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- Franck Lebraly: Mediterranean Artist Interview
Franck Lebraly discusses Mediterranean art, Southern France, Cannes, and the artists who shaped his work, from Klein and Matisse to Cocteau. July 2024 | Art & Culture TURKISH BELOW FRANCK LEBRALY The HERO of our LAST ISSUE words Onur Baştürk T hank you all for your positive comments on the cool cover of Yuzu's latest Aegean and Mediterranean themed issue. Of course, we also have a special thank you! We would like to thank artist Franck Lebraly, whose drawings and frescoes can be found in many exclusive hotels and restaurants in the South of France, for the special drawing he designed for our cover. And now it's time to get to know Lebraly's art inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle... Your drawings have references that remind the 70's Southern France… I think this is an unconscious and undeniable trace: all the images of the French Riviera that have continued to grow in me since my childhood along with masters like Picasso, Klein, Matisse or Leger, and the creativity that emerged in the 70s… But above all the lifestyle of Southern France. Simple and bright like my drawings! I live between Paris and Southern France so I can compare the two. If you like nature, going out, feeling the heat and enjoying the light on your face, life is easier in the south. Your drawings are like a soul relative of the world of Klein and Cocteau. What do you say? There is an obvious connection with Klein. His work has always inspired me. Since it can reflect the power of simplicity with a single color. But I'm not in line with Cocteau. People used to compare me to him. This of course is satisfying and makes me smile. But I feel more like Matisse or Marco del Re. I am trying to do my work in my own style. I WAS LUCKY TO BE CLOSE TO THE SEA AND MOUNTAINS In which part of Southern France were you born and raised? How was your childhood? I was born and raised in Cannes. It was a very happy childhood. I was lucky to be close to the sea and mountains. On weekends we would explore all near villages, Provence and Italy. My father used to show us many of the masterpieces he restored since he was an art objects restorer. Like Picasso. My uncle was a painter and he would sell his paintings at the flea market. FRANCK'S FAVORITE SPOTS What are your favorites about summer? Summer is the time I wait for all year! First, it is inspiring to walk on the seafront early in the morning to catch the first light of the day. Exhibitions are held in many museums throughout the summer to rediscover the works of many artists, which is wonderful. Everything is easy with such beautiful weather, you can spend most of your time outside! Also, being in a culture where Provence, Italy, and the Mediterranean are together is already like a reward. The saddest part is when summer ends. Where are your favorite places in Southern France? Hotels: Hotel le Sud in Juan Les Pins, Hotel Amour in Nice, and La Colombe d'Or in St Paul de Vence. Restaurants: Baba Restaurant in Antibes, Le Mouré Rouge in Cannes, and Maison Fonfon in Monaco. And the modern art museum, The Maeght Foundation. FRANCK LEBRALY Son sayımızın kahramanı Y uzu'nun Ege ve Akdeniz temalı son sayısının (Vol-13) cool kapağı için yaptığınız pozitif yorumlar için herkese teşekkürler. Elbette bizim de özel bir teşekkürümüz var! Çizim ve fresklerine Güney Fransa’nın birçok seçkin otel ve restoranlarında rastlanan sanatçı Franck Lebraly'ye kapağımız için tasarladığı özel çizim için çok teşekkür ediyoruz. Ve şimdi Lebraly'nin Akdeniz yaşam