A functional and appealing interior where everyone feels comfortable, tailored to the wishes and needs of clients while staying within budget, is the goal of both designers and investors. Featuring the example of interior design in Ploče, we will explore how Slavica Durković, an experienced Croatian interior designer and member of the Community of Interior Designers (ZADIN), approaches the creation of interior spaces and what she frequently recommends to her clients.
Discover the biggest challenges interior designers encounter, how to make the right balance between client desires and the personal taste of the designer or architect, and how the interior design process unfolds. Additionally, we bring you expert tips on designing spaces to appear more spacious and brighter. Take a look at the beautiful attic apartment in Ploče, Croatia, featuring a creatively designed gallery and lovely design details.
- The Biggest Challenges Interior Designers Encounter
- How to Make the Right Balance between the Client's Desires and the Personal Taste of the Designer or Architect
- How the Interior Design Process Unfolds
- Beautiful Attic Apartment Design Project in Ploče, Croatia
- Slavica Durković's Favorite Interior Design Style
- Expert Tips on Designing Spaces to Appear More Spacious and Brighter
The Biggest Challenges Interior Designers Encounter
What was the biggest challenge of designing the interior in the Roh-bau construction phase (unfinished version of the building)? Is it more demanding than, for example, renovating an old apartment or house?
“In this interior design project, the biggest challenge was to preserve the airiness of the space located in the attic, while at the same time utilizing the gallery space, giving it an additional function as a children’s playroom or a corner for relaxing and reading. I also designed the interior project in such a way that the large open space of the kitchen, dining room, and living room would be connected and flowing, and at the same time, that each of the aforementioned rooms would be a separate entity.
According to my professional experience, renovating an old apartment or house is more demanding than a new, unfinished space.”
In general, what do you think are the biggest challenges interior designers face when designing spaces?
“The biggest challenge is to make a balance between the wishes, needs, and budget of the investor and the given elements in the interior and, accordingly, design a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Of course, at the same time, a balance needs to be made between the different tastes of family members or users of the space.
With today’s availability and a large selection of everything for designing and decoration, sometimes it is necessary to explain to investors that it is not the optimal solution to cram everything into one space, for example, that a selection should be made and the number of decorations or colors reduced. After all, a house is a space that should give us peace, an oasis in which we can relax, rest, and recharge our ‘batteries’.”
How to Make the Right Balance between the Client’s Desires and the Personal Taste of the Designer or Architect
How to make the optimal compromise between the client’s requirements and the personal taste of the designer/architect?
“In a way, we designers need to ‘step back’, to be aware that we are creating a space for the client, in which they should feel good. On the other hand, we can give them a suggestion, from the perspective of an interior designer, on how we would do it. The decision is up to them. I think it is good to express our point of view, but not to impose it. I believe that in every project we do, you can see some of our signature and personal style, no matter what the project is. :)”
How the Interior Design Process Unfolds
Can you walk us through the interior design process?
“The design process begins when the client gives us a project assignment, or when they describe what they want, what they need us for, and what they expect from us as designers. It is up to us to listen and understand as many of our clients’ wishes and needs as possible. In other words, to understand their way of life and lifestyle as much and as well as possible, so that we can design a space that is just right for them. We also need to take into account the finances that are planned for that design project.
We propose solutions that our professional knowledge and experience tell us are the best, we suggest where savings can be made, and where it is desirable to invest more resources to achieve the optimal solution. It is important for the client to gain trust in us and see that we are on their side. We, interior designers, deal with the design of various spaces every day, so we have experience with numerous situations that can arise during design. Our role is to create for our clients a residential or commercial space that is functional, attractive, tailored to their wishes and needs, and in accordance with their budget. :)”
Beautiful Attic Apartment Design Project in Ploče, Croatia
Where is this interior located, what is its square footage, and how demanding was the design project?
“This interior in the visualizations is located in Ploče, 73.00 m2. It was pleasant to work on because it’s a space that I like. I like such apartments that are located in the attic, which have a nice height and look amazing with those sloping roofs and high ridges. I’m glad when clients accept the idea of an open space.”
What colors predominate?
“Light colors predominate, for example, white concrete color for furniture fronts combined with wood decor. The corner sofa is also in white/beige, and the red armchair is an accent in the space.
An interesting pendant lamp, visible from the entrance door, seems to draw you into this attractive interior. The bar in the kitchen, next to which is a wine rack and bar stools, creates a nice connection between the kitchen and the living room.”
Did the clients have any special requests?
“A bar next to the kitchen and a connection between the dining room and the terrace. The large dining table is placed next to a large glass wall/sliding door that leads to the terrace. This way, the table is close to the terrace and the open space.”
Slavica Durković’s Favorite Interior Design Style
What style of interior design do you prefer?
“I prefer this style – simple straight lines, with some interesting detail like a chandelier that is like a decoration/installation. With the help of other decorations or curtains, the space can be changed when we want to. At the same time, we do not burden the space with heavy decorations or many colors. Placing a ladder as an installation or an interesting fence on the gallery level are some of the details that bring dynamics to the space. They ‘break’ the straight lines and make the interior more interesting, more informal and thus more pleasant to stay in.”
Expert Tips on Designing Spaces to Appear More Spacious and Brighter
What design elements can we include to make a space feel more spacious and brighter?
“By including light-colored furniture, furniture sets, wall colors, and floors, a space feels more spacious and brighter. A well-designed arrangement of mirrors that can be freestanding or as wardrobe fronts. Curtains in light or soft colors, without a pattern or with a very subtle pattern. Installing curtain rails on the ceiling so as not to visually reduce the height of the wall.
Good lighting, for example, choosing large-diameter ceiling lights instead of pendant lights, or installing ceiling rails with spotlights that can be directed in various directions. This creates the impression of a larger space. When we direct the spotlights at the mirrors that we illuminate, magic is created. By visually enlarging the space, we create an interior that is more pleasant to stay in.
Furniture should also be placed up to the ceiling. This is good because it visually enlarges the space, and it is also easier to maintain (there is no cleaning of the upper parts of the cabinets). After all, we usually arrange some decorations there, which then further complicates maintenance.
My idea of a well-designed space is that it looks beautiful, harmonious, comfortable, and easy to maintain. That the house serves the master, not the other way around.” Slavica Durković, interior designer and member of the Community of Interior Designers (ZADIN)
On this link, you can read the original article (in Croatian) I wrote for tportal.
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