"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, Martyna Florkiewicz-Pietrzak of Florkiewicz Studio talks about her approach to design.
Martyna Florkiewicz-Pietrzak - a graduate of the Faculty of Construction, Architecture and Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Lodz. She completed her bachelor's degree in: Interior Design and second degree studies in the field of: Architecture. She built her professional experience working in architectural offices in Lodz and during the execution of many competition projects. Interior design is her passion, and watching the process of implementation of devised concepts brings her great satisfaction.
1 Home for me is...
A place where everyone can be themselves. A space that must respond to all the needs and expectations of the occupants. It is a place of relaxation, rest, peace, but also entertainment, daily chores and often family disputes. It is a space housing all emotions, so the interior of the house must be a comfortable background for each of them. It must fit the residents aesthetically, functionally and be in keeping with their character. It must fit in with their passions and preferences that are natural to them.
2 The key to a successful interior design is.
Understanding the client's needs. Getting to know not only the design guidelines, but also the character and way of life of the future users of the interior, allows you to create a space perfectly suited to them.
3 I look for inspiration...
In the surrounding world. Nature is our starting point for every project. Natural finishing solutions, colors of the earth, but also the client's natural perception of the interior and the style that is natural to him.
4 In cooperation with the investor, the most important thing is...
A conversation that leads to the establishment of trust. It is the key moment to understand his needs, expectations and vision, as well as to clarify doubts about the design process. It is through open dialogue that a relationship based on trust can be built, which is the foundation of successful cooperation. The investor, feeling that his opinion and ideas are taken into account, gains confidence that the architect will not only implement the project according to his expectations, but also introduce solutions that will harmonize with his lifestyle and budget. Good communication creates a space for sharing ideas, being open to compromise and working out the best solutions together.
5 My favorite design style is.
Natural, or japanese. It is so appealing because it is distinguished by a unique combination of two inspiring philosophies - Japanese wabi-sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection and simplicity, and Scandinavian hygge, focused on creating a cozy atmosphere and comfort. This style is not only aesthetically stunning, but also perfectly matches the needs of modern users seeking harmony, functionality and closeness to nature in their surroundings. At Florkiewicz Studio, we often choose to seek beauty in non-ideal forms and structures, the use of natural materials such as stone or wood, and a love of earthy colors, as well as natural accessories.
6 The most important object in my home is....
Bed. This is the piece of furniture in which we spend the most time. It must be perfectly matched to its owners not only in terms of visual appeal, but also in terms of comfort and functionality. From the softness of the mattress, the height, the type of headrest and the type of finishing material to the whole environment equipped with the right number of sockets, lighting, switches, or the type of bedside table with the preferred amount of storage space.
7 The most common mistake in self-decoration is.
Forgetting to sample the finishing materials and paint colors chosen for the interior. Ordering products after seeing their photos on the website, or buying paint based on the visualization seen on the container are the most common reasons for failed renovations. Every color and material looks completely different in reality than on monitor screens or printed graphics. Besides, depending on the daylight and other neighboring materials in the interior, the colors look different! It is worth seeing how the material and color samples look in the target location with the other elements chosen for the interior before making a final decision.
8 My favorite material is.
Wood. It's a beautiful natural material that runs through almost every project we do. The variety of species, from warm oak to elegant walnut, allows us to match the character of the space to the individual needs and lifestyle of the users. Wood adds warmth and coziness to interiors, while being a timeless material that never goes out of fashion. What's more, as a renewable resource, the choice of wood supports sustainability, making it an attractive material for people who are conscious about designing their homes. Whether in detail or on a large plane in the form of flooring, it always adds character to interiors. In various shades more or less harsh - we love wood!
9 A trend that I wish would pass already is....
Exaggerated amount of gold elements in interiors, although this does not mean that gold itself does not have its place in arrangements. Gold accents can be an elegant addition that adds class and glamour to interiors, but their excess can dominate a space and disrupt its harmony.
10 I would like, someday, to live in....
In a house with a view of the mountains. So that the natural atmosphere, which would certainly be maintained in the interiors, would also be present in the surrounding landscape.
Check out other conversations in the series 10 questions to an interior designer
