Creating Serenity at Home: An Interview with Burcu of Design and Curations

Categories: Interviews & Features, For Designers & Builders, Kitchen Designer Interviews

Posted: August 01, 2024

We're excited to share an exclusive interview with Burcu, the creative mind behind Design and Curations, a hybrid interior design studio that offers nationwide e-design services and in-person consultations in the Atlanta area. Burcu recently completed a very special project—her own home kitchen. In this interview, she opens up about her design process, the inspiration behind her choices, and why having a designer can make all the difference.

A Personal Sanctuary

For Burcu, this kitchen was more than just another project; it was an opportunity to create a calm and serene space for her family to come home to. "This kitchen is special for me, this is my home," she shares. The style she chose, which she calls "organic modern," blends clean, modern elements with organic textures. "It has movements and shapes and different integrations of different materials," she explains. The result is a space that feels both sophisticated and inviting.

The Four-Step Design Process

Burcu's design process is meticulous and involves four key steps:

Briefing:

Understanding the scope, budget, expectations, and inspiration.

Planning and Mood Boards:

Crafting detailed plans and visual mood boards.

Detailing:

Deciding on fixtures, finishes, and appliances.

Implementation:

Working closely with general contractors and overseeing the renovation.

"These steps ensure that every detail is thoughtfully considered and executed," Burcu notes. By following this structured approach, she can bring her vision to life with precision and creativity.

Choosing the Right Elements

One of the standout features in Burcu's kitchen is the custom hood from Hoodsly. "Initially, my contractor proposed that we work with Hoodsly. I went through all the hoods and really loved them," she says. The hood's curvy angles create a perfect vignette that adds both function and aesthetic appeal to the kitchen. Burcu then had her contractor plaster over the hood to add a different texture to the neutral space.

When it comes to the color palette, Burcu emphasizes the importance of mixing different finishes. "Start with a color palette, decide on the colors you want to play with and try to mix in different finishes so that it's not flat and boring," she advises. This approach ensures that the space has depth and interest.

Decorating with Playfulness

Another key element of Burcu's design philosophy is being playful with decor items and open shelves. "Everything that you integrate will really change the look," she says. By carefully selecting and arranging decor pieces, you can add personality and warmth to your kitchen.

The Value of a Designer

So why is it beneficial to have a designer like Burcu for such projects? She identifies three main advantages:

Reducing Overwhelm: "The more I get involved, the less overwhelmed my clients are," she says. With so many decisions to make, having a designer to guide you can make the process much smoother.

Expert Mixing of Elements: Designers have the expertise to envision how different elements will work together. "Mixing different finishes and materials is our specialty," Burcu explains. This skill ensures that your kitchen will be cohesive and visually appealing.

Effective Communication with Contractors: Experienced designers like Burcu can effectively relay your design inspiration to contractors. "We help ensure that your vision is the finished product," she says. This means fewer misunderstandings and a result that truly reflects your style.

Whether you're planning a renovation or just dreaming about a new kitchen, Design & Curations offers inspiration and practical advice to help you achieve your vision. You can follow her work on instagram Atlanta & Virtual Interior Designer (@designandcurations) • Instagram photos and videos.