 15 years he has run his studio on the island, the first years in southern Santanyí and most recently a decade in Palma. Holger's work is not one-size-fits-all: he combines modern lines with selected vintage and antique pieces so that rooms feel both fresh and grounded. His clients are often couples in their forties or fifties who know exactly what they want — and need someone to translate that into reality. His largest project was the restoration of a 1,200 sqm casa señorial, which he transformed over three years into a wine ensemble; a job that blended construction, interior fittings and landscape design. When I ask him for advice for the home, he simply says: 'Less finca cliché, more light and modern calm.' Small details like mixed fabrics, handcrafted lamps and plants make his rooms feel warm. For me, Holger's approach feels like a friend who helps you fill your home with meaning and taste, without it looking like a showroom.

Holger Stewen Interior Design – the Studio

Holger's studio is located at Plaça Frederic Chopin, number 2 — a place you almost automatically find when looking for interior design in Palma. Inside there is a mix of working atelier and living room: sketches on the wall, sample books on the table, a pair of antique chairs next to clear, modern armchairs. Holger has worked on Mallorca for about 15 years, the first years from Santanyí and for ten years from Palma. He speaks German, English and Spanish, which is reflected in his international clientele — often couples in their forties or fifties who want to rethink a house or a city apartment. He maintains a decisive but relaxed approach: analysis first, then material samples and finally the surprise that gives a room personality. A typical project begins with a walk through the client's home: Holger asks about favorite pieces, morning light conditions and how the rooms are really used. Then come moodboards, material tests (often on site in the early afternoon, when the light in Palma becomes soft) and a careful selection of antiques and modern furniture. One project he is still proud of was the conversion of a 1,200 sqm dilapidated casa señorial into a wine-marketing estate. Three years of work, involvement in construction, interior fitting and garden planning — the result combines a clear 19th-century aesthetic with today’s technology. Holger emphasizes that good interior design must not only look pretty: 'It must work.' And you notice that when you leave his atelier — slightly inspired and with the feeling that a home can be more than just furniture.

The Atelier on Plaza Chopin

The studio at Plaça Frederic Chopin, number 2, is a place you naturally head to when looking for interior design in Palma. Inside, the atmosphere mixes workshop and living space: sketches on the walls, sample books on the table, a pair of antique chairs beside clear modern seats. Holger has been working on Mallorca for about 15 years, initially from Santanyí and for the last ten years from Palma. He speaks German, English and Spanish, reflected in his international clients — often couples in their forties or fifties who want to rethink a house or a city flat. He follows a decisive but relaxed method: analysis first, then material samples and finally the surprise that gives a room personality. A typical project begins with a walk through the client's home: Holger asks about favorite items, morning light and how the rooms are really used. Then come moodboards, material tests (often on site in the early afternoon, when Palma's light becomes soft) and a careful selection of antiques and contemporary furniture. One project he remains proud of was turning a dilapidated 1,200 sqm casa señorial into a wine-focused estate. Three years of work, involvement in construction, interior fitting and garden design — the result merges a clear 19th-century aesthetic with modern technology. Holger stresses that good interior design must not only look pretty: 'It has to work.' And you feel that when you leave his atelier — lightly inspired and with the sense that a home can be more than just furniture.

Design Philosophy: Modern Meets Antique

Holger's style feels familiar without being predictable. He mixes new, clean furniture with individual antiques or vintage finds so a room is neither sterile nor overloaded. Proportions and light are important: large windows are emphasized, light colors prevail, but textures create depth. He advises not to buy too many complete sets; instead opt for a few special pieces that give character. For Mallorca's transitional seasons he recommends natural linen fabrics, light throws and ceramic lamps — practical for mild evenings on the terrace. His credo: function and soul must fit together.

Dream Project: A Boutique Hotel in Palma's Old Town

Holger's dream project is a small boutique hotel in Palma's old town — winding corridors, courtyards with orange trees and rooms that each tell their own story. He imagines individually designed suites, each with a mix of modern furniture and carefully selected antiques. A strong connection to the neighborhood would be important: local art on the walls, breakfasts with regional products and handcrafted details that show the hotel is part of real Palma. Such a project would bring together his strengths: restoration, interior design and a sense for spatial sequences that surprise guests without overwhelming them.