tarzından ilham aldığı sanatıyla tanışma zamanı... Çizimlerinde 70'ler Güney Fransa'sını anımsatan referanslar var… Sanırım bilinçsizce, yadsınamaz bir iz bu: Picasso, Klein, Matisse ya da Leger gibi ustalarla birlikte çocukluğumdan beri içimde büyümeye devam eden Fransız Rivierası'nın tüm görüntüleri ve 70'lerde ortaya çıkan yaratıcılık… Ama her şeyden önce Fransa'nın güneyindeki yaşam tarzı. Çizimlerim gibi basit ve parlak! Paris ile Fransa'nın güneyi arasında yaşıyorum, bu yüzden ikisini karşılaştırabilirim. Eğer doğayı, dışarı çıkmayı, sıcağı hissetmeyi ve yüzünüze vuran ışığın tadını çıkarmayı seviyorsanız, güneyde hayat daha kolay. Çizimlerin Klein ve Cocteau'nun dünyasıyla ruh akrabası gibi. Ne dersin? Klein ile bariz bir bağlantı var. Onun çalışmaları bana hep ilham verdi. Tek renkle sadeliğin gücünü yanısıtabildiği için. Ama Cocteau ile aynı çizgide değilim. İnsanlar eskiden beni onunla karşılaştırıyordu. Elbette bu tatmin edici ve beni gülümsetiyor. Ama kendimi daha çok Matisse ya da Marco del Re gibi hissediyorum. Kendi stilimde işimi yapmaya çalışıyorum. DENİZ VE DAĞLARA YAKIN OLDUĞUM İÇİN ŞANSLIYDIM Güney Fransa'nın hangi bölgesinde doğup büyüdün. Çocukluğun nasıldı? Cannes'da doğup büyüdüm. Çok mutlu bir çocukluktu. Denize ve dağlara yakın olduğum için şanslıydım. Hafta sonları etraftaki tüm köyleri, Provence'ı ve İtalya'yı keşfe çıkardık. Babam sanat objeleri restoratörü olduğu için restore ettiği birçok başyapıtı bize gösteriyordu. Mesela Picasso gibi. Amcam da ressamdı ve resimlerini bit pazarında satıyordu. FRANCK’IN FAVORİ NOKTALARI Yaza dair sevdiğin şeyler neler? Yaz, tüm yıl boyunca beklediğim dönem! Öncelikle günün ilk ışıklarını yakalamak için sabah erken saatlerde deniz kıyısında yürümek ilham verici. Birçok sanatçının eserlerini yeniden keşfedebilmek için yaz boyunca pek çok müzede sergiler yapılıyor, bu da şahane. Böyle güzel bir havayla her şey kolay, zamanınızın çoğunu dışarda geçirebilirsiniz! Ayrıca Provence, İtalya ve Akdeniz’in bir arada olduğu bir kültür içinde olmak zaten ödül gibi. En üzücü kısmı ise yazın sona erdiği zaman. Güney Fransa’da favori yerlerin neresi? Oteller: Juan Les Pins’teki Hotel le Sud, Nice’deki Hotel Amour ve St Paul de Vence’deki La Colombe d’Or. Restoranlar: Antibes’teki Baba Restaurant, Cannes’daki Le Mouré Rouge ve Monako’daki Maison Fonfon. Bir de modern sanat müzesi The Maeght Foundation. for more Print VOL XIII - AEGEAN & MEDITERRANEAN EDITION 2024 Out of Stock Add to Cart
- JOUFFRE NYC: L’écho Furniture Exhibition
JOUFFRE NYC presents the L’écho exhibition, pairing upholstered furniture by Studio Giancarlo Valle and other designers with Enkev natural materials. August 2024 | DESIGN & INTERIORS TURKISH BELOW L’écho exhibition by JOUFFRE NYC words Laura Cottrell photos Joe Kramm Welcome to the L'écho exhibition at the New York studio of Jouffre, the textile brand founded in 1987 by Charles Jouffre in Lyon, the capital of silk! In this unique exhibition, all natural materials are transformed in the hands of artisans into stunning furniture and decorations that whisper the story of a tradition. The showroom presents a stage of upholstered designs that reflect all the brand's past collaborations, including the 'Cage Sofa' by Studio Giancarlo Valle. Jouffre x RRP's Henge Club Chair, Echo Chair designed by Jouffre Design Director Taylor Scott Ross, Pina Coffee Table in walnut and Patagonian quartzite by Brooklyn-based Gregory Beson, Studio Luddite's sophisticated lighting Dormus Sconces and Stagg Lamp, Bowen Liu's modular Plank Side Tables, and Luke Malaney's whimsical Kansas Lamp, sculpted