"10 Questions to an Interior Designer" is a series of short conversations inspired by the "10 Questions to..."series.In today's episode , Karolina Kosakowska, founder of the KOKA studio , shares her perspective on design.
Karolina Kosakowska - architect, graduate of architecture and urban planning at the University of Technology. Founder of KOKA studio. She designs in various styles in Poland and abroad. She focuses on timeless interiors tailored to the needs and lifestyles of investors strictly watching the budget. Offers comprehensive care from concept work to turnkey interior design providing the most specialized professionals. He deals with private interiors, service interiors (medical and beauty premises) and HoReCa (hotels, restaurants, wellness).
1. home for me is an energy...
For me, home is a true oasis of calm, where I can find solace after a long and tiring day. It is a place where I can relax, regenerate and recharge my batteries. It is also a space where I can enjoy the company of my loved ones and spend time together.
2 The key to a successful interior design is....
First of all, the ability to listen to the needs of the client. It is important that the project meets the expectations of future residents and is tailored to their lifestyle and preferences. Every detail should be thought through to make the space functional and comfortable. By understanding what is important to the homeowners, it is possible to create an interior that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical and friendly in daily use. And, most importantly, timeless.
3 I look for inspiration....
In every possible place that surrounds me. I draw it from the beauty of nature, where the colors, shapes and sounds of nature can inspire creative thinking. At the same time, my passion for extreme sports also plays an important role in my creative process. The adrenaline that accompanies such activities and the release of dopamine and endorphins make me feel full of energy and ideas. This combination of nature and sports makes my creativity expand, and new ideas appear at the least expected moments.
4 In cooperation with an investor, the most important thing is....
Cooperation with an investor is based primarily on the ability to listen. This is a key element that allows us to understand not only the specific requirements, but also the dreams and expectations of all household members. We often take on different roles - we are not only designers, but also trustees who help realize the visions and habits of the residents. It is important to be able to read between the lines, to notice subtle signals and emotions that can indicate what is really important to the investor. In this way, we can create an interior that is perfectly suited to their needs and lifestyle.
5 My favorite design style is.
Timelessness. Although not a specific style, I greatly appreciate interiors that are tailored to the individual needs of investors. This approach makes the space not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and always on trend. Thus, regardless of changing trends, the interior remains up-to-date and comfortable for its inhabitants. It is the ability to combine classics with personal preferences that makes any interior unique and timeless.
6 The most important object in my home is....
The most important object in my home is the table. It is not just a piece of furniture, but the real center of family life. At it everyone sits down together, shares their thoughts, tells stories and spends time in a pleasant atmosphere. It is a place where not only meals take place, but also important conversations and shared moments that build bonds. The table becomes a symbol of unity and closeness, and the time spent around it is priceless to me.
7. The key to reconciling the available budget with the design goals is.
A detailed conversation with homebuilders at the beginning of the cooperation, so as to consciously match materials to their needs, and to indicate what can be saved on and what is completely not worth it. We start every project with homebuilders by breaking down the budget to increase their awareness of the various elements.
8. When I look back on my first projects in retrospect....
I see a lot of learning and development, both in terms of technical skills and in terms of my approach to communicating with clients and understanding their needs. But most importantly I continue to like them, because I always put the greatest emphasis on timelessness!
The 9th trend I would like to see pass away is.
Blindly following trends. I dream that there is more freedom in interiors. I would like people not to suggest what is fashionable, but to follow their intuition and the voice of their heart. Each of us knows best what we feel good in, what colors soothe us. Of course, getting inspiration and staying up to date with trends is cool, but you have to be very careful about it.
10. The biggest difference between private and public interior design is.
Adapting a given space to the needs of different user groups. In the case of public interiors, we have to take into account the different stylistic, ergonomic and usage preferences of the consumers of that space. Just as each of us likes to wear something different, eat something different, the same is true of the approach to interiors. There are no universal interiors, there are only those that may appeal to most, but not all. In addition, there are regulations that depend on the category of public interior. Therefore, when creating public interiors, we not only take into account the preferences of the investor, but especially the moods of customers.
Private interiors , on the other hand, are tailored for a specific user, with whom we talk and get to know his preferences, life, habits. These are often very intimate conversations that lead to the right climate in a particular interior to evoke certain emotions. Not everyone is comfortable in light/dark or colorful clothes, and the same is true for interiors. They need to be tailored under the household members.
Check out other conversations in the series 10 questions to ask an interior designer
