"10 Questions to an Interior Designer" is a series of short talks inspired by the series "10 Questions to...". This time our attention is turned to interior architects. In today's episode, Agnieszka Konieczna talks about her approach to design.
Agnieszka Konieczna - Interior architect, founder of the studio Ambience. Interior Design. She specializes in making the most out of both luxury and low-budget interiors. She believes that not only millionaires deserve to live beautifully, and that a well-designed interior can look a lot more expensive than it actually was. In addition to designing, she is involved in educating the industry and educating about the industry. She dreams of greater awareness of the profession from client, and for anyone who wants to enter the industry or is already part of it. In terms of running the business, but also simply the day-to-day of doing the profession.
1. For me, home is...
A place of respite from the outside world. A space where you can relax, wear unpaired socks and just live comfortably.
2. The key to a successful interior design is...
Cooperation between the architect and the client. The architect's openness to the needs, tastes, dreams, sometimes whims, suggestions, changes, etc. from the client. At the same time, also the openness of the client to hints from the architect. Advice, especially on functionality or durability of materials, guiding the client on the subject of budget and its optimal management. I use the word "cooperation" here for a reason. Of course, it is the client who pays, the architect who does the design, but a good design must be the result of multiple conversations, numerous arrangements, joint effort. And this openness precisely. If the architect does a tape copy-paste and/or the client does not want to reveal what he likes - nothing good will come out of it.
3. I look for inspiration in...
Usually in places that are not obvious. I like to observe fashion and wonder how a phenomenal creation can be translated into an interior, or what an interior that reflects the atmosphere of a beautiful painting could look like. Sometimes the answer is "I don't know," but it's still a fun exercise in creativity. At the same time, this is conceptual thinking, which does not apply to any particular project. For a given project, the most important inspiration is always what the client suggests and what he likes. Only on this can you build the rest.
4. In working with a client, the most important thing is...
Talking openly about finances and optimal budgeting for implementation. For each client and each project, optimal planning will mean something a little different. But ultimately, even working with luxury interiors - this topic is important. There are no bottomless type budgets or they are very rare. Even then, the client wants to know what and how much they are paying for and whether such an expense makes sense. So the ability to work with a budget and talk about money is just as important as the ability to design in itself.
5. My favorite design style is...
A combination of classic and modern. It doesn't have to be the typical "modern classic," although I love it with reciprocity. All kinds of interiors that refer to classic elegance, but break it up with a simple, modern form, so that we do not make interior look like a "palace". This is something I love.
6. The most valuable object in my home is...
My mattress. The only one thaht doesn't make my back hurt. I wouldn't trade it for any other.
7. The most common mistake in self-decorating interiors is...
Selecting furniture and furnishings according to what we like. Without much thinking about how they will look put together. I mean, wondering is present... but if we do not have a visualization in front of us, because we are acting independently, it is impossible to imagine the effect 100% well. It may be that we are delighted with each element separately, but... together it looks so-so. The scale doesn't match. Part of the room is cluttered and another is empty. There are accents of color in one place, and elsewhere it's totally grayish... There's a lack of balance, which is really hard to achieve when we condemn ourselves to imagining the effect. I've been designing for almost 10 years and I don't believe my imagination 100% either. I always want to see everything on visualization, so a person outside the industry will have a very hard time doing so.
8. My favorite material is...
Velour (velvet). I love this fabric for its elegant look and easy cleaning.
9. A trend that I wish would pass away already is...
A shy approach to color. Deep colors, the colors of precious stones: sapphire, emerald, ruby, have been in trend for some time. Although the more popular names are navy blue, maroon and bottle green. I love these colors! I dream that more and more clients will have the courage to use such colors more, to paint walls, maybe even ceilings. Nowadays we mostly dare to have a colorful sofa, maybe chairs. Rooms with a theme of such a color, instead of just an accent, are absolute gems!
10. Someday, I would like to live in....
Tuscany. I don't think it needs explanation. The landscapes, the food, the architecture, the food, the sun, the food, the coffee... Did I mention Italian food???
Check out the other conversations in the series 10 questions to an interior designer