from milk-painted ash with hammered brass shades, add to the showroom's vibrancy. This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a bold expression of historic craftsmanship. Natural materials were the standard in traditional flooring design until the '50s and '60s. This change ushered in a new era that emphasized comfort, style, durability and efficiency, and required the use of urethane-based foams. Enkev was at the forefront, developing innovative natural materials that were compatible with modern production processes. Jouffre has partnered with Enkev to integrate innovative and newly developed flooring materials into the designs on display. Enkev's materials include Cocolok and Taillok - coconut fibers and horsehair rubberized with natural latex. These renewable materials have improved antimicrobial properties that are better for the environment and human health. www.jouffre.com JOUFFRE’den L’écho sergisi Charles Jouffre tarafından ipeğin başkenti Lyon'da 1987’de kurulmuş tekstil markası Jouffre’nın, New York’taki atölyesinde gerçekleşen L'écho sergisine buyurun! Bu eşsiz sergide yer alan tüm doğal malzemeler zanaatkârların elinde çarpıcı mobilya ve dekorlara dönüşerek bir geleneğin hikâyesini bize fısıldıyor. Showroom, Studio Giancarlo Valle'nin ‘Cage Sofa’sı da dahil olmak üzere markanın tüm geçmiş iş birliklerini yansıtan döşemeli tasarımlardan oluşan bir sahne sunuyor. Jouffre x RRP imzalı Henge Club Chair, Jouffre Tasarım Direktörü Taylor Scott Ross tarafından tasarlanan Echo Chair, Brooklyn merkezli Gregory Beson'un ceviz ve Patagonya kuvarsitinden yapılmış Pina Sehpa, Studio Luddite'ın sofistike aydınlatmaları Dormus Aplikler ve Stagg Lamba, Bowen Liu'nun modüler Plank Yan Sehpaları ve Luke Malaney’nin dövülmüş pirinç gölgeli süt boyalı dişbudaktan yontulmuş ilginç Kansas Lambası showroom'un canlılığına katkıda bulunuyor. Bu sergi sadece bir vitrin değil, aynı zamanda tarihi zanaat tekniklerinin cesur bir ifadesi. Çünkü geleneksel döşeme tasarımında 50'li ve 60'lı yıllara kadar doğal malzemeler standarttı. Bu değişim; konfor, stil, dayanıklılık ve verimliliği vurgulayan yeni bir çağ başlattı ve üretan bazlı köpüklerin kullanılmasını gerektirdi. Enkev, çağdaş üretim süreçlerine uyacak şekilde yenilikçi doğal malzeme geliştirerek ön saflarda yer aldı. İşte Jouffre, yenilikçi ve yeniden tasarlanmış döşeme malzemelerini sergilenen tasarımlara entegre etmek için Enkev ile bir ortaklık kurdu. Enkev'in malzemeleri arasında Cocolok ve Taillok-hindistan cevizi lifleri ve doğal lateksle kauçuklaştırılmış at kılı yer alıyor. Bu yenilenebilir malzemeler çevre ve insan sağlığı için daha iyi, daha antimikrobiyal özelliklere sahip. www.jouffre.com
- Sahir Erozan Interview: Maça Kızı Hotel in Bodrum
Sahir Erozan recounts how Ayla Emiroğlu founded Maça Kızı and how he transformed the Bodrum hotel after returning to Turkey from Washington. August 2023 | YUZU BODRUM | Coffee Table Book TR below SAHİR EROZAN Let’s go back to the beginning of the story... It’s 1977. Ayla Emiroğlu opens her place in the heart of Bodrum, naming it Maça Kızı after her curly hair. Years later, her son, Sahir Erozan—who would go on to become a partner in Maça Kızı and turn it into what it is today—was preparing to leave for the United States. Sahir recalls those days: “I was studying at ITU, but the school was frequently shut down due to the political climate. I’d lost touch with my studies. My mom realized this couldn’t go on and sent me to America to study business. While she was starting her Maça Kızı journey, I had begun working in restaurants in the U.S. By the time I was 