The Art of Penthouse Living with Ina Damyanova

My name is Ina Damyanova, and I’m an interior designer from Bulgaria. As a visual artist, aesthetics and harmony have always been an integral part of who I am. Over the years, I’ve explored various creative fields, including product design, so transitioning into interior design was a natural extension of my artistic journey.

My vision is to create inspiring spaces that radiate warmth, creativity, and individuality — environments that make you feel at home with yourself and connect you with nature.

It is the most significant recognition of my career so far as an interior designer. Winning a gold plaque at this competition is a tremendous honour, especially as Italy is considered the cradle of interior design worldwide. That’s what makes this award so meaningful to me — it adds real value to my work, fuels my creative energy, and motivates me to grow even further.

I believe the full impact of this recognition is still unfolding. However, my team has been incredibly inspired and motivated by this success. Having our work recognised on an international stage — evaluated by a highly professional jury and compared with strong global projects — has given us a renewed sense of direction and purpose. It marks a new chapter in our creative development.

As both an artist and a designer, I believe that true creativity begins with the ability to surprise yourself — and then others. Experimentation is essential in my work; it brings freshness, innovation, and authenticity to every project.

I’m particularly fascinated by mixing new textures and materials, combining them in unexpected ways, and integrating artistic elements like murals, installations, or sculptural accents into my interiors. For me, blending one art form into another is not only a technique — it’s a philosophy and a personal mission.

I love browsing antique stores and flea markets — finding forgotten objects and giving them a second life, transforming what others see as waste into pieces of art. I’m also, somewhat strangely, inspired by hardware stores, where I wander around observing different shapes and materials. But my ultimate source of inspiration has always been nature. It constantly recharges me with ideas, textures, and energy.

I wish people understood that design is a creative, fluid process — not a fixed formula. To me, designing an interior is like painting a canvas: it evolves over time, shaped by feeling, intuition, and experience. It’s dynamic and alive, because an interior, at its best, becomes like a second skin — a personal extension of the human experience.

It’s definitely a challenge, but with time, experience, and a strong professional reputation, clients tend to be more respectful of my creative voice. I always listen carefully and aim to understand their preferences, dislikes, and vision in detail.

But it’s equally important that they trust me to interpret the brief through my own aesthetic. The process is built on mutual respect and trust — and that’s when the best work happens.

One of the biggest challenges was unifying a large space with a cohesive concept and style, while still preserving individuality, warmth, and intimacy. In large interiors, it’s important to create moments of contrast and visual interest — enough richness to engage the senses without overwhelming them.

The most difficult area to manage was a long corridor. I didn’t want it to feel monotonous; I wanted it to surprise. I achieved this by alternating materials and textures, creatively concealing the doors, and using concrete with embedded copper elements, smoked mirrors, and panelled cladding. That transformation brought the corridor to life.

Nature is always my refuge. The sounds, scents, and peace of the mountains — and time with my dogs — help me reset. I also find great inspiration when travelling to unfamiliar places. And sometimes, I simply return to painting. Switching mediums refreshes my creative mind and allows me to approach design from a new perspective.

For me, a space is not just a physical setting — it’s a place for inner connection. Every detail, shape, material, and colour must reflect harmony and support a deeper dialogue between nature and the human spirit. I aim to create spaces that stir emotion, evoke artistry, and never leave you indifferent. Design should be an experience — not just a function.

Be true to yourself. A great designer doesn’t blindly follow trends — they create them. Avoid falling into routine. Stay flexible, stay curious, and protect your individuality. Work with passion and set bold goals — then commit to them with everything you’ve got.

There are many designers I admire, but two names stand out: Marcel Wanders and Kelly Wearstler. What inspires me most is their courage to break boundaries. They are not just designers, but true artists — deeply rooted in authenticity and personal philosophy. Their work is distinctive and memorable, with a recognisable signature down to the smallest detail. That’s what I aspire to — and learn from.

I would love to be asked, “What does your work mean to you?” To me, work is a higher calling that brings joy and meaning both to the creator and those it touches; when it flows from inspiration and love, it no longer feels like “work” at all, and I consider myself truly fortunate to have been given this opportunity and to have made this choice.