C’est Ici: Crafting Spaces with Soul, Luxury, and Unexpected Beauty
people • DESIGNERS
From a legal background to the heart of Dubai’s design scene, Monica Arango’s journey is anything but conventional. In this candid interview, the founder of C’est ici Design reveals how imperfection, emotion, and heritage shape her studio’s soulful approach to luxury interiors. With stories from New York to Corfu, and a vision rooted in both Colombian warmth and bold materiality, her philosophy blends craft, curiosity, and cultural depth. What does it mean to truly feel at home in a space? The answer may surprise you.
WEBSITE: cesticidecor.com INSTAGRAM: @cestici_
Words: designeers
MARCH 2025
DESIGNEERS
What inspired your transition from a legal career to founding C'est ici Design in 2017?
C’est Ici
My passion for aesthetics and the emotional impact of spaces led me to leave law and establish C’est ici Design in 2017. While law honed my discipline and problem-solving skills, design allowed me to create environments that tell stories and enhance daily life. I saw an opportunity to go beyond aesthetics and craft interiors that reflect personalities and emotions.
This transition wasn’t just a career change—it was about turning a lifelong passion into something meaningful. My legal background helps me manage projects effectively, but design fulfills my creative drive. Today, C’est ici Design reflects my belief that well-designed spaces can transform how we live and interact with our surroundings.
DESIGNEERS
How does your Colombian heritage influence your design philosophy and aesthetic?
C’est Ici
Colombia’s rich contrasts—vibrant cities, lush landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions—shape my aesthetic. I embrace bold colors, natural textures, and artisanal craftsmanship to create spaces that feel expressive and soulful.
Colombian culture is passionate and warm, and I strive to bring that same energy into my designs. I believe in blending modern sophistication with handcrafted details that tell a story. My heritage also instilled a deep connection to nature, influencing my use of organic materials and textures. Ultimately, my approach balances refinement with authenticity, ensuring that every project resonates on a deeper level. I want my designs to feel not just stylish but personal—spaces that evoke emotion and reflect the people who inhabit them.
New York project
Corfu project
DESIGNEERS
C'est ici is known for embracing imperfect beauty and mixing unexpected elements. Can you share an example of how you've applied this in a recent project?
C’est Ici
Our New York project captures this philosophy through bold material contrasts and unique juxtapositions. A checkered burgundy and white marble floor sets the stage, balanced by the warmth of travertine. The service bar combines marble, wood veneer, metal, and glass, while a reclaimed black-painted wood slab serves as a raw yet striking coffee table.
Similarly, our Corfu project blends travertine with black metal accents, green marble, and walnut cladding. A deconstructivist-inspired kitchen island, clad in raw stone, introduces organic imperfection. These projects showcase our belief that unexpected combinations create sophisticated, timeless spaces when curated with intention.
DESIGNEERS
In 2020, you launched C'est ici Bespoke to address a gap in the local market. What has been the most rewarding aspect of creating custom furniture pieces?
C’est Ici
C’est ici Bespoke, launched in 2020, was born from a desire to craft unique, personalised furniture. The most rewarding part is transforming a client’s vision into something tangible—whether it’s a dining table built around family traditions or a handcrafted console tailored to a space. Mass-produced pieces lack the soul that custom design brings. From concept to execution, every piece tells a story, reflecting the client’s lifestyle and personality. For me, it’s not just about creating furniture—it’s about designing experiences and pushing creative boundaries to redefine truly bespoke living.
Villa 37
Cadiz project
New York project
“Unexpected combinations create sophisticated, timeless spaces when curated with intention.”
C’est Ici
DESIGNEERS
Dubai is a hub for luxury and innovation. How does being based here influence your design approach?
C’est Ici
Dubai’s luxury, innovation, and cultural diversity challenge us to push creative limits. Working with a global clientele, we craft interiors that merge visual impact with personal identity.
Dubai’s focus on experiential luxury influences our approach—spaces aren’t just about aesthetics but about how they feel. We emphasise bespoke details, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge materials to create unique, immersive interiors. The city’s bold architectural vision inspires us to think bigger and more creatively, whether designing a penthouse, a beachfront villa, or a boutique commercial space. Our goal is to craft environments as dynamic and forward-thinking as Dubai itself.
DESIGNEERS
What’s your dream project—one client, one space, anywhere in the world?
C’est Ici
A boutique hotel in the Colombian jungle—where raw nature meets refined craftsmanship, offering an immersive, sensory-driven experience.
Villa 37
Villa 37
DESIGNEERS
What’s the last thing you purchased for your own home?
C’est Ici
A garden pergola, it transformed my outdoor space into a relaxing retreat. Living in Dubai, I wanted an area that felt like an extension of my home—somewhere to unwind and entertain. I chose a design with natural materials and minimal lines for a seamless blend of structure and warmth. It’s now my favorite spot to start the day with coffee or relax in the evening, proving that small design choices can elevate everyday life.
DESIGNEERS
When you’re not designing, where do you go to recharge and find inspiration?
C’est Ici
Yoga clears my mind, and travel fuels my creativity. Exploring new cities, museums, and local craftsmanship broadens my perspective and influences my designs. Ultimately, time with family is my greatest recharge. Shared meals, laughter, and conversation remind me why I love creating beautiful, meaningful spaces.
DESIGNEERS
If you could design an interior for any famous person, who would it be and why?
C’est Ici
Brad Pitt. He values architecture and design, making it more of a creative collaboration than just a project. Plus, he’s easy on the eyes!
New York project
