The personalisation of interior spaces is an international trend. In this regard, digital printing has become an essential tool to carry out unique, exclusive projects. Graphispag brought together a group of experts with experience in the use of these solutions in a round table to address key issues on the integration of graphic design and digital printing in interior design projects, as well as the trends, challenges and technical solutions that enrich professional practice.
Pilar Marcos, moderator, editor of the magazine Diseño Interior
Àngela Pijuan, interior designer at APSDISSENY
Fran Sabater, Samaruc Studio
Carlos de Pablo, Samaruc Studio
Óscar Estrada, sales manager at Arte y Tela
The value of graphic design in interior design
Pilar Marcos began the discussion by highlighting the importance of graphic design as a versatile tool in today’s interior design. She asked a fundamental question: “What does graphic design bring to your projects and how does it fit into your professional identity?”
Àngela Pijuan (APSDISSENY) underlined the ability of graphic design to solve problems economically and effectively: “It’s a way to stand out from the crowd and offer customised solutions at a low cost.” According to her, this approach expands the possibilities for many clients, even with tight budgets.
Fran Sabater (Samaruc Studio) added that, in his studio, graphic integration has become a hallmark: “In some projects, we first define the graphics and then the interior design. This allows us to create unique, bespoke spaces.” He explained that working in this area in collaboration with external illustrators or with their team helps them to give the projects a personalised, memorable character.
Ideas in practice
The discussion moved on to look at the role of industrial producers in implementing creative ideas. Óscar Estrada (Arte y Tela) said that his strategy to connect with interior designers includes participation in key events, such as design fairs. “We try to offer innovative solutions that are not yet on the market so that designers feel that they are doing something unique,” he said.
All experts agreed on the importance of building strong relationships with technical sales staff. Fran Sabater explained that his team has an almost family collaboration with its suppliers: “They developed systems that we have used since our inception and we manage their brand and website. It’s a two-way relationship that benefits both parties.”
Carlos de Pablo (Samaruc Studio) added that working together with technical staff not only improves the viability of ideas, but also optimises costs: “We often come up with proposals that are expensive or impractical, and they offer us more viable alternatives without losing aesthetic quality.”
Sustainability in materials and processes
Sustainability was another core element. Along these lines, Óscar Estrada stressed that his industry is increasingly focused on recycled materials and clean processes: “80% of the textiles we use come from recycled water bottles, and recycling is mechanical to avoid CO2 emissions”. The expert added that the inks they use are environmentally friendly and that designers are now asking for specific certifications, such as flame retardance.
Fran Sabater explained that in his firm they decided to abandon the use of materials such as conventional PVC: “We only work with latex inks and recycled or recyclable materials. We don’t offer polluting options because we believe it’s an ethical and professional decision.”
Finally, Àngela Pijuan pointed out that the sector is moving towards a sustainable standard and that suppliers are usually up to date in this direction, which makes it easier to find solutions aligned with current demands.
Innovation and trends in the industry
In the closing, the trends that are marking the future of graphic interior design were explored. An emerging theme is the role of acoustics in the design of interior spaces: now, materials not only have to be visually appealing, they must also absorb sound to create more pleasant environments. In addition, technical advances make it possible to integrate aesthetics and functionality in unprecedented ways, as state-of-the-art machinery and new materials make it possible to realise practically any idea. However, the main challenge remains to find the balance between technical feasibility and production costs.
In terms of customisation, the capability of new techniques has allowed graphic design and interior design to work in a more integrated way, a situation that was rare years ago.
In terms of finishes and textures, innovation in this field has reached great realism in digital printing. From faithful reproductions of natural stone to three-dimensional textures, technology is taking synthetic materials to levels where they visually compete with the originals, but with additional advantages, such as greater durability and a lower environmental impact. This opens up new creative possibilities for clients looking for luxury and functionality without compromising sustainability.
Finally, the impact of artificial intelligence on design was discussed thanks to certain digital tools that are beginning to be used for rapid prototyping and project visualisation, allowing clients to be more involved in the creative process from the early stages.
Taken as a whole, technological innovation is not only driving interior design to new horizons, but also transforming the way professionals collaborate, propose and materialise their ideas.
Conclusions
The panel highlighted how graphic design and digital printing have become essential tools for redefining modern interior design. It’s not just a matter of creating visually attractive spaces, but about achieving environments that combine functionality, innovation and sustainability. The speakers emphasised that graphic design can tell stories and enhance the identity of spaces, transforming them into unique experiences.
In addition, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration was clear. Effective communication between designers and manufacturers not only boosts the viability of creative ideas, but also promotes technical solutions suited to current demands, such as the integration of acoustic elements and advanced customisation.
Sustainability is not only a trend, but an ethical necessity that drives designers and manufacturers to innovate with recycled materials and responsible processes, demonstrating that it is possible to align aesthetics, functionality and environmental protection. This not only meets market demands, but also reinforces the industry’s social responsibility.
In short, this conversation not only reflected the present of graphic design in interior design, but also pointed towards a future where technology, creativity and ethics converge to offer solutions that make a difference.
Cristina Benavides, Graphispag associate
