Meet Sally Blackshaw: The Mediterranean lifestyle is in my blood…

You could say Sally Blackshaw has rather an eye for design and aesthetics; owner of Blackshaw Interior Design in Nueva Andalucía, Sally has been creating beautiful spaces for both residential properties and businesses for over a decade.

We asked Sally what motivates her and what she most loves about living and working in Spain.

How long have you been living on the Coast and what brought you here originally?

After studying and graduating in interior and retail design, I headed to the bright lights and loft spaces of London, with the idea to develop my career there. It wasn’t long before I started to crave for a better lifestyle and quality of life and so in 2000, after investigating different options, and seeing how strong the residential market in the Costa was, I decided to make the move to Marbella. At the time the possibilities were endless and I saw it as a stepping stone to launch my career…

Do you speak Spanish? Could you personally get by without it? 

Yes I do, and no way!

I studied the language before I came to live here and then also when I got here. Then when you are on the job, you just need it. I am working every day with Spanish contractors and tradespeople and if I want something done and done on time, I need to be able to convey this, in the most diplomatic way, in Spanish.  It does the job much better than Spanglish!

What motivates you?

I have a ‘get up and get out there’ approach to business and I absolutely love what I do. Finishing my day knowing that I have completed the tasks I set out to complete, really motivates me to do the same again the next day, and the next day…

When you’re not at work, what activities do you enjoy?

I love playing padel, it’s really part of the Spanish culture and it’s a great form of exercise and for getting rid of the day’s stresses. I also enjoy catching up with friends on a night out and networking… Yes, I know it’s kind of work, but I really enjoy networking and meeting like-minded people on the Coast.

Then when I have time, which isn’t so often, I love doing a bit of interior decoration in my own home. I am usually too busy working on client projects, but when I can I spend time on improving my own home.

What’s your favourite beach bar on the Costa del Sol?

I have two, depending on my mood and the occasion: Victor’s Beach on the Golden Mile, Marbella, when I feel like a casual, Spanish day and Puro Beach by Laguna Village in Estepona. for when I feel like a stylish, showy day; especially when I have friends over from the UK who want to experience the Marbella dream.

Have you travelled much around Spain? 

Yes lots, as I travel for work, as well as pleasure. I adore Barcelona for inspiration, for me it’s definitely number one for design, architecture and creativity. I also love Valencia and then Madrid. I travel a lot to the design fairs and exhibitions and take inspiration from all over the country.

What do you love most about Spanish culture?

I was actually brought up with Spanish culture, some of my family lived here and so from a very early age I was going to the Málaga feria and dancing sevillanas. The Mediterranean lifestyle is in my blood; the food, the culture, it’s part of me.

What advice would you give to someone relocating to Spain?

Don’t be naïve, make sure you have done your homework and walk in with your eyes wide open, not shut, and you’ll be fine.

Sally Blackshaw is the owner of Blackshaw Interior Design, a VIVA RECOMMENDS Partner. A highly qualified interior and retail designer, with experience working on high-end residential projects, property conversion for investments, show homes and retail and hospitality projects.

Visit the VIVA Recommends Directory for more information or contact Sally Blackshaw on 952 818 038.