23, I had opened my first restaurant there.” Meanwhile, Sahir spent summers in Turkey, and the story of Maça Kızı unfolded in different locations—moving from Bodrum’s center to Gümbet, then Torba, and finally Gölköy. “When I came back in 1992, Maça Kızı had relocated to Gölköy. I brought over bartenders I’d worked with in America and made small adjustments to the place. I started enjoying it. After Bodrum, going back to Washington felt harder and harder.” SWIMMING TO WHERE MAÇA KIZI IS NOW After a 20-year journey in Washington, Sahir returned to Turkey for good in 2003. At that time, Maça Kızı had left its spot in Gölköy, and his mother, Ayla, was searching for a new location. “One day, I swam from Ship A Hoy to the area where Maça Kızı stands today. Back then, there was no road access. I got out of the water and sat on the beach, observing the angle of the sunlight and the wind—because these things are critical. In Bodrum, having minimal wind and sunlight that doesn’t disappear early are the ultimate luxuries. This place fit the bill perfectly. That’s how Maça Kızı found its new home.” THE RISE BEGINS IN 2005 “I was lucky,” says Sahir. “We opened at a time when Turkey was experiencing economic growth. Maça Kızı’s recognition on the global stage began around 2005. An article in the New York Times described Bodrum as ‘Turkey’s St. Tropez.’ Bodrum was steadily gaining prominence, and my friends from the U.S. started visiting frequently. As a result, the percentage of foreign guests at the hotel, which was initially around 30 percent, rose to nearly 70 percent.” words Onur Baştürk Önce hikâyenin başlangıcına dönelim... Yıl 1977, Ayla Emiroğlu kıvırcık saçlarından dolayı Maça Kızı ismini verdiği mekanını Bodrum merkezde açar. Yıllar sonra Maça Kızı’na ortak olup bugünlere getirecek olan oğlu Sahir Erozan ise Amerika’ya gitmeye hazırlanmaktadır. O günleri şöyle anlatıyor Sahir Erozan: “İTÜ’de okuyordum ama dönemin şartlarından dolayı okul devamlı kapalıydı. Okuldan kopmuştum. Annem baktı ki böyle olmayacak, beni Amerika’ya işletme okumaya gönderdi. Onun Maça Kızı serüveni başlarken ben de Amerika’da restoranlarda çalışmaya başlamıştım. Derken 23 yaşında orada ilk restoranımı açtım.” Sahir yazları Türkiye’ye gidip gelirken Maça Kızı’nın macerası da yer değiştirerek devam eder: Bodrum merkezin ardından Gümbet’e, oradan Torba’ya ve Gölköy’e... “1992’de geldiğimde Maça Kızı Gölköy’e taşınmıştı. Ben de Amerika’da çalıştığım barmenleri getiriyor, küçük dokunuşlar yapıyordum mekana. Hoşuma gitmeye başlamıştı. Bodrum’dan sonra Washington’a tekrar dönmek zor geliyordu”. YÜZEREK MAÇA KIZI’NIN OLDUĞU YERE GELDİM Sonunda Sahir Erozan, Washington’daki 20 yıllık macerasından sonra 2003’te Türkiye’ye tamamen döner. O sırada Maça Kızı Gölköy’deki yerinden çıkmış, annesi Ayla Hanım yeni bir yer aramaktadır. “Bir gün Ship A Hoy’dan yüzerek şu an Maça Kızı’nın olduğu bölgeye geldim. O zaman yolu filan yoktu. Denizden çıkıp sahilde oturdum. Gün ışığının açısına, rüzgârına baktım. Çünkü bunlar çok önemli. Rüzgârın patlamaması ve güneşin erkenden gitmemesi en büyük lükslerden biri Bodrum’da. Burası her iki açıdan da uygundu. Böylece Maça Kızı’nı buraya taşıdık.” YÜKSELİŞ 2005’LERDE “Şanslıydım” diyor Sahir, “Türkiye’nin ekonomik olarak yükseldiği doğru bir zamanda açtık. Maça Kızı’nın global arenada tanınması ise 2005’lerde başladı. New York Times’da bir yazı çıkmıştı, ‘Türkiye’nin St. Tropez’si Bodrum’ diye. Bodrum yavaş yavaş yükseliyordu. Amerika’daki dostlarım da sıkça gelip gittiler. Böylece ilk başta otelde yüzde 30 olan yabancı misafir oranı yüzde 70’lere kadar geldi.”
