Elmon Pekmez and Nükhet Boz are redefining living spaces in just one day! We caught up with these visionary architects to dive into everything decor—from the design process to the latest trends.
Throughout their dynamic careers, Pekmez and Boz have brought new life and energy to countless homes, and their Boom Room project is no exception. They start by understanding your preferences and sensitivities through a personalized survey, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision. On the big day, their dedicated team arrives in the morning and works meticulously, transforming the space from lighting to furniture layout. The result? A dream living space that feels uniquely yours. Curious about their design magic? Get ready to discover the secrets of Pekmez and Boz’s transformative touch.
How did Pekmez Boz Interiors begin, and how did Elmon and Nükhet’s friendship spark a thriving design partnership?
Elmon: Nükhet and I share a lot in common. We both graduated from the same French high school, grew up on Burgazada, and studied architecture at Mimar Sinan University. We met on campus and stayed close throughout our studies. After gaining nearly a decade of experience in separate offices, we were each working independently until a project—a duplex house that Nükhet brought to my attention—came along. That project became our starting point. We didn’t even have a formal office; we worked on-site, drawing up plans beside a wood-burning stove. After the successful completion of that project, we rented our first office, and 13 years have flown by since then.
Eleven years ago, you revolutionized the design world with Boom Room, where you and a team of up to 40 people completely transform a home in just one day. How did the idea for Boom Room come to be?
Elmon: The idea came after some challenging experiences. In the first couple of years, we followed a traditional architecture approach, handling every detail with clients—from rough construction to the final touches, spending hours shopping and creating mood boards together. But despite all our efforts, neither we nor the homeowners were completely satisfied. I’ll never forget the day Nükhet called me in tears because a client who initially requested a jet-black room suddenly wanted everything in white. It was a turning point. I was on maternity leave then, and when I returned, we took a six-month break from new projects. We spent that time discussing what we truly wanted to achieve and what we needed to leave behind. That’s when the idea for Boom Room—a concept that transforms spaces with an “explosive” effect—was born.
What’s the selection process like for a Boom Room project?
Elmon: Interestingly, we don’t initially meet the clients in person. Instead, we send them a proposal, and if they agree, they join our waiting list. When it’s their turn—sometimes two to three months later—we visit the space, meet the owners, and go through a detailed questionnaire. Occasionally, after meeting with clients who had accepted the proposal and paid their deposit, we sensed that they might not align with the Boom Room concept. In those cases, we politely returned their deposit and declined the project. It’s essential for the homeowners to have confidence in our vision and, if they’re a couple, to be relatively aligned in their preferences.
How do you handle clients who find it difficult to part with cherished old items and memories?
Nükhet: The Boom Room approach centers on renewal, creating a fresh flow of energy in each space. For clients attached to specific pieces, we offer two solutions: we either refurbish and redesign the item, giving it a fresh identity in the updated space, or, if it’s a special antique or family heirloom, we craft a minimalist backdrop that allows it to stand out as a focal point. Repurposing treasured items always brings an added layer of fulfillment to our work.
Do you two ever have disagreements?
Nükhet: We’re two distinct individuals with unique perspectives and energies, so let’s call it the “harmony of differences” rather than disagreement. We often refer to ourselves as yin and yang or like a pot and its lid. Naturally, there are times we see things differently during key decisions or design moments, but we always find common ground through open conversation, empathy, and respect. If one of us feels strongly about something, the other honors that. Our different viewpoints actually enhance the design—one of us might add the “salt,” and the other, the “pepper.”
How has Boom Room influenced the interior design world over the years?
Elmon: From the start, Boom Room had an explosive impact. Everyone who experienced or heard about it found it practical and felt it was exactly what they’d been looking for. Word of mouth spread quickly, and it’s safe to say Boom Room became somewhat addictive! Clients who started with one room often wanted more, expanding from a single room to the whole house, from a winter home to a summer retreat. Thirteen years later, Boom Room is a widely recognized brand we’re incredibly proud of. Our clients even coined the term “Get Boomed” which has become a popular expression among our community!
Do you feel it’s necessary to incorporate popular trends or styles—like eclectic, minimalist, or maximalist—in home decor?
Elmon: I believe that the most important style to apply is the one that truly reflects who you are and makes you feel at ease. Personally, I steer clear of clichéd trends, whether in interior spaces or fashion. If a material or piece of furniture fits seamlessly into my home’s overall feel, I’ll use it even if it’s not currently “in.” While I wouldn’t discourage following trends, I think it’s crucial to filter them, choosing only the elements that resonate with your own style.
Nükhet: Different ideas and trends can be inspiring, but they should be integrated with personal sentiment. Imposing a trend just because it’s popular can feel forced. Trends often grow on us simply because we see them frequently, but a space should ultimately reflect the personality of its owner. One of the first questions we ask in our initial survey is about the client’s hobbies and interests. Before we start designing, we analyze both the space and the people who will inhabit it. Trends and clichés can be beautiful, but only when they truly fit.
