Style Influencer – David Santiago

David Santiago

Owner of Casa Santi Interior Design and Creator of the “Strictly Santi” Brand of Lighting, Wallpaper

David Santiago, the award-winning interior designer, owner of Casa Santi Interior Design firm and creator of the “Strictly Santi” brand, blends his traditional and classical sensibility with the unexpected. It’s a design curation signature he has dubbed, “Santified.”

With enthusiasm, he invites his clients to “Embrace a change in your residential or commercial space. Get ready to be Santified!”

He defines the “Santification Process” as “Embracing the unfamiliar and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, stimulating the senses, letting go and saying YES!”

Inspired by classical music, travel and culture, David is a true “Renaissance Man.” He is not only a celebrated designer; he’s also an accomplished classical opera singer and alumni of Mannes College of Music, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the New York City Opera.

David’s Strictly Santi brand was created in 2018, and since then, he has launched a lighting collection with American Brass & Crystal Lighting, and a wallpaper collection called The Passport Collection, catering to hospitality and residential markets with Bijou wallcoverings. Known as the “Prince of Wallpaper” for his ability to master the art of wallpaper application, David is considered an influencer by the High Point Market Authority.

Currently, he serves as president of the New York Chapter of the International Furniture and Design Assn. (IFDANY), is an active member of the Interior Design Society (IDS), International Society of Furniture Design, WithIt and the Accessory Resource Team.

He’s a familiar face and voice in the media as the design and lifestyle correspondent for “The Donna Drake Show” on CBS NY and as a guest designer on the NBC television series, “George to the Rescue.”

What recent accomplishment are you most proud of?

My most recent professional accomplishment would be becoming part of the creative administration as Cultural Outreach Officer for Teatro Grattacielo in NYC.

What are your favorite sources of inspiration? Can you give a recent example of how you’ve incorporated this inspiration into your designs, product development, or merchandising work?

My favorite sources of inspiration are reflections of my passions, like classical music, travel and culture. Most recently, I’ve had the pleasure of working on ”Acento Bar,” a concept for The Kaleidoscope Project in Lenox, Massachusetts. It is inspired by The Metropolitan Opera to the likes of the Lobmeyr Chandeliers, scarlet red walls and gold leaf. Travel and culture also are crucial in my products, which I celebrated through my wall covering collection called “The Passport Collection,” influenced by the charms of old San Juan, the history of Venice, Italy and New York City’s Botanical Gardens, The Cloisters and the Flat-Iron District.

You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and what name would you have?

The color would have to be a fiery orange/red called, Oh, Santi! It reflects the (previously mentioned) “Santification Process.”

What’s the last gift you gave someone or a go-to host/ hostess gift you give?

The last gift I gave to a host was a bottle of Cesari Amarone 2015 for a birthday bash.

What are your favorite colors or color combinations?

Orange, Brown and Yellow are some of my favorite color combinations, and most recently I have been embracing the Purples and Magentas. They really make me smile, and most importantly, complement a lot of my attire and fashion.

What is your dream project or collaboration?

My dream job would be a hotel project or to design a set-production for The Metropolitan Opera.

What are your go-to paint colors?

My go to colors are from Sherwin-Williams. I’m a big fan of High-Reflective White and West Highland White. And, Oh, I can’t forget Greek Key. From Benjamin Moore, I absolutely love the affinity colors, and most recently fell in love with “Exotic Red” which I specified for “Acento Bar” at The Cornell Inn, in Lenox, MA.

What’s your favorite Instagram account you follow?

@strictlysanti & @tenorsanti. Why not be your own biggest fan?

Do you have a favorite coffee table or interior design book?

Callas by Stewart, Tabori & Chang. Also, Interiors by Min Hog.

What is your favorite quote/words of wisdom?

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you imagined.” -Thoreau

What is your favorite vacation destination?

San Sebastian, Spain

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?

Unwind and listen to my collection of music from jazz to opera and classic rock. Lately I’ve enjoyed getting outdoors and going for a 3 to 5-mile walk.

Do you have a favorite charity or one you like to support?

I have several charities that I participate in giving back including myFace.org, which is one that is dear to my heart. Also, Wigs for Kids. I’ve grown my hair for over the past 6 years and donated twice.

What’s still on your professional bucket list?

Travel the world as an opera singer.

Any other interesting tidbit(s) about yourself that you’d like to share?

I think by now, if you haven’t gathered that I have a passion for opera, I am also a classical singer. But an interesting tidbit would be my love of Marine Biology.