DAFINESSE: INTERIORS WITH ADDED VALUE

The founder of Dafinesse interior design studio, Dafi Binkova, believes that in each interior the focus should be on the person who will inhabit it, not on the designer. For more than 10 years she has successfully created solutions that reflect this philosophy. 

What did you learn as a person and a professional with your work in Dafinesse?

I understood that to a large degree the success of a project depends on the good relationship with many different people - from the client to my business partners. Achieving the balance between the client's desires and the point of view of professionals in different fields requires patience, individual approach and diplomacy.

As a woman with my own business in this field I have learnt to take the role of the "strong girl." The most important thing, however, is that my enthusiasm is still here and that I still like my job.

How did your style develop? 

I often work on projects for compact residential and public spaces. I learnt to subject the aesthetics and the style to the space and to win in the battle for more light and feel for space and freedom. I prefer clear lines and comfortable shapes. Each project is strictly individual, with defined requirements from the client and the space. We cannot apply the same style to an apartment in an old residential building, a modern building or a restaurant in an old neighbourhood. The style should fit the building's architecture and the atmosphere that we aim to achieve. This is why my style is a combination of in-depth knowledge, individual view and balance between the environment's characteristics and the commissioner's requirements.

For you, personally and professionally, what is the most challenging part of designing an interior?

The creation of the most functional layout possible. This is the stage where I freely experiment and discuss all options with the commissioners, showing them the different variants for effective use of the space and its zoning. Clients often have no idea how many things can be changed and are pleasantly surprised. Afterwards we take the most important solutions from a functional, work and finance point of view.

How do you combine your individual style with the client's requirements?

Trends come and go, but personal presence is what makes the interior interesting and different, with individual spirit and emotion. 

For me it is important to know how the client imagines the interior of their dreams and whether they plan to bring in objects from another place. If this is the case, I search for these objects' story to reach the kernel that will provide that precious pinch of individuality.

My job is not to impose a visual style on a project, but to make the space fit to the commissioner's expectations and dreams. This is why my projects are so different and stand out with their diverse colours, shapes and approaches. 

Which of your projects has left the strongest memories in you and why?

Each project is important for me professionally and emotionally. I am almost always engaged with their realisation as well, and this leaves an additional mark. 

There are two projects that seemingly have left a brighter mark. In "To Chicago and back" I had to create a cosy home for a couple who was about to return to Bulgaria after living for years in the USA. The clients would continue working for their companies from home, both together and separately. For me this project was charged with strong emotion and the story of returning home. 

In the "3-in-1" project, on a living area of 18 sq.m we had to combine three fully functional key zones. The clients were planning to let the flat, but showed a surprising attention to the details. Their excitement and enthusiasm still keep my creative side awake.

I am happy that my work makes me a witness of so many sweet desires and scenes. This charges me and motivates me to give the best I am capable of.

Phone: 0878 966 177 

FB: Dafinesse / Interior design

www.dafinesse.com