Recently the office of interior designer Katherine Rahal received a double recognition in the Americas Property Awards competition, in the Residential category for Q21 House and in the hotel industry, the first prize for his work in Rio Serrano Hotel+Spa. While both projects are very dear to her heart, the case of Rio Serrano and Rio Serrano are very different.t is a long-standing and very special relationship, as it is closely linked to the moment in which she felt the confidence to dedicate herself to interior design. She had previously worked designing furniture for different architects and was also product manager for an important brand of construction materials.

Located on the southern border of Torres del Paine National Park, Rio Serrano Hotel+Spa is a regional and family business founded by Jaime Arancibia Tagle, who developed the project. It began operations in 2002 as an inn with 20 rooms, which over time became 108. In 2005 Katherine Rahal was called in for the first remodeling and since then he has continued to evolve with them and to stamp his seal on each of his spaces. 

With a generous view of the Torres del Paine massif and Mount Balmaceda at every turn Katherine has made at Rio Serrano. has been able to refresh it, without losing its Patagonian character.. The most recent renovation was the bar, living rooms, part of the hall, bedrooms and bathrooms. All areas were given a very warm twist with new coverings, lighting and furniture. 

Katherine says her style is chameleon-like, flexible, “I love the changes, I adapt to the scenario that I have to face, Maybe the word is eclectic, I'm a mix, between classic and rock, between hippie and chic”, she said when asked to define her label.

Besides the joy, how did you feel when you received the Americas Property Awards for this beloved project?

I realized that many times one believes that the design or the Chilean interior design can achieve international recognition at this level. It was very motivating, exciting and very rewarding, not only for me but also for the owners of the hotel. Making my clients' dreams come true, that the projects have your stamp, that they are profitable and many details that make them unique, is part of our expertise as an office.

What projects would you like to develop next?

I have things pending that I really want to do. I want to design a line of furniture, objects and also wallpapers.. Developing personal concerns, I think I can be a contribution in something different, giving it a different stamp. I am of Lebanese-Palestinian descent and all this Middle Eastern imprint, which is so beautiful in the interior design and subtle to apply, I firmly believe that I can contribute in something different, giving it a different stamp. can bring something unique and different.