29/04/2022 10:00
A delicately gauged elegance becomes the fil rouge of her many renowned interior design projects. But this lightness of form conceals in-depth research on materials and sustainability. Claudia Afshar is an interior and product designer based in Los Angeles, with an international approach: thanks to her background in London and the English countryside, and her many travels across Europe in her childhood, as well as numerous collaborations with brands and clients around the world, which have made her a reference point for the intercontinental design community. She specializes in high-end residences, and has made an environmental focus an indispensable factor in her sophisticated working approach.
The Beverly West Penthouse , Los Angeles © Claudia Afshar Design
In your style we could discover influences from all over the world. Which are the most important?
I’m inspired by many refined details, minimalism, interior architecture, and beautifully curated craftsmanship. I’m always on the lookout and come across so many little details throughout my travels. Such as natural tones, rich textures, and clean lines. I am drawn to simple yet sophisticated elements and tend to find a lot of inspiration while traveling through Europe.
To name just a few, Spain, Italy, and England always leave me feeling full of new ideas. With rich cultures, colorful nature and many different architectural builds and interior styles, these countries give me an endless amount of inspiration. Traveling always has a great effect on my creativity, as it allows me to experience new beautiful places, hidden treasures and more complex design details old and new.
The Brentwood Residence, Los Angeles © Claudia Afshar Design
What is the philosophy that drives you?
We aim for a look of understated luxury with a combination of timeless materials, distinct palettes and pure lines. That means sober design that relies on different hues and textures, with balanced juxtapositions of materials to give rise to a warm, welcoming and functional lifestyle that transmits a sense of being at home.
In your opinion, what does luxury mean today?
Luxury today is quality over quantity. A combination of sustainability, functionality, and simplicity. We value a livable space which can be enjoyed and fully lived in whilst still, beautifully curated. A space that is more spacious and airier, that can provide self-fulfillment and wellness.
The Bel Air Residence, Los Angeles © Claudia Afshar Design
What is the idea of home you translated into distinctive settings?
Home is a place where we feel love and enjoyment. It is the ideal place to entertain, spend quality time with family and friends, and where we make the most beautiful memories in. My definition of a home is where my loved ones are, where I feel calm and represented. It is also where the design and details of a space align with clients or my personality.
My idea of a home is a welcoming place where the flow of beautifully executed details meet functionality. It is a clean and sophisticated environment, with curated design, cutting edge tech, with sparkle and flare.
Your design includes a sustainable vision. Could you tell us about this approach?
I believe it is our responsibility to do our best to live a more sustainable lifestyle. In design as well as everyday life!
In our company, we have made a conscious effort to donate materials from our job sites – such as old appliances, kitchen cabinetry, drapery fabrics and boxes from installations rather than wasting it. We are also mindful of quantity control, where possible.
We feel the industry and our suppliers are much more aware and are producing sustainable and durable options. We are thrilled about it and try our best without compromising the overall esthetic, with so much choice now available it is much easier to accomplish. We custom make a lot of our goods as well and like to support our local vendors and small businesses.
The Brentwood Residence, Los Angeles © Claudia Afshar Design
Will sustainable design be the future?
Yes, absolutely! There is so much room for an eco-friendlier lifestyle today, and I see how innovations are soaring when it comes to designing a sustainable space.
Aside from reusing material, installing solar panels, and using rainwater in our homes, designers as well as architects are more aware of energy efficiency, durability of a space, as well as ecological building material. I believe it is becoming a trend, and a must for many of us.
Author Veronica Orsi ©Medelhan2022