MURUDE KATIPOGLU
F O U N D E R O F i n t e r i o r d e s i g n s t u d i o M U R U D É
Embark on a captivating journey into the visionary realm of Murudé, where interior design transforms spaces into immersive narratives. From childhood sketches in Cyprus to creating exquisite luxury interiors, Murude’s journey reflects a lifelong passion for storytelling through impeccable design. Discover her unique ethos, meticulous design process, and insightful perspectives on evolving industry trends.
Murude, could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your journey in the world of interior design that led to founding Murudé ?
I was born and raised in Cyprus. As a child, I loved to draw and paint and would usually sketch everything around me! I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, Murude, who was a dressmaker. She inspired me greatly with her creativity, attention to detail, and love for her craft. Yet, my passion has always been interiors. I moved to London when I was 17 to study interior design and architecture and never looked back!
What inspired you to pursue a career in interior design, and are there any specific experiences or mentors that have shaped your approach to design?
Since childhood, I have loved visiting people’s houses, visualising what I would change, and being curious about the rituals people have in their lives. I found it fascinating how interiors affect people and how they can change the way we feel and live. I love experiencing and seeing a new space for the first time, so interior design felt like a very natural path for me to follow.
Murudé is known for its unique aesthetic and attention to detail. How would you describe the philosophy or ethos that guides your design approach?
Firstly, I start by getting to know my clients. I am interested in uncovering their individual personalities, preferences, and values and gaining insight into their lifestyle dynamics. When we're not working directly with private clients, such as when designing commercial spaces, we develop scenarios of customer profiles and envision how we want clients to feel in the interior. Every space is a unique experience.
Murude Katipoglu by Ben Anders
For aspiring interior designers or entrepreneurs looking to enter the design realm, what advice or lessons learned from your journey would you share with them?
I believe you must obsess over what you do to do it exceptionally. Commit to working hard, care about small details and do not give up when things get tough. Work with different people, be curious, and travel often, which, to me, is the most effective way to draw inspiration and gain new perspectives.
Where do you draw inspiration from when approaching a new project, and are there particular design trends or elements that currently excite or influence your work?
Design is experiential and all about emotions and feelings, so it's usually experiences that inspire me. Travelling gives me an endless source of inspiration. Whether it's the details of the hotels where I stay, the ambience of the restaurants I visit, the ceramics used to serve the tea or the scent of the rooms, I obsess about every detail. Other times, it could be a creative conversation with someone or the old coffee table book I had for years that I look at with fresh eyes while drinking my coffee.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for Murudé in terms of growth, collaborations, or new ventures?
I am always excited about what's coming next! We love collaborating with makers and companies that are experts in their field and are constantly looking for creative people and makers with whom to collaborate. For new ventures, I am manifesting a new hotel project where we can combine our expertise in high-end residential and boutique hospitality design.
As an established figure in the interior design industry, what are some trends or shifts you've observed in recent years, and how do you stay innovative and relevant in your designs?
It's easy to get distracted by trends and what others are doing, especially with platforms like Instagram. There's an abundance of content available. I strive to stay focused on what I am authentically drawn to.
Can you walk us through your typical design process, from initial concept ideation to final execution, highlighting key considerations and challenges along the way?
From initial conversations, I start by determining the mood I want people to feel when they are in that space. This, along with how the space will be used and the environment, helps create a narrative for the design approach. Space planning and sample selection go hand in hand for me and evolve simultaneously. I identify key areas to design bespoke pieces where we could build the story further, and I love layering with vintage and antique pieces to give the spaces a soul. We oversee the construction period and ensure the design is implemented correctly. One of the biggest challenges of our work is relying on many people to do their part correctly, with care and attention to detail, to bring the design to life successfully and on time.
Are there any upcoming projects or developments at Murudé that you're particularly excited about and can share with our readers?
We are currently working on an 18th-century building in Edinburgh, and during the strip-out stage, we have uncovered so many historical details that we are leaving exposed to celebrate. We are also looking for a new interior designer to join our studio in London, and that's exciting for us as everyone who joins the team brings fresh energy and ideas.
