"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, Malwina Borowiec and Karolina Chodur talk about their approach to design.
Malwina Borowiec and Karolina Chodur — together they create Pigalopus studio, which specializes in designing functional spaces. They work in the areas of architecture and graphics. They combine them in their projects, for example, for creating an exhibition with graphic design or a café together with visual identity. As a result, they are able to create a visual system from 2D to 3D with attention to custom details. Their work is guided by the functionality of solutions as well as simple and logical aesthetics. They organize space through the use of shapes and colors.
1. For us, home is...
A space of our own, where we feel at ease, relax and pursue our passions. It is a rather intimate place, which we arranged in a functional way and adapted to our rhythm.
2. The key to a successful interior design is...
The alignment of several aspects: feeling the character of the place, paying attention to the details that become the leaven for our design. Sometimes it's an unprecedented element of the old design, such as a round window, a functional layout that, after tearing down a wall, allows us to interpret the room differently, or an original material detail, such as the rhythm of tiles or bricks.
3. We look for inspiration in...
Around us. Often impressions/feelings in the spaces where we stay or compositions of graphic elements accidentally encountered in urban space, architecture or nature get stuck in our heads and we find their translation in specific projects. We accumulate them in the form of many photos. We believe that an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable environment has a positive effect on our well-being and building the taste of society. This can be seen in Scandinavian countries, where the various elements of space, art and life are consistent.
4. In cooperation with an investor, the most important thing is...
Mutual trust and respect. This allows cooperation to take place in a pleasant atmosphere. During the design process, we try to explain the various functional and aesthetic solutions so our clients have a better understanding of how to shape the space. It is of great importance for us to find a common language on an aesthetic level. In this way, we mutually benefit from it and derive pleasure from the cooperation. We are fortunate that we are approached by conscious clients who like our style and pay attention to the functionality of the proposed solutions.
5. Our favorite design style is...
We do not have a favorite style in which we design. We look for the character of the space in the details, expressive motifs extracted from the context. The spaces we create are simple but original. We mostly achieve it by creating bright spaces by smuggling in a small amount of color, wood and grid structure.
6. The most valuable item in our home is...
A comfortable couch. For us, home is a space where we regenerate and spend time with loved ones. It is important for us to be able to spend this time comfortably and in the way we like.
7. The most common mistake made by people who decorate their apartment on their own is...
Not understanding the scale of the elements, often relying on drawings from developers. It is common to encounter underscaled parts of furnishings in apartment arrangements. Because of this, looking at the projection, buyers have the impression that the apartment is more spacious and easy to arrange. Many times, after drawing the actual dimensions of the furniture, the space turns out to be more difficult to design. So we often ask clients, to draw out their and our ideas with chalk on the floor. This makes it easier to understand the target space and the sizes of its elements. Sometimes similar functionality can be dressed up in a different arrangement than the one set by the developer.
8. Our favorite material is...
Colorful square/rectangular ceramic tile. It is a versatile element and adapts well to any space we are working on. Depending on the project, we treat it decoratively or as a rhythm setter in other design elements.
9. A trend we wish would pass away already is...
Loft, if we had to necessarily point out one of them. The implementation of solutions designed for large industrial spaces, materials styled to look like they have been uncovered during remodeling, and the introduction of strong steel elements in small apartments is, in our opinion, very overwhelming. Nevertheless, it is possible to draw interesting elements from any style, although it must be done with the right sensitivity. We ourselves do not operate in specific styles, and it is difficult for us to identify with one of them exclusively. Especially since trends change quickly and it's simply hard to keep up with them. It's important for us to be honest and be guided by the possibilities of a given space, rather than conforming to color or material trends. It is worth creating a universal base, which we can complement with interchangeable accessories, colors or fabrics.
10. Someday, we would like to live in...
A building with communal spaces for residents, meeting rooms, a public garden, maybe a rooftop space. Composed of spacious apartments and common spaces designed aesthetically with subtle detailing. We dream of designing such a place along the lines of German or Scandinavian couhousing, which we would fill with close friends who are now spread all over the world.
Check out other conversations in the series 10 questions to an interior designer
