In the latest episode of our podcast “Espacios que Hablan”, Laura Huerta, Director of Interior Design at U Interior Design, spoke with Raquel Gutiérrez, Managing Director and Founder of POLIGHT, about the essential role of lighting in interior design and its ability to transform the experience of spaces. Throughout the episode, they explore how light has become a strategic tool in interior design projects for luxury hotels, hospitality, retail, and other environments where user experience is key.
The conversation begins with a fundamental idea: lighting is not an accessory, but a core pillar of the project. “Lighting, at least when it comes to interior design, is an essential and fundamental element,” a statement that encapsulates how light shapes perception, comfort, and the identity of spaces. In hotel interior design projects, this discipline is decisive in creating memorable environments that are coherent with the brand.
One of the most relevant aspects of the episode is the early integration of lighting into the design process. For a project to be truly distinctive, it is essential to “study it from the very beginning, from the basic design phase, prior to the execution project, integrating it with all the materials.” This approach allows light to engage in a dialogue with architecture and interior design, avoiding forced solutions and achieving greater fidelity in execution.
Lighting is also addressed from an emotional perspective. In the hospitality and restaurant sectors, “experiences and emotions are sought, and light evokes emotion.” Shadow, far from being a mistake, becomes part of the project’s language, adding depth and atmosphere. This sensitivity is especially important in contract interior design, where every decision directly impacts the daily use of the space.
Throughout the episode, several projects are shared that exemplify the creative challenges of lighting design—from small-scale spaces such as boats to heritage projects where lighting must respect the original artistic intent. In these cases, lighting becomes an exercise in precision, sensitivity, and respect for context.
The conversation also looks to the future of the sector. Lighting is evolving rapidly and is increasingly positioned as a discipline closely linked to well-being. “Lighting will be able to adapt intelligently to your habits,” an evolution that opens up new possibilities in terms of efficiency, comfort, and health. In environments such as offices or hospitals, light plays a fundamental role, as “light can improve people’s well-being.”
Another key theme is sustainability, understood not only in terms of products, but as an integral approach to the project as a whole. Designing long-lasting, adaptable, and easy-to-maintain solutions is part of a responsible design mindset. Lighting must be able to evolve with the space without losing functionality or quality.
Finally, the episode reinforces a transversal idea: light is a silent yet decisive tool. “It is an ingredient present in every type of project,” capable of making a space go unnoticed or turning it into a memorable experience. In contemporary design, lighting ceases to be invisible and becomes one of the great protagonists of interior design.
Follow us on our website and on our social media so you don’t miss anything: