Our Interior Designer: Adela Lokaj

Our Interior Designer Adela Lokaj, shares her own story about what inspired her to become a designer. She also, reveals her inspiration sources along with her favorite craftspeople and home brands.

What inspired you to become an interior designer?

From a young age I would get lost in the pages of interior magazines, highlighting items that caught my eye to use for my future home. My passion grew stronger the older I became and my interest in architecture and design further blossomed.

I studied Architecture at college to get a taster before further pursuing architecture at university. My love for designing interior spaces and furniture started to take over in my professional life and I’ve never looked back since.

Describe your experience as an Interior designer?

Every day is different. One day I’m in the studio designing, the next in client meetings; running around London sourcing for projects and visiting suppliers; or on-site installing! I try to plan my week in advance but there are always last-minute changes so you have to always be prepared for the unexpected.

Which are the most important factors when designing a room?

I start by analyzing the space, to help determine the best function for the room. I take into account how the client plans to use the space, and what their brief requirements are. I then think aesthetically about how we can bring the space to life and inject the client’s personality within the interior.

Which is your favorite project (finished or ongoing) and why?

I’m super lucky that I have the opportunity to work on some truly amazing projects, each one very different from the previous ones. They all satisfy my creativity needs as a designer, but one that stands out currently is a private client project that we’re working on where the client has requested a design that is very organic and earthy with warming colourways. As it’s more paired back I’m in textural heaven!

How would you prioritize tasks for a renovation project?

Our initial meeting with the client allows us to learn about them, and to obtain a full design brief from them. We delve into their lifestyle and cultural needs, their likes and dislikes, and most importantly how they plan to live within the property. We then start engaging with other consultants and start working on initial concepts, design development, and technical packages. We’re very involved at all stages, down to the finishing touches which can even involve stocking their fridge ready for the client to move in!

Would you ever prioritize aesthetics over function when designing a room?

I’m a big believer that if the function of the room is off it throws the whole design off. So although aesthetically I ensure all my projects are well designed, the function of the room is what I always begin with and further develop by bringing in more aesthetically pleasing elements.

How do you keep up-to-date with the latest trends in interior design?

I love interior publications. I try to flick through the pages of AD Magazine & Elle Decoration monthly to see what is inspiring the world of design. I also love how the design community on Instagram has grown, it’s a great source of inspiration currently, along with Pinterest. I do use these more as inspiration as opposed to staying up to date with trends as design trends come and go so I try to avoid only designing based on trends.

Which are your top 3 favorite home brands?

I love Monologue for high end quirky pieces. Luxdeco for more luxury contemporary items, and for projects where the budget is more generous. Also, I do love StudioTwentySeven, as their product curation is dreamy!

Which is your current favorite interior design inspiration photo?

I adore this kitchen design by Arent&Pyke. I love the different use of materiality, texture, and colour combination. It’s like a jewel at the center of the home, and although the green is very rich I find it quite calming as it feels like you have a piece of the outside inside of your home.

List out some of the interior design magazines which can inspire you.

I have a monthly subscription to Elle Decoration which I love, I find it very inspiring. I also love Architectural Digest and Livingetc. Otherwise, I do often check out Dezeen online for inspiration on design in general.

Where is your favorite place to be, when you want to get inspired?

I love the creativity that comes out of East London. It’s evolved so much in recent years and there are some amazing artists’ studios and galleries dotted around the area that have some amazing curated pieces. A great place to be when you want inspiration for something that is different.

What is your dream home style?

I love so many styles that it's so hard to narrow down to one specific style. I would say a neutral base that’s rich in texture, mixed materials, accents of colours in the soft furnishings and accessories, and then quirky sculptural pieces that have a story behind them. I like for my home to grow and evolve over time.

Where in the world have you stayed where interior design & architecture has really stood out, and why?

I stayed at the Olea All Suite Hotel last summer in Greece, and loved everything about it! It had an element of calm as soon as you stepped in. Architecturally I loved how it had been designed around the land on which it sits, and the presence of water played a big role in the design. The free-flowing spaces mimicked the flowing water through the retreat. Everything about the hotel was beautiful.

Home is..

Where I feel at peace. I grew up in the suburbs of London where it’s much more peaceful and a slower pace, so it’s great that work takes me to places that are very different.