Interior designer and decorator, founder of the Details of Happiness Studio, permanent expert of TV projects and participant of the Integrated Solutions exposition Marina Zherenko gave an exclusive interview to BATIMAT RUSSIA. She told how to create atmospheric interiors, what fundamental principles she maintains in her work, spoke about her philosophy and participation in the upcoming exhibition, which will be held from March 12 to March 15 at the Crocus Expo IEC.
The style of each interior created by Marina is unique: it is carefully and thoroughly designed considering the individual preferences of the customer and his family members. All the elements are assembled making up a harmonious interior, decorated in accordance with the principles of design. After all, the designer is almost a magician who can turn the most ordinary room into a true work of art.
Why did you choose to become a designer?
My choice is not accidental. I was a very creative child. I drew a lot and created interiors for my dolls out of improvised materials, because there were no Barbie houses then. I started my career with modeling clothes. My first profession is a designer / fashion designer. So I had experience in combining colors and textures, in composition. Later I began working as a decorator and joined the International School of Design. So I walk along the same road, originally chosen in my youth, and improve myself further. This growth path is endless. And I have work to do.
What are the key principles you maintain in your work, your philosophy?
My main principle is the creation of an atmosphere in the interior. And this is a little more than just beauty and fashion brands. After all, the atmosphere is impossible to see. It can only be felt, being in space. That is why I pay a lot of attention to the personality of my customers.
I get to know them, get to know their tastes and preferences. I listen to them carefully. In a short time I need to learn about these people as much as possible in order to create a comfortable space for them using this knowledge. Not for myself. It is important that the specific interior reflects the customers and their lifestyle. To make them happy. To make them feel good and comfortable. This task is much more difficult than just making a beautiful interior. But sometimes I succeed. I will continue to work on this.
How can you characterize your style?
I don't have any particular style, and I'm glad it is so. I am a person without limits. Any restrictions interfere with my free evolution. My principle is growth through overcoming myself and my capabilities. It is impossible to become better, more interesting and more professional if you go along a good road and do the same thing from one project to another. Therefore, I love to take the challenge. And it is addressed primarily to myself. To do well what I have not done before.
What techniques do you use in the interior?
I don’t use any secret tricks. The most important thing is the state of mind. I sincerely and openly speak with my customers. I don’t try to make friends. I just respect them. I prepare them in advance for the fact that the repair is not a holiday, that difficulties may arise. But we will solve them together. Like a team. Like a tandem. We don’t know if the friendship continues after the repair is over. But at the time of construction, to the very finish, we must be tolerant to each other, focused and inclined to an excellent result.
What materials do you prefer?
I am an experimenter. I’m interested in trying something new and innovative in every project. But definitely I like high quality materials looking expensive. I don’t like excessive gloss and synthetic materials. I prefer everything natural.
Who is your customer, who comes to you?
My customers are thoughtful, charismatic, spiritually developed people, most often emotional and very beautiful. And this is great. I adore beautiful people, lively emotions and the ability to express them. They value innovation while respecting family values.
Do you have a professional dream?
I have a million! I'm for healthy ambitions. Thanks to them I'm on the march. And the more I do, the more I understand how much I still need to learn and to do.
How did you work in television projects? What are the difficulties?
On a TV project you are incorporated into a formed team. There is no point in trying to play boss or acting up. You should assess the situation, accept the established rules and act in a uniform mode with everyone. This is team work. You should also take into account that television projects are created in a high-speed mode. This means that you need to be able to quickly make decisions and quickly change them, depending on the circumstances. And that means you need to be stress resistant. As a joke, I say about TV projects: “Serve your time as it should, and then come back!” These are the words from a well-known army song.
Are you a successful designer? Where does the path to success begin?
I always say that I am at the beginning of the journey, and I am not disingenuous. I sincerely believe that I have done too little so far. But the main thing is that I realize it and I want to do much more! I think that this is where the path to success begins. With awareness and continuous self-improvement.
At the BATIMAT RUSSIA 2019 exhibition, you will for the first time participate with a personal stand in the Integrated Solutions exposition. What effects do you expect and what would you like to wish the exhibitors and visitors?
Yes, indeed, this is my first personal ‘presentation’. I always feel courage and excitement at such events and engage the people around me into this state. In this case – the producers / participants of my concept. I am rather independent minded and at the same time I am able to work in a team and I love team work. It gives me a lot of new energy and joy in achieving my goal.
I learned how not to wait for the result of the work I’m doing. I concentrate on the process itself, get pleasure from it, and I am attentive to everything that happens at the moment. I wish all exhibitors the maximum realization of their plans, and to visitors I can say: have a great mood and get new impressions! I would also like to express my gratitude to the organizers of BATIMAT RUSSIA 2019 for the vote of confidence and the new step in my professional career!