Why We’re In Love With These Beautifully Designed Spaces By Gülmen Interiors
Headed by husband-and-wife duo Seyma and Ahmet Vedat Gülmen, Turkish studio Gülmen Interiors injects new life into every room it encounters
For the eponymous Istanbul-based Gülmen Interiors, design is rooted in emotion and passion. Husband-and-wife duo, Seyma and Ahmet Vedat Gülmen, launched the design studio three years ago after getting married, following graduation from the same university in Istanbul; Maltepe University. Seyma takes the helm as the designer while Vedat is the master architect.
“While I improved myself in design, my husband improved himself in application and production,” says Seyma. Together the pair have worked on global projects across Turkey, Germany, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait and Dubai.
Entitled Rose Lounge, Gülmen Interiors’ upcoming project is set to be implemented in a historical building in Germany, which dates back to the 1650s. Comprising blush pinks and golden trims, the entire design process took one month to complete. “Naturally, the place had a very dominant historical and ancient feel,” explains Seyma.
“Maybe another designer would continue in this direction, but I suggested a design that completely contrasts with the natural feel of the space.” With this approach, the vision is to inject a modern spirit into the space, contrasting the ancient ambience while preserving elements of heritage.
The Rose Lounge project by Gülmen Interiors in Germany features a colour palette of blush pink and gold trims, injecting a modern spirit into the ancient ambience
The Bloomsburry coffee and store is another highlight project by the couple, with the designs reflecting the surrounding fashion. Characterised by minimalist and feminine colours, the project is set within a bag store in Istanbul. “I can say that I was inspired by the brand’s own colours and femininity,” shares Seyma.
“The design of the place had to be cheerful, colourful and remarkable, just like its bags.” Most featured furnishings are produced in Gülmen’s in-house workshop, while some are sourced from other designers.
Adorned with salmon and peach shades, the Sevim Beauty Salon, nestled in Stuttgart, Germany, is another space which exudes a feminine energy. Emanating a peaceful and warm feeling, the salon often serves brides before the wedding. “I had to use light and soft colours to create a fairy-tale feel,” says Seyma.
The Sevim Beauty Salon in Germany radiates a feminine energy, embracing shades of salmon, pink and gold for a calming effect
In future, the design duo will be working on a boutique hotel in Cappadocia as well as a wedding hall in Germany. “We also have ongoing projects in Kuwait and Qatar,” reveals Seyma. “We receive a lot of project requests from the Middle East.
Some of these projects are requested in our style, such as the Sigma Cafe completed in Abu Dhabi, but most of them are in traditional Oriental, Moroccan and Ottoman style.”
Her own father an architect, it was Seyma’s dream from childhood to pursue the field. “I used to watch him constantly when I was little, and I got interested in architectural programs at a very early age and started to learn,” she recalls. “I always said to my father that I would be very successful too.”
Gülmen Interiors’ projects are contemporary in style, comprising circular elements and metal detailing combined with pastel shades, adding allure and charm. Featured here is an ongoing project of a restaurant in Kuwait
She even worked with her father for a while post-graduation, soon taking a different path. “I do not believe that design can be done from someone else’s point of view,” she admits. “I like to be left to myself, to move forward with my own vision.”
Fuelled by emotion, through colours and forms Seyma expresses her perspective of a space, with every piece of furniture depicting a different feeling. The Dear sofa, Cuddle and Waffle armchairs are such examples, designed to reflect joy and intimacy.
The Sevim Beauty Salon in Germany radiates a feminine energy, embracing shades of salmon, pink and gold for a calming effect
“In any place where we use these products, it is impossible not to feel the emotions reflected by the products.”
Together Seyma and Ahmet Vedat work restlessly day and night until all elements are perfected to the tee. “We love this job so much and it makes us so happy,” smiles Seyma. “This feeling is worth everything.” @gulmeninteriors
Images courtesy of Gülmen Interiors
From the Spring 2021 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Interiors