- Ariana Ahmad's Moscow Apartment Interior Design
Ariana Ahmad designed this Moscow apartment with travertine, textured wood, custom furniture, Li Chevalier art and pieces by Christophe Delcourt. July 29, 2026 | DESIGN & INTERIORS a SENSE of MEASURE words Elena Grabar photos Eugenia Baranova Custom-designed pieces, collected artworks, and a restrained palette of travertine and wood shape Ariana Ahmad's Moscow apartment, where architecture and collectible design become part of everyday life. SHAPING FLOW Designed by architect and interior designer Ariana Ahmad, the apartment underwent a complete reconfiguration to create a more fluid and intuitive way of living. From the very first meeting, it became clear that the client was looking for more than a beautifully executed interior. He wanted a home with a clear point of view — one shaped as much by atmosphere as by architecture. The resulting interior is defined by restraint, refined materiality and bespoke craftsmanship. Carefully considered artworks, custom-designed furniture and a warm, tactile palette come together to create spaces that feel composed without ever becoming austere. At the centre of the open-plan living space, a structural pier subtly separates the kitchen from the living room while incorporating wine refrigerators, display cabinets and a kitchen island. Rather than acting as a barrier, it becomes the functional heart of the home. The transition towards the corridor and the children's wing is marked by a shelving unit designed by French designer Christophe Delcourt specifically for the project. Functioning as both a room divider and a sculptural object, it establishes rhythm while gently connecting different parts of the apartment. LIGHT AS A MATERIAL One of the guiding ideas behind the project was to preserve a sense of sunlight despite Moscow's often limited daylight. Louvered shutters and a palette of soft, luminous tones help maintain that feeling throughout the apartment, even during the darker months of the year. For Ahmad, preserving a sense of sunlight was one of the project's defining ideas. The walls were finished using a glazing technique, with multiple layers of paint applied to achieve the depth and softly luminous quality of aged plaster. Travertine appears throughout the apartment — on floors, skirting boards and door portals — establishing a strong architectural framework that unifies the spaces. Richly textured wood softens its presence and introduces warmth, while carefully integrated bronze details complete the material palette with understated elegance. CURATED FORMS Rather than being assembled all at once, the furniture and art collection grew gradually over time, allowing the interior to evolve with each addition. Many of the pieces were custom-made and inhabit the rooms almost like sculptures, reinforcing the apartment's distinct identity. Works by French artist Li Chevalier became an integral part of the collection, while sculptures by Portuguese artist Rui Matos introduce a playful artistic presence to the family areas. Several bespoke elements were created exclusively for the project, including the living room library and the bed in the primary bedroom, both designed by Christophe Delcourt. The Valcucine kitchen forms part of the architectural composition, balancing sculptural presence with everyday practicality. QUIET BALANCE Travertine, bronze and richly textured wood lend the apartment a sense of weight and permanence, softened by light, art and carefully considered details. Rather than drawing attention to individual objects, the interior succeeds through proportion, materiality and atmosphere — revealing itself gradually over time. The result is a home that feels layered yet quietly restrained, shaped by trust, thoughtful selection and a shared understanding of how space should be experienced.
