"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, Karolina Augustyn and Monika Cieplak from Ładny Kwadrat studio talk about their approach to design.
Karolina Augustyn and Monika Cieplak - they are connected not only by friendship, but also by a shared passion for interior design. Together they run Ładny Kwadrat studio. The duo specializes in creating both commercial and private spaces, always placing great emphasis on meeting the individual needs of the users. The interiors they design for homes and apartments are characterized by a timeless style, the foundation of which is an in-depth understanding of the residents' lifestyles to ensure maximum comfort and functionality. In the case of commercial projects, the studio focuses on original solutions that are both visually appealing and friendly to every user. Pretty Square's designs do not follow passing trends. They draw inspiration from a variety of styles, close associations and themes that reflect the needs of users. As a result, each interior is "tailor-made," creating a space where you can feel really good.
1 Home is for us...
It sounds cliché, but a place where we feel comfortable. A piece of our own space that soothes the senses.
2.The key to a successful interior design is...
Satisfaction of the investor - it is the most important in the entire design process. It is the client who is supposed to be satisfied with the result. If, by the way, the project is in line with our vision, and most of the ideas have been successfully implemented, it is an additional success for us. However, the investor, not our egos, plays a key role in the whole process.
3: We look for inspiration....
Karolina: for inspiration I usually go to the museum.
Monika: I like to look for them in the environment of a particular investment, architecture or the view outside the window.
4 In cooperation with an investor, the most important thing is...
Karolina: Flow with an investor is something you feel right away, when there is a desire for cooperation and mutual understanding on both sides. Even if the client ultimately rejects certain proposals, with good cooperation the result brings satisfaction. The most important thing is that the owner of the interior feels joy in what we have created together. The design process itself can be difficult, time-consuming and stressful. Our role is to facilitate this stage, so that the client feels that we are heading in a clearly defined direction. This is when the best designs are created.
Monica: I agree, of course, with everything Karolina said. I would add to that mutual communication - it has to be open and honest. Without this we are operating in the dark and may not meet the investor's expectations.
5 Our favorite design style is.
Karolina: I love color, textures and natural materials, and I spice the whole thing up with a touch of vintage. I especially appreciate when you can use objects with a soul in the design, which have a history and belong to the family. This creates a unique "tension" between old and new, giving the interior a unique character.
Monika: In general, we don't like to pigeonhole styles. We are happy to mix them, so I guess you could say we like eclecticism.
6. the most important item in our homes is.
Karolina: old Paged chairs with Viennese plaid after renovation.
Monika: I don't know if the most important, but I'm proud of the use of an old sideboard as a kitchen island, which I invented.
7. the most common mistake when doing interior design yourself is....
Karolina: thinking what others will say, instead of following what you like.
Monika: fearing that a particular color will get boring in a while, and thus choosing safe white, beige or gray.
8 Our favorite material is....
Karolina: glass.
Monika: ceramic tiles in small formats, mosaic.
9.The trend that we would like to see pass away already is....
Karolina: any trend that is not in keeping with the nature of the building. Loft spaces in old houses age just as badly as palatial decor in a studio apartment.
Monica: generally anything that pretends to be something it's not.
10: We'd like to, someday, live in....
Karolina: a wooden house with a garden.
Monika: a simple barn house by the lake.
Check out other conversations in the series 10 questions to an interior designer
