The Indesign interior design studio was founded in 2015 by Aneta Bańkowska. Upon graduating and working as a designer for a furniture manufacturer and a renowned office for several years, the architect wanted to develop independently and follow her own intuition. Now, nine years on, she has trusted contractors in Cracow and the Tri-City, as well as an ever-growing circle of clients who are eager to do more projects.
From childhood fantasy to creative work
Aneta Bańkowska attributes the source of her passion and love for beautiful interiors to her childhood. One of her favourite games from that time was watching people and imagining where and how they lived. The detail-rich visions were the best solution to boredom for her. She also spent long hours poring over Slim Aarons’ photo album. Although she does not know as to how it ended up in her family home, she is sure that it had a great influence on her aesthetic sense and also instilled a love of the sea.
Although she demonstrated an aptitude for creative work from an early age, Aneta Bańkowska – like many young people – had a period in her teenage life when she tried to follow the voice of ‘reason’ and, as a result, chose medicine as her career path. Thankfully, she met a kind and observant person on her path who suggested that she should try to take a degree in interior design. A portfolio compiled from the sketches completed to date enabled her to get into the university she desired. It soon turned out to be the right choice.
The interior designer with 9 years of experience – the greatest challenges
Today Aneta Bańkowska can boast nine years of experience in running her own interior design studio, as well as a trusted circle of colleagues, who ensure that projects run smoothly and worry-free. However, she fondly recalls one of the biggest challenges , which she undertook at the beginning of her career. We are talking about a project for her own flat, located in one of Cracow’s townhouses, which is protected by the city’s conservation officer.
As found in a dramatic state, the interior was in need of a general overhaul. In addition to the challenge of creating a concept for herself, the architect also had to face a number of unexpected setbacks, constraints and hidden flaws. Although it was one of the most difficult projects of her career, today she appreciates how much she learnt during the completion. She puts her experience to good use creating interiors that are readily published by magazines such as ‘Weranda’, ‘Label Magazine’, ‘Wprost’, ‘Dom’ and PLN Design.
What values and outlook guide your design work? What are your priorities in creating interior designs?
What I value most in my work is interaction with people. I enjoy listening to them and that’s my greatest source of inspiration. I filter their needs and dreams through my own sense of aesthetics, experience, a certain technical sense and knowledge of materials. I have a strong sense of responsibility for the project and I like to be in it from start to finish, which means I also get involved in supervision. I often arrive first at the construction site and leave last 😉
Do you have a favourite interior design style? If so, what kind?
Sure thing. I love the townhouse style, retro, classic and modernism. I am also keen to go for a simple and timeless style based on natural materials. And ideally, I like it best when I can draw a little bit from different aesthetics and combine two styles together, for example.
What materials and technologies do you most like to use in your projects?
The kind you live well in. I choose materials that make a positive contribution to the quality of the interior, its perception and atmosphere, and even its smell! I like wood, natural plasters and stone – I love everything from granite to quartz to marble. But I also like to use wallpaper or large-format sinters. I also have a weakness for old furniture – especially as an accent piece – and for ironwork (so-called metalwork). Well, and I always try to sneak in a piece of art. At least one thing!
What are your experiences of working with clients? What do you think is the key to a successful collaboration?
Respect. On both sides. I put a lot of effort into every project and am fully committed to it. I think my clients can confirm this. I require communication from the other party in respect of my work.
Can you discuss one of the most inspiring/interesting projects you have worked on?
Each and every one is interesting in its own right. For instance, I am now working on the interiors of a house that is being created from the conversion of a typical 1970s house. The investors and I already know each other from a previous project, so I think we understand each other well. I know what they expect, what will pass without a problem and what I need to work on to convince them. I think the result is going to be just great! I am also currently working on a notary’s office in a wonderful Cracow townhouse. Cool concept, good budget, beautiful body of the building!
Do you offer a consultation service?
Yes, I do. I offer an option to meet in person in and around Cracow or online. The video chat formula at Google Meet has worked very well on a number of occasions.
