"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, Joanna Hutna and Dorota Żak of Ukłon Studio talk about their approach to design.
Joanna Hutna and Dorota Żak - founders of the authorial design studio Ukłon Studio. They have been working together since the beginning of their acquaintance started at the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology. They work in the field of interiors, graphics and handicrafts. Based on dialogue, they create pleasant places for everyday life, sensitive to individual needs.
1 In order for an interior to evolve over time, you need to....
Know yourself, your needs and preferences well. You can then create a timeless backdrop and fill it with elements that can be easily replaced or modified. In this way, the space can change with us - without the need for a revolution every time a new idea or need arises. For us, it is important that interiors are filled with history. This can be through a nod to the found context and a trace of the times, a desire to tell the story of the inhabitants, or objects that are personal mementos. Each of these elements represents a continuity of history.
2 The key to successful interior design is.
Attentiveness and openness. Attentiveness to the unspoken needs of the users, to the surrounding inspirations, to the changing conditions. Openness to changing concepts, to reaching for non-obvious solutions, sometimes to take a few steps back.
3 We look for inspiration....
In art - the sublime and those from ordinary everyday life. It can be a movie frame, an old postcard, a pile of books in a friend's apartment, the interior of a coffee shop, the color of a stationery.
4 Dealing with graphics and handicrafts also helps us with interior design by....
Adding unique and personal touches to the space - often created on our own - that give the interiors character and authenticity, and tell a story.
5 Our favorite design style is...
One with soul and attention to beauty. When arranging a space, we always look for unconventional elements. Often second-hand, vintage, also in the spirit of reuse.
6 The most important object in our homes is....
Joanna: a large abstract painting on canvas, hanging in the apartment long before I
I moved in.
Dorota: a bed with a comfortable mattress.
7. the most common mistake in self-decoration is.
A lot of conservatism - fear of color and maximalism.
8. our favorite material is....
The noble one, which will be covered with patina - worn oak dining table top, rubbed marble, faded brass, cracked ceramics. Elements that are beautiful and durable. Scars add to their character.
9 A trend we wish would pass away already is.
Buying items for the moment. Fashion is changing faster and faster, and products are cheap and quickly available. It's worthwhile for us to make every decision we make to buy an item thoughtfully.
10 Studying architecture has given us...
Looking at the interior as a whole made up of many different parts. There are so many aspects and factors that make up an interior. That's why it's important to be attentive and curious so that we can see these elements and put them together well.
Check out other conversations in the series 10 questions to ask an interior designer
