"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, Diana Żurek talks about her approach to design.
Diana Żurek - Graduate of the Cracow University of Technology, also studying at Politecnico di Milano in Italy at the Faculty of Architecture. She gained professional experience working in well-known architectural offices abroad including Kengo Kuma in Tokyo and Cobe in Copenhagen. In Poland, she has been involved in designing museum exhibitions, including co-designing the "Lady with an Ermine" exhibition at the National Museum in Cracow and the Art Déco Museum in Płock. This allowed her to learn how to look for non-standard and original solutions with an individual atmosphere and mood. Her long association with the fashion industry and photography has allowed her to learn the ins and outs of photo shoot production, including preparing sets for commercial companies. Privately, she is passionate about applied graphics, design and writing, trying to implement her interests in projects to give them a personalized character, not only through arrangements, but also graphic identity. When designing, she draws inspiration from Japanese style, as well as turn-of-the-twentieth-century and modernist backgrounds.
1. For me home is...
A space where I feel comfortable and is tailored according to my lifestyle. It's a place that is meant to provide peace and joy as soon as I open my eyes - both visually and practically.
2. The key to a successful interior design is...
Finding the right balance between functionality and aesthetics, as well as giving the space a unique atmosphere that makes the interior to be not just decorated walls, but to have its own character.
3. I look for inspiration in...
In travel, especially the Far Eastern ones. The Country of Cherry Blossom and China are an inseparable inspiration for me. Both in its stately and downright scruffy version.
4. In working with an investor, the most important thing is...
Finding a common language and talking. Communication and speaking openly are the most valuable things in my work. This includes the ability to explain why we do something and why not. Both from our point of view and the investor's.
5. My favorite design style is...
It is difficult for me to choose one style that I would call a favorite. Rather, it is a mix of solutions and various references to styles. We often look up to postmodern architecture, we are a bit turned on by memphis. We also love minimalism, especially that with Japanese features. We put the 1920s and 1930s into all of this.
6. The most valuable item in my home is...
The light switch by the bed.
7. The most common mistake made while self-decorating is...
Trying to implement all styles and ideas at once, which does not necessarily end up in an eclectic and sophisticated style, but rather in chaos. The lack of a plan and a leading idea often creates many problems when choosing materials, furniture and accessories. In addition to gettng frustrated, constantly changing decisions can also severely deplete your budget.
8. My favorite material is...
Definitely glass and metal.
9. Trend that I would like to see pass away already is...
I don't think there's anything that has made such a negative impression on me that I'd like to forget about it. I'm not a big fan of trends and creating an interior just for now, it's better to look for classic solutions. Although, after some time trends always come back in slightly tuned version.
10. Someday I would like to live in...
In the Barcelona Pavilion, of course, after slightly correcting its function. However, it is the form of the building/interior, with its openness and planes of materials that impresses me the most. And also, if it were in the center of the city, but in a secluded area....
Check out other conversations in the series 10 questions to an interior designer
