Redefining Mediterranean Elegance in Mallorca
Redefining Mediterranean Elegance in Mallorca
An Interview With Jennifer Warren-Gash, Designer at Mashamba Design
What was your vision of Mediterranean life before you arrived?
I’d never been to the Mediterranean before moving to Mallorca, and I’d always imagined it as a glamorous, refined place — grand villas, elegant courtyards and terraces overlooking the sea, with billowing white curtains and women wafting around in flowing dresses.
When we arrived, the setting wasn’t quite what I’d imagined — and that gap between dream and reality became the starting point for our work.
Tell me more about that gap — and how it sparked Mashamba’s vision.
When we started Mashamba over 15 years ago, the island felt like a blank canvas. Most gardens followed a familiar formula — a lawn, a few palm trees and some basic outdoor furniture.
We saw an opportunity to modernise the classic Mallorcan garden. For us, it’s never just about planting — it’s about purpose. Where do you sit with your morning coffee to catch the winter sun? How can we draw clients outside into nature and keep them there? That kind of thinking — the actual concept of outdoor living — was missing.
We also saw a way to be more ecological, replacing thirsty lawns with Mediterranean plants and meadows full of movement and texture. And we wanted to use traditional materials like stone, wood and terracotta — but in a modern way that still feels warm and inviting.
How have your life experiences in Texas, Costa Rica and Mallorca shaped your design philosophy?
Growing up in small-town Texas, there wasn’t much in the way of design — no glamour, no real aesthetic to speak of and I never really felt like I fit in. I always had my own sense of style and a desire for something more individual, more refined. Looking back, I think that absence is what sparked my obsession with good design when I finally encountered it.
So, where did you first experience good design?
On my travels. Travel truly opened my eyes to the power of design — the way a space makes you feel, how it can completely transform your mood and mindset.
It was during a stay at an African safari camp that everything clicked for me. There was an understated sense of luxury, refinement and quiet confidence paired with incredible attention to detail. It showed me how design and luxury could merge in a way that feels both grounded and elevated. That ethos continues to influence everything we do — and it’s part of what inspired our Swahili name, Mashamba.
And what about Costa Rica?
Costa Rica was my first real experience of outdoor living — living spaces are all open to the elements, the jungle to be exact! Our time there reshaped how I thought about space and comfort and it continues to inspire my approach to outdoor living in Mallorca — creating spaces that draw you outside and make you want to stay there.
“Mashamba’s real legacy is inspiring people to reconnect with nature and to create space for quiet moments in their lives. ”
What feeling do you want clients to have the moment they step into one of your designs?
I want my clients to feel a sense of surprise — not just at the beauty, but by all the possibilities for living and enjoying life outdoors. There’s so much you can do, even with the most compact terrace or garden.
That feeling always starts with thoughtful design. I’ve always had a knack for bringing ideas together in a way that feels both beautiful and livable. The space needs to feel elegant and relaxed, but also practical — something that truly works for everyday life.
What’s the most meaningful compliment you’ve ever received from a client?
My favourite feedback is always the spontaneous kind — a photo sent while they’re having coffee on the terrace, showing me how they use and appreciate the space. Those sincere, unprompted moments mean everything.
And honestly? Sometimes a simple ‘thank you’ for a job well done really stays with me.
Looking back at 15 years in business, what do you think is the real heart of Mashamba?
For me, it all comes down to passion. I care deeply about what we create and the kind of work we put out into the world. I’m always striving to be the best version of myself — both professionally and personally — and that’s closely tied to staying true to our own path.
I’m passionate about upholding our standards, honouring our style and choosing projects and clients we genuinely connect with. That’s what keeps the work meaningful — and what gives Mashamba its soul.
If you could leave one ‘Mashamba legacy’ in Mallorca, what would it be?
For me, Mashamba’s real legacy is inspiring people to reconnect with nature and to create space for quiet moments in their lives. If our work encourages even a few people to step outside, breathe a little deeper and truly enjoy their surroundings — that means everything.