Designing with Emotion: An Interview with Evgeniya Guryleva

Background & Journey

1. Can you tell us about your journey into interior design? What inspired you to move from event design to interiors, and how has that transition shaped your creative approach?

   
   

My journey began in event design, where I learned how space, music, and light can completely transform emotion. I loved creating moments — but I wanted to make them last longer than one night. That’s how I found my way into interiors. It felt like a natural evolution — from temporary beauty to permanent experience. Today, I design spaces that awaken the same feeling of presence and energy I once created at events, but with deeper intention and longevity.

2. You’ve worked in diverse locations — Los Angeles, Cannes, and beyond. How has working across different cultures and markets influenced your design style and process?

   
   

Every place has left a mark on me. Los Angeles taught me about light and effortless comfort; Cannes showed me the elegance of craftsmanship and timeless textures; and New York gave me structure, speed, and precision.

Blending these influences became the DNA of my work — refined yet human, minimalist but warm. My goal is always to create spaces that breathe emotion, balance, and soul — no matter where in the world they are.

Kitchen Design Philosophy & Process

3. When starting a new kitchen design project, what is your process for developing concepts and bringing them from sketches to final execution?

   
   

Every project begins with a story — how the client wants to live in the space. I always start with light and emotion before form. I sketch freely, exploring the rhythm of movement, proportions, and atmosphere. Once the narrative feels clear, I move to detailed plans and material palettes. I believe a kitchen should feel like a living sculpture — functional, tactile, and personal. From hand sketches to construction drawings, every stage carries that same sense of intention.

4. You’ve managed everything from detailed CAD drawings to sourcing finishes and accessories. Which stage of the kitchen design process excites you the most, and why?

The concept phase — when everything is still fluid and full of imagination. I love the early stage when I mix hand sketches with textures and finishes, and suddenly a personality begins to form. That’s when design feels alive — before the logic and structure settle in. It’s like capturing the soul of the space before giving it a body.

5. How do you balance creativity with practicality — especially when dealing with budgets, client expectations, and contractor constraints in kitchen design?

For me, limitations are not obstacles — they’re creative prompts. I always look for ways to preserve the essence of the idea even when adapting to real-world conditions. Maybe we simplify a form, change the finish, or use a more accessible material — but never compromise on feeling. My role is to protect the design’s emotion while keeping the process grounded and efficient.

Kitchen Design Technical Expertise & Tools

6. You’re proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, and 3D Max. How do these tools influence your creative process compared to hand sketching or mood boards in kitchen design?

Yes, I’ve used all of these programs — until I discovered the creative freedom of sketching in Procreate. It changed everything for me. Procreate allows me to express ideas more intuitively and bring a human touch that digital programs often miss. My clients love these hand sketches because they already feel emotional and alive.Sometimes I enhance them with light digital refinement or visualization tools, but I always start from something drawn by hand. For me, technology should support creativity, not replace it. The essence of design will always come from the designer’s eye and imagination.

7. Technology in interior design is advancing rapidly (AI tools, VR walkthroughs, etc.). Which innovations do you see as game-changers for the industry?

Technology is evolving fast, and I see it as a wonderful support system — not a replacement for creativity. Tools like AI or VR can help visualize ideas faster and communicate them more clearly to clients, but they should always start from a designer’s intuition and emotional vision.

I’m most inspired by immersive experiences — walking through a space virtually before it’s built, feeling the light and flow. Yet, no technology can replace the human ability to sense harmony, proportion, and atmosphere. The future of design, to me, is a collaboration between innovation and soul.

Project Management & Collaboration

8. Managing contractors, artisans, and vendors requires both leadership and diplomacy. What strategies have you found most effective in keeping projects on track?

Clarity, respect, and presence. I treat every person on a project — from contractors to artisans — as part of the creative team. When everyone understands the vision, they work not just to complete a task but to bring something beautiful to life. I’m very hands-on during the process — visiting the site, solving problems in real time, and keeping the energy collaborative. When people feel seen and appreciated, the quality naturally follows.

9. Can you share an example of a challenging project where unexpected issues arose, and how you navigated it successfully?

In every project, something always goes wrong — sometimes it’s one detail, sometimes everything at once. I’ve learned to see those moments as part of the creative rhythm, not as obstacles.Once, several things went off-track at the same time — delayed materials, layout changes, and shifting client requests. Instead of resisting, I reimagined the design like a new composition. When I trusted the process, the project transformed into something even more authentic and layered than the original vision.Challenges remind me that design is never static — it’s alive, and that’s what makes it beautiful.

10. As someone who has overseen installations and styling, how do you ensure the final space matches the original design vision?

I believe the installation stage is where vision turns into reality — and this is where details truly matter. I’m always on-site during styling; I adjust lighting, proportions, and accessories until everything feels in harmony. My background in event and visual design helps — I see the whole space as a living composition. The energy, texture, and light must all flow together before I call it complete.

Client-Centered Design

11. Every client has unique expectations. How do you approach client communication to ensure their vision aligns with your professional expertise?

I start with listening — deeply and without rush. I want to understand who my clients are, how they live, and what makes them feel at home. From there, I translate their lifestyle into design language, guiding them through each decision. I see my role as a translator between emotion and form. When clients feel understood, they trust the process — and that trust is where great design begins.

12. What advice would you give to clients who want a stunning design but are working within tight budgets?

Prioritize emotion over quantity. You don’t need ten luxurious finishes — you need one or two strong, soulful elements that define the space. It could be a handcrafted light fixture, a textured wall, or a beautiful natural material used thoughtfully.

In one project, I encouraged my clients to make their own pottery for the bathroom — and we turned one of the pieces into a pendant wall light. It brought a completely different kind of beauty — personal and emotional. The wife loved that her husband suddenly became inspired to create again, and the space felt even more meaningful.

True luxury doesn’t come from how much you spend — it comes from connection, creativity, and intention.

Trends & Personal Insights

13. You’ve designed both individual spaces and entire apartment complexes. Where do you see the biggest design trends heading in residential interiors over the next few years?

I see people craving meaning in their spaces — calm, authenticity, and connection to nature. The new luxury is emotional comfort. Interiors are becoming softer, more textural, and personal. We’re moving away from perfection and into feeling— embracing imperfection, raw finishes, and organic forms. Sustainability and emotional well-being will define the next era of residential design.

14. Are there specific materials, finishes, or design approaches you’re currently excited about experimenting with?

I’m fascinated by materials that carry depth and imperfection — lime plaster, raw stone, aged metal, natural linen, and hand-formed ceramics. I love when a wall or object feels slightly irregular — it tells a story. Recently, I’ve been exploring combinations of smooth and textured surfaces to create contrast and warmth. I want each interior to feel like a piece of art that breathes.

15. Looking back at your career so far, which project are you most proud of — and what made it special?

My first independent project will always hold a special place in my heart. I had just graduated during the COVID period, when finding a design job felt almost impossible. Then, unexpectedly, I was offered to design an entire apartment building — on my own. It was both thrilling and terrifying.

The scope was huge for someone just starting: I had to choose the floors, windows, kitchen, bathroom, and all finishes — everything that defined the atmosphere of the space. It wasn’t about furniture or decoration yet, but about creating the bones and soul of the building.

It was an intense learning curve, but it became the moment I realized I was exactly where I was meant to be. That project taught me confidence, resilience, and how deeply I love design — even in its most technical, demanding form. It was my first real “yes, I can” moment.