We spoke with Master Interior Designer Selina Kazazoğlu about the design trends of 2025 and her expert tips for transforming living spaces.
Design shapes not only the aesthetic appearance of a space but also the emotions experienced within it. Each space tells a story through the eyes of its designer. We sat down with Selina Kazazoğlu, the founder of Selina Kazazoğlu Interior & Product Design, to discuss the intricacies of the design world and how to create meaningful and unique living environments. She shared insights on the defining details that bring soul to a space, the power of light in design, and the trends that will shape 2025.
How did you become interested in architecture and design?
My passion for architecture and design has been with me since childhood. My curiosity about different styles constantly led me to explore new ideas. This fascination influenced many aspects of my life—from my clothing style to my social circle and even how I decorated my room. My mother encouraged my creativity from an early age, allowing me to experiment with colors and arrangements in our home. As I grew older, this interest deepened, and I began shaping my own design world by personalizing my space.
What kind of projects do you prefer, and how would you describe your design approach?
I’ve never set strict limits on the types of projects I take on. However, working with clients who give me creative freedom is especially valuable to me. That’s when I feel I can truly express what I envision.
What moments do you enjoy the most during the project process?
The greatest joy for me is the process of creating a new design and sharing it with my clients. Nothing compares to the excitement of bringing an idea to life on the computer and then presenting it. Seeing my clients share my enthusiasm is an indescribable feeling.
When you enter a space you’ll be designing, what is the first thing that catches your attention?
Light. Light defines a space more than anything else. It shapes the overall atmosphere and has a direct impact on the people using it. If the lighting is inadequate, excessive, or incorrectly placed, it diminishes the enjoyment of the space.
How do you approach the concept development process?
I begin by listening to my clients. What they say—and sometimes what they don’t say—becomes my guiding principle. Then, I focus on key details such as location and intended use. Bringing all this information together, I aim to create the most suitable concept for each project.
Many of your projects are based in the Aegean Region. How does the Aegean ambiance influence your work?
The Aegean landscape is rich with ground cover plants that create both tropical and rural atmospheres. This diversity allows me to incorporate vegetation into my designs in ways that align with my preferred styles. The soil colors also vary throughout the region, which gives me a wide palette to work with when crafting concepts based on the project’s location.
What are your main sources of inspiration for architectural touches?
The project’s surroundings play a crucial role. Sometimes, I design in harmony with the environment; other times, I prefer a striking contrast. In those cases, I draw inspiration from different historical periods or contemporary styles—both those that exist today and those that might shape the future.
How do design features change according to the project’s location?
Structures, textures, colors, materials, building placement, the season of use, seasonal conditions, wind direction, and—most importantly—the sun are always among the first factors I consider in my projects. These elements vary in every project, making each design unique.
Let’s talk about some exciting news! as part of the Maison Française Interior Awards 2024, you won the best office interior award for the endo industrial management offices project. what does this award mean to you?
First of all, what makes this award truly special is that the Maison Française Interior Awards is not a competition. Even the jury members remain anonymous, making the process completely transparent and free of bias. Being recognized with such an award, given purely on merit, is the most invaluable recognition I have ever received. When I held the award in my hands, I gripped it so tightly—afraid of dropping it and knowing it could never be replaced—that my knuckles turned white. Just like they say, white knuckle. It will always hold an unforgettable place in my life.
How do you evaluate today’s perspective on interior architecture?
Interior architecture is still a relatively new profession. Unfortunately, in Turkey, we do not yet have full signature authority, and our role is often overlooked. Recently, a new regulation required us to be involved in large-scale projects. However, ongoing objections indicate that the project development process will be quite challenging for clients, implementers, and design teams alike. I believe it will take time for us to move beyond a know-it-all mindset and learn to truly collaborate as a team.
Is there a building you dream of designing during your career?
Rather than repeating similar projects, I prefer to explore new spaces and different design areas each year. I love the excitement of each new project being a surprise.
Among residences, hotels, offices, and museums, where do you feel most at home as a designer?
I approach each project from a unique perspective, considering different aspects for each space. However, the one common element across all my projects is that they create a sense of home for the user. That feeling of comfort and belonging is always present in my designs.
Which colors will dominate interior design in 2025? how can we adapt them to our living spaces?
Caramel tones are trending right now, and we’ll be seeing a lot of copper hues and warm tones this year. It’s time to move away from cold grays. One simple way to refresh your space is by playing with lighting shades. Smart home systems with adjustable, low lighting can help create a more peaceful atmosphere.
How can we shape our living spaces according to 2025 trends? Must-have tips & accessories:
• Say goodbye to L-shaped sofas.
• Hide your TVs.
• Turn your kitchen into a social living space.
• Dedicate a full wall to art—whether it’s one large painting, a gallery of small artworks, or a sculpture that brings you joy.
• Collect “No Name” artworks.
