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Meet The Interior Designer: Neydine Bak, Verhaal Studio
Neydine Bak, co-founder of Verhaal Studio and co-creative force behind various concept spaces such as Collective Africa, Bungalo34, and Flamingo Room by tashas, shares insights into her inspirations, personal style, travel preferences, and culinary interests. Her design philosophy is deeply rooted in creating tangible experiences, a passion stemming from her childhood love for special occasions and her mother’s talent for entertaining. This early influence, combined with her grandmother's encouragement of creativity, guided her towards interior architecture, allowing her to curate meaningful spaces.
Bak describes her personal style as classic with a distinctive touch, eschewing trends in favor of pieces that resonate with her and tell a story. She emphasizes that her focus isn't on brand names but on how items make her feel, often incorporating unique jewelry to add flair to timeless silhouettes. This approach extends to her work, where she draws inspiration from individuals who appreciate beauty in everyday moments, citing designers like Tristan Auer for his meticulous detail, Hugo Toro for his blend of heritage and modernity, and Laura Gonzalez for her bold use of color and contemporary materials.
Travel plays a significant role in her creative process, with bookstores being a favorite destination during her trips. She enjoys exploring independent shops and local boutiques that offer handcrafted treasures reflecting local culture. A notable purchase was an embroidered linen kaftan from Lima, Peru, valued for its traditional craftsmanship and personal significance. Another cherished item is a piece from South African jeweler Pichulik, whose work beautifully merges tradition and luxury, serving as a reminder of Bak’s South African roots.
Her aesthetic preferences extend to a monochrome color palette accented with gold and silver, allowing accessories to stand out. Italy holds a special place in her heart for its rich history, architecture, and craftsmanship, which consistently spark new ideas. South Africa, her home country, is another cherished destination, appreciated for its people, landscapes, and culture. Greece is also mentioned for its raw and beautiful scenery, offering tranquility and inspiration.
Bak's home reflects her travels, filled with unique glassware, ceramics, and artwork collected from various journeys. She is currently curating a collection of non-matching crockery and cutlery to create playful and culturally diverse table settings. In terms of literature, "The Culture Map" by Erin Meyer has been particularly impactful for navigating multicultural work environments, and "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg provides continuous guidance for workplace complexities. While not a frequent TV viewer, she enjoys films and theatre, particularly biopics and documentaries, and finds inspiration in the set designs of movies like "Dune: Part II" and "Jeanne du Barry."
A recent stay at Sterrekopje Farm in South Africa introduced her to Agathosma Betulina, a unique herb that inspired ideas for a new residential project and a fragrance. Her music taste is eclectic, ranging from Tame Impala for upbeat afternoons to Nina Simone for relaxed mornings and 80s retro for nostalgia. She also enjoys Purple Disco Machine for dancing with her children. Cooking is another passion, with Ottolenghi, Donna Hay, Thali, and Matt Lindsay among her favorite chefs to draw recipes from. A treasured possession is a colorful, intricately painted pedestal cabinet from Sri Lanka, valued for its unique artistry and the story behind its creation, symbolizing the joy of discovering hidden gems. Bak's diverse interests and experiences continuously fuel her creative approach to interior design.
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