Yahoo Finance Discover how to give your space personality with interior designer Sanayi313
Who are they?
Istanbul studio Sanayi313 was founded in 2015 by interior architect Enis Karavil and his brother Amir, an entrepreneur. The former has a cosmopolitan background: he graduated in business economics from Bentley University in Massachusetts and then trained at London’s Inchbald School of Design before honing his craft under London decorator Hubert Zandberg.
Having dreamed of being an interior designer since childhood, Karavil was creating homes, both for himself and for friends, before he set up his firm. Now, Sanayi313 is responsible for some of the Turkish capital’s hippest boutiques and cafés, as well as chic residential projects around the world.
What’s their style?
‘I describe it as “maximalist expressions in minimalist details”,’ says Karavil. ‘We strive for a harmonious balance of fantasy and reality, connecting past and present using Eastern and Western elements to create spaces with a heritage vibe.’ This diverse picture is reflected in the studio’s varied output, which spans architecture, interior design, branding, furniture and even footwear.
Sanayi313 has its own restaurant and retail store, as well as a product collection featuring sculptural tables, display cabinets and accessories in exotic woods, metal and ceramic. ‘Our designs merge form and function, highlighting craftsmanship but infusing it with a modern twist,’ explains Karavil.
What are their recent projects?
Karavil’s own SANAYI313 Notting Hill home, a serene 1900s apartment, allows period features to speak for themselves, highlighted simply with cool colours and reclaimed wood flooring. The idea is that it can easily be updated over time.
Back home, the studio has just completed a pop-up store for Turkish fashion brand Raisa Vanessa at the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum. ‘It’s inspired by the colours, textures and stark geometry of architect Ricardo Legorreta’s Montalban House in the Hollywood Hills,’ says Karavil. ‘We blended raw natural materials, such as coarse plaster, concrete and pebbles, with a rich terracotta colour scheme.’ In contrast, the new Melis Goral jewellery store in Istanbul’s vibrant Bebek district shows the studio at its most refined, with art deco accents and parquet floors.
What are they currently working on?
A sculpture park on Turkey’s Black Sea border, which features a mix of glass and stone buildings and a preserved stable; Karavil is also commissioning site-specific installations. ‘It’s a curation of so many different things, creating a dialogue between art, design and nature,’ he enthuses. Other projects include a series of stone houses in a vineyard on theAegean island of Bozcaada, and a home in Miami. Karavil says: ‘As a designer, what excites me most is how the creative imagination can work in relatively small spaces.’ sanayi313.com
EXPERT ADVICE
Sanayi313’s Enis Karavil on how to create an interior with personality
I love using wood. Timbers such as ash, poplar and maple all have distinct veins and dense textures; I like to bring out their beauty with a vivid display of these patterns. Combining them with other materials, such as brass, can make an otherwise sparse space feel bold and distinctive.
I like to see extravagant collections in minimal settings as they add personal style to a home. Repetition can generate great results, but so that it doesn’t become pretentious, you need to maintain that lived-in feeling. I stay away from trends; the curation should always reflect the owner’s tastes.
With artwork, every piece we use has a story to tell. When you examine them closely, you’ll see different materials and details that complement one another. Contrast is key for me, but it’s also important for pieces to talk to one another – only then do they truly become a collection.
I like to use bespoke elements because it’s almost impossible to repeat the same pattern or texture, and the finished design is more likely to be unique. I look for sculptural forms that create a welcoming point of attraction, encouraging people to gather around them, and that embrace both form and function.
THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Every project has its own unique list of suppliers and craftspeople. Part of making it special is finding the right mix
FURNITURE
I love Rose Uniacke on Pimlico Road – I admire her projects as much as I like the store. I always include one or two of her designs in my interiors. roseuniacke.com
CONCEPT STORE
Kokon To Zai in Notting Hill is a longtime favourite of mine. Its name means ‘East meets West’ in Japanese. I always find interesting objects to add that finishing touch to my interiors, and it sells interesting clothes, too. kokontozai.shop
ART AND FASHION
When I’m in London, I always enjoy paying a visit to Blue Mountain School [formerly Hostem] in Shoreditch. It curates a great mix of fashion, design and art, and has a small but beautiful restaurant called Mãos. I like to buy things for myself here, be it clothing or accessories. bluemountain.school
CRAFT
Gallery Fumi is my favourite place for discovering unique designs. I’m especially fond of textile artist Rowan Mersh’s work. His wall pieces are hand-assembled from thousands of components, using materials such as shells and wooden sticks. galleryfumi.com
