Bold by Design: Omer Ozturk on Creativity, Culture, and Courage
people • DESIGNERS
At the intersection of quiet luxury interior design, refined minimalism, and architectural depth, Omer Ozturk Interiors curates spaces that feel both grounded and elevated. With a signature aesthetic rooted in natural textures, sculptural forms, and serene palettes, each project is a masterclass in quiet luxury. Discover how Omer transforms interiors into immersive experiences, where every detail tells a story of intentional design and timeless appeal.
Words: designeers
MAY 2025
INSTAGRAM: @omerozturkinteriors
DESIGNEERS
What first drew you to interior design, and how did Omer Ozturk Interiors come to life?
Omer Ozturk
Design, in particular the subtlety of quiet luxury interior, has been woven into my life for as long as I can remember. Even as a child, I found joy in the smallest acts of creativity like rearranging furniture while helping my mother clean, curiously experimenting with object placement, and being instinctively drawn to aesthetics and balance. At the time, I didn’t see it as a future career, just a natural urge to shape the space around me. It wasn’t until university that I formally embraced design, choosing to study interior architecture and fully immersing myself in the creative process. With every project, I felt more certain: this wasn’t just something I enjoyed; this was who I was. My journey through university confirmed what I had always felt deep down: I was born to design. That realisation led to the founding of my own studio, Omer Ozturk Interiors, a space where intuition meets intention and my vision comes to life.
DESIGNEERS
Your work often features bold materials like that pink marble sink. What influences your palette and material choices?
Omer Ozturk
I love using bold materials, colours, and textures in my designs. Pink marble, in particular, is something I often incorporate. As a designer, I’ve always had a special connection to the colour pink, it brings me a sense of joy and happiness that I naturally want to reflect in my work.
My design process is guided entirely by emotion. I choose materials and create colour palettes based on what I feel at the moment. I trust my instincts and allow my inner world to lead the creative direction. Interestingly, while I may not always be brave in other parts of my life, design is where I feel incredibly courageous. It’s in this space that I take bold steps, make fearless choices, and fully express myself. In that sense, my profession gives back to me, it helps me grow, and it gives me strength.
DESIGNEERS
Who are your design or art inspirations, past or present?
Omer Ozturk
There are many people who inspire me in my design journey, but above all, I find the deepest inspiration within myself. Each day, I discover something new in my mind and body, subtle shifts, emotions, and thoughts, and these internal moments guide my creative process. My designs are shaped by what I feel; emotion is my starting point.
Of course, there are also figures in the design world who have influenced me. One of the most powerful has been Billy Baldwin, a legendary interior designer whose fearless approach continues to resonate with me. His belief that “the first rule of interior design is that you can break all the rules” gave me the courage to embrace my instincts. I’ve never been someone who enjoys following rules, neither in life nor in design. I prefer to break them, reimagine them, or ignore them entirely when needed. That freedom is where true creativity lives.
DESIGNEERS
How do you balance beauty with everyday functionality?
Omer Ozturk
If I can make you feel both beauty and functionality in my designs, I’m happy, though to be honest, I don’t always balance the two. For me, aesthetics often come first. A design should look beautiful, even if it’s not entirely functional. If it’s something unique, never done before, and visually striking, I don’t mind sacrificing practicality. Of course, this can change depending on the space. For example, in my bathroom design with a triangular marble sink, it’s not functional, but to me, its aesthetic makes it worth it.
DESIGNEERS
How do you weave in cultural or traditional influences without losing a modern edge? Are clients leaning more toward classic or contemporary these days?
Omer Ozturk
As a Turkish designer, I deeply value the traditions, customs, and cultural elements of my country, and I aim to carry them forward. In my work, I often reflect my culture as a feeling, subtle but present. Blending these cultural influences with my own contemporary style is something that excites and strengthens me. I’ve found that my clients vary: some prefer to stay within the bounds of classical design, while others are more open to modern approaches. My style lies in balancing both, bringing touches of my culture into contemporary settings. For example, incorporating traditional motifs into pillow fabrics is one way I keep that connection alive.
“As a Turkish designer, I deeply value the traditions, customs, and cultural elements of my country, and I aim to carry them forward. In my work, I often reflect my culture as a feeling, subtle but present.”
Omer Ozturk
DESIGNEERS
Top 3 go-to suppliers—who makes the cut?
Omer Ozturk
I’m particularly drawn to the carpets from CC Tapis; their designs resonate with my style, and I love incorporating them into my projects. Similarly, the fabrics from Dedar Milano are a favourite of mine—often chosen for their unique textures and rich colours. When it comes to lighting, Atelier Areti is my go-to. Their designs align perfectly with my aesthetic, and I frequently include their pieces in my work.
DESIGNEERS
Describe your aesthetic in just three words.
Omer Ozturk
Timeless, sculptural and joyful.
DESIGNEERS
Unlimited budget, dream project, what are you designing and where?
Omer Ozturk
If I had an unlimited budget and the chance to work on my dream project, I would love to redesign the interior of a famous building by a past architect or designer, infusing it with my own style and vision. One project that comes to mind is Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier. I’d be fascinated to see how my contemporary touch could transform such an iconic design.
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