MEET THE DESIGNER

Inside Alak Studio: Crafting Parisian Homes with Flair and Elegance

 

The interior design agency Alak Studio is renowned for creating stunning homes for clients in the Paris region. While skilled in artfully combining lighting, quality materials and softer colour palettes, the studio also has a penchant for adding a touch of the unexpected! 

As a long-term collaborator and fan of Alak Studio’s work, the Riluxa team was delighted to learn more about the agency’s creative process, their predictions for the future direction of bathroom design and why they choose Riluxa time and again to furnish their beautiful bathrooms. Read on as we explore their striking style and share some glorious images of their work.

First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. How did your career in design begin? 

Design has always been a passion of mine, ever since I was little. As a child, I’d ask my parents for pots of paint to redo my bedroom. Once I had the whole place re-decorated, I’d come up with another idea for a makeover … it was basically a never-ending story! And then I got the chance to work on the full renovation of our family home alongside my father – I was barely 15 years old and I was right in the thick of it!

 

Could you talk us through your creative process – how do you approach each client and each new project?  

The key point is to understand what it was about our work that made the client choose to get in touch with us. Then, we take each of their requirements into account. Once I’ve got a handle on those two points, I can start the creative process based on what I love, what inspires me and the elements that I would love to include in the project. I suggest different ideas to the client and all of this helps us come to a more rounded project that reflects both of us – the designer and the client.

 

Featured product: Hatysa Slim Washbasin in Corian® with Back Deck

“Don’t try to be like everybody else. Think differently, there are amazing design ideas emerging that will surprise you!”

What inspires you? Do you have any particular resources or sources of inspiration you return to time and again?

Anything and everything. I use a large dose of imagination and the ability to envisage a space, combining these with a hint of madness and a touch of softness. I like to create interiors that make us feel good!

 

Do you have a signature style? How would you classify it?  

Pure and minimalist. I like to play with textures and materials (wood, microcement, marble…) together with a colour scheme that suits.

 

Riluxa products selected for Project Gambetta: a Bruges Freestanding Bathtub and a Gaia Classic Bathroom Cabinet

 

What would you say are the key trends within the world of bathroom design right now? How would you like to see them to evolve?

I’d like to see people creating spaces that don’t follow the typical layout, with the shower at one end and the bath at the other. Until recently, homeowners have often sidelined the bathroom in favour of the kitchen or the living room. But that’s all changing these days – our bathrooms can be just as stylish as the rest of the house.

I would like to see much a greater variety of shades available when it comes to freestanding or suspended taps – we’ve already seen too much black, chrome and golden brass. I’d like to see them in more sophisticated or striking colours, with matching wastes and overflows as well! Transparent and tinted baths, in shapes other than oval, round or rectangular, out of the ordinary basins such as a wood-effect material or in unusual shapes... In short, I’d like to see more originality!

More originality, more variety – Riluxa delivers with the Genova Countertop Washbasins in black Mineral Stone and a Toulouse Freestanding Smoky Resin Bathtub 

Tell us about your relationship with Riluxa and why you’ve chosen to use Riluxa pieces in some of your projects. Which products have you used?

I’ve used Riluxa products in 80% of my projects, whether it be one of your freestanding basins, a bathroom cabinet or a bathtub. I’m always delighted with the high quality and value that I’m able to offer to my clients by working with Riluxa.

 

Riluxa products featured in Project Longchamp: a Riluxa Tamara White Carrara Marble Freestanding Washbasin

 

Best piece of advice for people renovating their bathroom or designing a new bathroom from scratch?

Don’t try to be like everybody else. Think differently, there are amazing design ideas emerging that will surprise you! Stay away from the standard choices and move out of your comfort zone!

 

What’s been your career highlight to date and what do you still dream of achieving?

I don’t think I have enough perspective yet to talk about career highlights, I’m still on the journey. I dream of working on even bigger and more beautiful and original projects, and also of having even more fun while doing it.

 

Are you currently reading any interesting books you’d recommend?

For me, it’s a real luxury to be able to find the time to read! I admire those who manage to make time for it. Unfortunately, the way my life is right now means I’ve no chance to sit down and get stuck into a good book for a few hours…:)

 

📸 Images courtesy of BCDF Studio.

To explore more stunning images from Alak Studio’s impressive portfolio and learn about their interior design practice, visit their website or follow them on Instagram at @alak.studio

Are you a design or architecture professional who has previously worked with Riluxa? Share your story and showcase your signature projects in our "Meet the Designer" " series. Tag #Riluxa on Instagram or submit your project visuals directly here.