Designer insights with Katie Malik

Katie Malik Interiors is an interior design studio based in Cambridge, providing bespoke and professional design services both in the UK and abroad. The studio specialises in residential interior design, and undertakes a variety of both small and large-scale projects, including hospitality & commercial spaces. Behind Katie Malik Interiors you will discover talented individuals led by Katie, whose passion and infectious enthusiasm for providing efficient and sophisticated design solutions, make any project a unique design journey.

Designer Insights with Katie Malik

Image Credit: 1) The Basket Room 2) 17 Patterns 3) Lux Deco 4) Creation Metaphores 5) Lux Deco

- Transcript -

1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

I would call my style contemporary classic. As commented on by other professionals, interior spaces I create stand out because of their clean lines and crispness.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

I take a truly holistic approach when designing and every design is entirely client-led. Every project starts with an in-depth interview, also known as client brief, during which I ask my clients different types of questions in order to better understand what they would like to achieve in a space. Sometimes, we start sharing a board on Pinterest or ideabook/-s Houzz so I can actually see where my clients’ preferences lie. After the meeting, I produce a concept design, which starts with a moodboard; I take inspirations from all sorts of sources: images of other interiors, textures, colours, shapes, something I see when I travel. This gets translated into sketches, colour schemes and actual pieces.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

When I was working for a high-end interior design studio in London, I had a chance and a pleasure to be working with an extremely creative interior designer, Christina Ojo. Schemes she created were always stunning, and she put a lot of heart into every single space she designed. I was lucky enough to be working on a big project with her, as it was inspiring to watch her put the schemes together.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

I get my inspiration from all sources, food, fabrics, shapes, textures, architectural features, landscapes, objects, even sometimes sounds, so it’s never just one particular thing.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

I used to work as a teacher, but my heart was always with interior design so I decided to retrain. I decided to work in a design studio- learn from very experienced interior designers, get to know the process well from a different, more practical angle, and this was certainly the best decision I’ve made for myself. When I felt confident, I returned to running my own business, so I would say, take every opportunity to learn from the other, more experienced designers and don’t be afraid of showing your designs to others.