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Designer Interview | Natalia Petrov
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Designer Interview | Natalia Petrov

At the British Style Society we love sharing our insights to the creative industry incorporating all aspects of design and innovation. Recently Editor Natasha had the pleasure to talk to designer Natalia Petrov of design studio FifteenFifteen on her love of creating unique interiors whilst showcasing home accessories as a new form of art.

Natalia, please give us a little insight into your creative background.

I graduated from KLC School of Design with Merit in Interior Design in 2014. I worked at a number of interior design studios specialising in hospitality projects (hotels, bars & restaurants). Eventually, as every interior designer would know, the urge to set up on your own became impossible to ignore so FifteenFifteen was born.

Who was your influence when you discovered interior design?

I hugely admire the work of Jean-Louis Deniot and Jacques Garcia. Another design heavyweight whose work I follow around London is Martin Brudnizki.

What have been your key inspirations for your design and concepts?

I find that interior design, fashion as well as art are closely linked together. Thus my work is inspired by these disciplines.

Describe your ideal space and interiors that have really impressed you.

One memorable experience was staying at the NoMad hotel in New York designed by Jacques Garcia. The interiors were opulent and sophisticated without being overpowering. My ideal space is elegant and chic, where you feel comfortable yet in awe of the designer’s skill and mastery to make the place seamlessly blend in with its surroundings and be true to its purpose.

Are there enough opportunities for emerging designers to showcase their designs and enter this competitive industry?

There are always ways to display and promote your work, you just always have to be on the lookout and make sure you’re consistent with your efforts every single day.

What has been your most memorable success to date?

Filming a documentary about my business for the CNBS’s Pop Up Start Up series after only a few weeks of my website going live.

On a personal note, how would you describe your own style?

I would hope that it is perceived as something that people would want to live with day after day and enjoy its eclectic influences. In short, I would hope that it is viewed as elegant, accessible and personal to each project and collection.

Do you have any advice for designers entering this industry?

I would say that, as with any industry, you have to believe in what you do, create opportunities for yourself and never give up.

Would you recommend any key resources for budding interior designers?

Dezeen is a great source to keep your finger on the pulse of the current design developments so a daily dose of it is a must. Do surround yourself with as many books dedicated to outstanding design practitioners as possible to train your eye. Try creating Pinterest boards dedicated to styles and movements throughout the years and subscribe to interior design magazines to enhance your understanding of aesthetics and technicalities behind products and projects.

In your opinion is design an art or a science?

It is in part a science as there are certain conventions that one must follow. It is, in part, an art as once you flip the conventions on their head you enter a realm of intuition which creates something unexpected and personal.

 

We’d like to thank Natalia for offering her insights into the creative industry and sharing her passion for art and design.