- DESIGN & INTERIORS | Yuzu Magazine
Inside Casa MAGMA, SUITE Arquitetos explores curved architecture, mineral surfaces and tactile interiors for CASACOR São Paulo 2026. September 21, 2026 | DESIGN & INTERIORS CASA MAGMA words Noah Mercer photos Pedro Ocanhas For CASACOR São Paulo 2026, SUITE Arquitetos conceived Casa MAGMA for Portinari as a 215-square-metre interior where curved architecture, mineral surfaces and custom-designed elements form a continuous, tactile landscape. Casa MAGMA has a deliberately introspective quality. Designed by SUITE Arquitetos — Carolina Mauro, Daniela Frugiuele, Luiza Monari and Filipe Troncon — the project begins with the idea of shelter, but interprets comfort through more than softness. Lowered ceilings, curved walls, earthy tones and textured surfaces create a sense of enclosure, while the materials gradually reveal their depth as you move through the space. INSIDE CASACOR SAO PAULO Founded in São Paulo in 1987, CASACOR has grown into one of the Americas’ leading platforms for architecture, interiors and landscape design. Each edition brings together architects, interior designers and landscape designers to create individual spaces within a shared setting, often in collaboration with design brands. For the 2026 São Paulo edition, themed “Mind and Heart,” SUITE Arquitetos approached Casa MAGMA not as a sequence of separate rooms, but as connected atmospheres. The living room, dining area, master suite and tea bar unfold around a central space the architects describe as the heart of the project, while sculptural volumes and rounded transitions soften the boundaries between them. A ROOM AT THE CENTRE The shift in mood begins at the entrance. Burgundy velvet curtains, reddish tones and textured surfaces create a darker, more contained threshold before a large curved wall draws the eye towards the main living area. Clad in Portinari’s Vestígios Decor Mix, its three-dimensional surface takes its cue from geological strata, turning an architectural divider into one of the defining elements of the interior. Beyond it, the living room sits slightly below the surrounding floor. Rounded sofas and dense rugs gather around the centre, while broad curves replace hard divisions. Portinari’s Argilas porcelain runs through the central core, with colours drawn from Brazil’s coast, forests and cerrado. A fireplace finished in Petra Fóssil anchors the room and adds another mineral note. Rather than functioning as decoration, the surfaces establish the rhythm of the interior. Furniture, architecture and finishes are closely interwoven, working within a restrained vocabulary of curves, recesses, muted colour and contrasts in texture. FROM SURFACE TO OBJECT At the rear, the kitchen, dining area and tea bar form a more open sequence, linked by diffuse lighting, earthy tones and mineral finishes. A Supra Hide sink by Deca is integrated into the countertop, while the pendant above the island takes the project’s material language beyond floors and walls. Based on SUITE Arquitetos’ Hydria design, it was reworked for Casa MAGMA using natural crystals and tubes made from Portinari Petra. It is one of the project’s more interesting moves. Stone is treated not simply as a finish, but as something that can become an object, a detail or a source of light. The same thinking continues throughout Casa MAGMA, where Portinari’s ceramic coverings and sintered stones move between architecture, furniture and sculptural elements. A QUIETER PRIVATE ZONE The master suite shifts the atmosphere once more. Described by the architects as a “contemporary den,” it feels lighter and more protected, with curved portals, pale fabrics and natural materials replacing the darker intensity of the entrance. Behind the bed, Argilas Decor SRD porcelain introduces an irregular linear texture, while Nogueira Bourbon by Duratex continues through the woodwork. Casa MAGMA is most convincing when its material richness is allowed to remain quiet. The surfaces are expressive, but the overall language stays controlled. Curves recur without becoming ornamental; earthy colours bring warmth without pushing the interior towards rusticity. What remains is a strong sense of continuity between architecture, furniture and finish — less a collection of individual objects than a single, enveloping interior.
