Souraya Hassan is the founder of Binti Home, an interior design and styling studio based in the Netherlands, since 2009. Souraya loves colour, styling and interior design - working on a number of personalised interior projects for the home and office. She is heavily influenced by her Egyptian heritage and Dutch background - both of which inspire her approach to design. Souraya loves creating a design and interior atmosphere that radiates warmth and offers a feeling of familiarity. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Souraya Hassan.
Image Credit: 1-2) Souraya Hassan, 3) I love my type, 4) Fritz Hansen, 5) Souraya Hassan
- Transcript -
1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My style is a mix of modern, Scandinavian and Mediterranean/Arabic influences. My half Egyptian roots reflects my style in the way how I love to work with pure materials natural products like wood, textiles and marble.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
The most important part is to get to know the owner of a home, or the identity of a company. My projects are personal and the most important thing is that the rooms or interior reflects the ideas, identity and feeling of my client.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
For an office design project I worked with some Dutch brands like Arco and Ontwerpduo. The tables are made from local wood and the lighting on the wall is a great piece of Dutch Design.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I get inspired by the daily life… I love to travel and to meet new people. I always think in color palettes so when I visit a city or a place I can get inspired by the mix of materials and colors. And if this is in balance it makes me more than happy, because creating a balance in an interior is really important I think.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I started to work on freelance projects 6 years ago when I finished my Academy for styling and design in Amsterdam. When I graduated I worked part time in an interior store and the other days of the week I work on a various of projects. This is a good way to earn your money but also find out what you like to do. After 3.5 years I quit my job and start to work full time for Binti Home. Try to be personal to your clients and followers so they get to know you and they might want to work with you because they like your style, your work and your identity.
