Catherina De Nicolo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Catherina, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building that nobody sees is trust and confidence. In every project, behind the visible finishes and curated details, there’s a foundation of trust I’ve built with clients, teams, and collaborators, but especially with myself. Every space I design is more than just finishes and forms; it’s shaped by the courage to trust my own vision, to lead with empathy, and to navigate challenges with grace.
It’s the belief that my voice, perspective, and sensitivity matter. This invisible foundation is what allows visible beauty to emerge and take shape. It’s an unseen architecture built on trust and quiet resilience, the trust I nurture within myself and with every client and collaborator. It’s what lets creativity flourish, helps decisions feel aligned, and turns challenges into opportunities for growth. It may never appear in photos or drawings, but it’s what truly holds each project together, and it’s what I treasure most deeply.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an architect, interior designer, and creative director, and I lead Denfit Design, a boutique design studio dedicated to transforming spaces into deeply personal, timeless experiences. My work isn’t just about how space looks, but how it feels: the quiet confidence it inspires, the warmth it radiates, and the stories it silently tells. At Denfit Design, we approach every project with intention, blending refined aesthetics with emotional storytelling so that each detail resonates on a human level.
What makes Denfit Design special is our commitment to authenticity and balance: sophistication paired with comfort, clean lines softened by natural textures, and functional design that never sacrifices the soul. As a woman guiding this vision, I lead with empathy and intuition, qualities that help me build trust with clients and teams alike and that allow creativity to flourish even in the most complex projects.
Right now, we’re working on residential and hospitality projects that celebrate quiet luxury, artisanal craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that great design isn’t just seen, it’s felt. And that’s what makes this journey so meaningful for me, and for everyone we design for.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to authenticity, human-centered design, and the art of subtle, sophisticated living. Our mission is to design spaces that quietly elevate everyday life and reflect an authentic sense of place and identity. Our philosophy is simple: true beauty comes from authenticity, and the most memorable spaces are those that make you feel at home with yourself.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most profound moments that transformed how I view the world happened during an outreach day with our foundation, Calles de Oro y Mar de Cristal, in Venezuela. We were visiting children living on the streets, bringing them food, clothes, and a few toys. As I handed a small sandwich to a little boy, no more than six years old, he immediately broke it in half to share with another child who hadn’t yet received his. I was just a little girl with a generous child in front of me, teaching me how grateful we have to be.
That simple act of generosity stopped me in my tracks. Here was a child with so little—no home, no certainty about where his next meal would come from yet his first instinct was to give. To share. To care for someone else, even in his own moment of need. It was a humbling reminder that true generosity doesn’t come from abundance; it comes from the heart.
This experience awakened in me a deeper appreciation for the small blessings we often overlook in daily life. It reminded me that every day is a miracle, not something to be taken for granted, but a gift that calls for gratitude. Whether it’s a moment of kindness, the warmth of a shared smile, or simply the ability to breathe and create, these are treasures that shape our humanity.
Since then, I carry this awareness into everything I do. In my work as an interior designer and creative director, it influences how I approach each project: with intention, empathy, and a commitment to honoring the human spirit. I strive to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also inspire generosity, connection, and gratitude in those who experience them.
Ultimately, this journey has taught me that success is not measured by material wealth or accolades but by the impact we have on others and how we lift each other up. It’s a constant reminder to remain grateful, to be generous with what we have, no matter how small, and to never lose sight of the miracle in each day that God gives us.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: Never doubt what you are capable of, and never be afraid of the big dreams planted in your heart. Do not compare yourself to anyone else, because it’s not necessary. God created you enough, capable, and with just a little confidence in yourself and His guidance, you will be able to go as far as you set your mind to.
Do not listen to voices around you that try to confuse you or slow you down. Just keep running toward the goal, because every day you are closer to reaching it. Don’t think you need to have everything; use what you have right now, and little by little, doors will begin to open. But never stop trusting or believing, because doubt will hold you back, cloud your vision, and block your path. And it is not fair to doubt the unique and perfect creation that God has made in you.
Do not look into society’s mirrors that seek perfection and set fictitious standards; look at yourself every day in the reflection of who God says you are, because that is the only mirror worth reflecting in. When you accept, understand, and declare to yourself that you are enough, there is no bullying or storm that can bring you down. And if at some point you felt too weak to go on and believed a part of you had fallen apart, remind yourself that from the ruins of pain, God rebuilds marvelous works, full of light, authenticity, and immeasurable worth.
Be grateful for every process that has allowed you to learn, grow, and discover what you are capable of. Because true strength is revealed through the tears that made you stronger
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The value I protect above all else is respect, because it is the foundation of human dignity. Respect goes beyond courtesy—it is the conscious choice to recognize the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their background, status, or beliefs. It shapes the way we communicate, the way we collaborate, and the way we make decisions. In any environment, respect fosters trust, inclusivity, and integrity. It creates space where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best. For me, protecting respect is not negotiable; it is the standard that sustains meaningful relationships and drives lasting impact.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I were to lay down my name, my title, and every possession, what would remain at the core is my character and my values, the way I treat people, the respect I give, and the dignity I uphold for both others and myself. Titles, roles, and material things can all vanish in an instant, but integrity, compassion, and the lasting impact we leave on others can never be taken away.
Legacy, to me, isn’t about what we accumulate or the recognition we receive. It’s about the kindness we show in quiet moments, the trust we build through genuine connection, and the ways we uplift those around us. It’s found in the small acts of empathy that ripple far beyond our immediate circle and in the seeds of hope and confidence we plant in others’ lives.
Ultimately, who we are is defined not by possessions or achievements, but by how we love, how we serve, and how we make others feel seen and valued. That is the essence of legacy, a lasting imprint on hearts and minds that continues to inspire long after we’re gone. It’s a reminder that our greatest contribution lies in the human connections we nurture and the light we share in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.denfitdesign.com
- Instagram: @denfitdesign
Image Credits
All credits to denfit design projects