Are there any “must-haves” when designing an interior?
Nükhet: The most crucial element is the overall feeling you get when you enter a space; it should give off a positive, cohesive energy. One non-negotiable aspect for us is lighting. We maximize daylight in our designs, and for evenings, we carefully select a mix of direct and indirect lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Even the most stunning living room can feel off if it only has a single light bulb. Beyond lighting, essentials include balancing material choices, selecting harmonious colors, and arranging pieces to maintain an uninterrupted energy flow. These are the core principles that make a space truly come to life.
What excites you most about working on interior design projects?
Nükhet: First and foremost, we truly love what we do and find ourselves endlessly excited about every design aspect. The most challenging yet thrilling part is blending all the ideas we have with the dreams and wishes of our clients to create a cohesive vision. Making sure every corner is functional and visually harmonious is key. When we finally bring it all together, that “newborn” project fills us with excitement! From there, we add layers like lacework—textiles, lighting, artwork, and unique pieces that give the space its finishing touches. These details are the most enjoyable part of the process for us.
Which pieces fall under the Boom Art concept?
Elmon: Boom Art isn’t really a formal collection or gallery. After launching Boom Room and Boom Bastik, we created Boom Art to provide specialized art consultancy, as clients kept asking about the artworks we used in their spaces. Boom Art remains more of a conceptual idea at the moment—we’ve patented it, but haven’t yet brought it to life fully. Our style? It varies depending on each project; every space calls for its own unique art style, scale, and texture. Sometimes, we’ll bring in 20-30 options to find the perfect sculpture or painting, trying each piece to see what resonates. When we place the right piece, our eyes light up and we know, “It’s done!”
Boom Bastik throw pillows are beautiful! Do you design and sew them?
Elmon: Thank you so much! Yes, we design the pillows ourselves. Each season, Nükhet and I select the fabrics together, taking a break from our usual hectic Boom Room schedule to dedicate time solely to cushion design. No fabric goes to waste in our office, so sometimes we create “limited collection” pillows from leftover fabrics. These are unique, one-of-a-kind pieces with no reproductions. Two local workshops sew our pillows, bringing our designs to life.
Since the pandemic, interest in home decor has surged, with content creators sharing DIY projects and ideas online. What are your thoughts on this trend?
Elmon: I think it’s a fantastic development! Not everyone can afford an architect or a monthly design magazine, but now, with just a click, anyone can access practical design ideas. The pandemic made us all re-evaluate our relationship with our homes. Spaces that used to be just for “sleeping” have transformed into places where we feel good and invest in our well-being.
Nükhet: Absolutely. Life’s speed often keeps us from realizing how impactful a beautiful living space can be. Before, we’d rush home only to leave again. But during the pandemic, everyone had the time to pause, look around, and notice things that didn’t feel right—old, mismatched, or cluttered items. Living in a space with positive energy is incredibly uplifting, and I think people really understood this during the pandemic, fueling the increase in home decor interest and DIY projects.
What seasonal changes would you suggest for home decoration as we quickly move from fall to the cold winter days?
Elmon: As the cold sets in, it’s time for a few cozy touches. Add wool blankets in baskets, bring in some new candles, and try essential oils with scents that feel warm and inviting. A big bowl of pomegranates makes a striking centerpiece, and if you have a fireplace, stack firewood in a wire or wicker basket for both function and style.
Nükhet: This season, nature has so much to offer! Instead of heading to the florist, gather some branches or plants from the forest in deep, rich shades. A large branch in a vase can instantly warm up a corner. And don’t forget the charm of pumpkins for a seasonal touch!
What are the 2025 home decoration trends?
Nükhet: A big trend in recent years has been bringing nature indoors to create a sanctuary from our busy, urban lives. This will continue strongly in 2025, with natural materials, textures, and organic shapes taking center stage. We’ll see plenty of black-and-white contrasts, earthy stone colors, and minimalist spaces with room to breathe. Amorphous forms will be everywhere, helping to add an artistic yet natural flow to the home.
Detox Secrets for Your Living Space by Nükhet Boz
- • Clear Out the Broken and Malfunctioning: Begin your detox by removing any broken or malfunctioning items. These objects carry stagnant energy, so clearing them out instantly refreshes the space.
- • Empty the Space: For an ideal detox, empty the room entirely if possible. Then, bring back only the items you truly love and need. This reset allows you to curate your surroundings with intention and clarity.
- • Trust Your Feelings: Indecision is common when decluttering but trust your instincts. Take a moment to focus on how each item makes you feel—your inner response often holds the answer.
- • Organize for a Fresh Start: Organization is a crucial part of any space detox. Box up similar items, categorize essentials, and get rid of excess cables and clutter. This not only enhances the space visually but also brings a sense of peace and order.