- Juliana Cavalcanti: Interior Design Interview in Lisbon
Juliana Cavalcanti discusses her journey from fashion to interior design, Lisbon’s creative influence, and favorite places for design inspiration. July 6, 2025 | VOL 15 JULIANA CAVALCANTI a CITY, a CALLING, a DESIGN JOURNEY words Laura Cottrell & Onur Basturk Is the city that makes you happiest also the one that leads you to your true calling? For Juliana Cavalcanti, the answer is yes. Born in Brazil, her journey took her from São Paulo to Lisbon, then London, and ultimately back to Lisbon—the city where she instantly felt at home and discovered her passion for interior design. A LONG BUT ORGANIC JOURNEY Juliana, let’s start from the beginning. You began your career in fashion, right? Yes, my journey has many different chapters, and each has taken me down a unique path. I graduated in fashion design in São Paulo and worked at a luxury brand in Brazil for a few years. But I always dreamed of living in Europe. I initially planned to move to Milan for a master’s in fashion marketing, especially since I have an Italian passport. But then I visited Lisbon to see my best friend—this was 18 years ago—and everything changed. I felt so incredibly happy here that I decided to stay. I met so many wonderful people who made me feel good, and I couldn’t see any reason to leave. I was young and very free-spirited! I started working at my friend’s fashion showroom, but I soon realized it wasn’t enough for someone like me, who thrives on hard work. So, I moved to London for a job at another company. However, after living there for a little over a year, I missed my life in Lisbon—its sunshine, its people—so much that I returned! I realized this was my happy place, no matter what. I stayed in fashion for a few more years. I launched my own brand and worked as a creative director, which I enjoyed. But Lisbon wasn’t a strong market for fashion, and I began feeling frustrated. Over time, I also started seeing the industry differently—it all felt a bit shallow to me. Around that time, I got an offer to rebrand a new hotel in Chiado owned by a French client. My role as creative director involved elevating the hotel’s image, and I loved it! I fell in love with hospitality and began consulting for other hotels, helping them with creative direction and experience design. Often, we’d also discuss interior design concepts, and that’s when I realized how much I enjoyed that aspect. One day, a client who couldn’t find an interior designer they liked asked me to create the entire space with them. That was my first full dive into interior design. From there, my career naturally shifted towards this field. Eventually, I decided to leave all my consulting work as a creative director behind and open my own studio dedicated entirely to interior design and decoration. It’s been a long but organic journey. There were many challenges, but I can confidently say I’ve found myself and love what I do more than ever before. Design should engage all of our senses. How do you incorporate this idea into your work? Absolutely! Engaging all the senses is at the heart of what we do. When you walk into a space, the first sense that comes alive is your vision. From there, so many details and choices influence how the space makes you feel—touch, sound, and even scent come into play. What’s your top priority in the design process? Colors and textures? Our main goal is to make people feel comfortable and welcome. We aim for subtle elegance—spaces that invite rather than overwhelm. Colors and textures play a huge role. Rich textures add depth and sophistication without being excessive. I love working with warm earth tones because they feel grounding and inviting. Even small details, like the thickness of a shelf or the softness of a curve, can completely change the way a space is experienced. Your designs have a calm elegance. Would you take on a project that prioritizes extravagance? It depends on how far it deviates from our style. I love a challenge, but if a project doesn’t align with my aesthetic or values, I’d rather not take it on. When you’re creative, you need to be passionate about what you’re working on—people can feel that energy in the final result. How does Lisbon influence your work? Lisbon inspires me with its understated beauty, which we try to reflect in our projects. The light, the sense of space that comes from the river, the hills that create varying levels—there’s so much about this city that sparks creativity. Do you prefer designing homes or public spaces like hotels and restaurants? I think I love both, but in different ways. Clients who value design are often more willing to invest in their homes, which allows for more unique pieces. In public spaces, there are sometimes restrictions due to the risk of damage to high-value items, but these constraints can push you to be more creative. The process is also different—public spaces tend to be more dynamic and professional, while home projects are slower and often involve personal family matters, which can make them more challenging. HIGHLIGHTS IN LISBON FOR DESIGN ENTHUSIASTS Which places in Lisbon would you recommend to design enthusiasts? You can find inspiration just by wandering around Lisbon, but here are some highlights: MAAT MUSEUM: The architecture is stunning, and the museum sits along the Tagus River, hosting incredible exhibitions. MUSEU NACIONAL do AZULEJO: Tiles are a signature of Portuguese design and history. This museum, set in a historic palace, showcases their evolution over time and contemporary approaches. GALERIA DACIANO DA COSTA: Daciano da Costa is one of Portugal’s most iconic mid-century designers. This gallery is a must-see. GALERIA BESSA PEREIRA: The best spot for vintage furniture design! Also, don’t miss the incredible ceramic studios (check ahead for appointments) or art galleries: CERAMIC STUDIOS: Studio Mirante, Main Edition + Marta Cypel, Joana Passos, Marta Raimundo, Persson & Miller, Grau Ceramica, Sedimento Studio, Oficina Marques. ART GALLERIES: Galeria Francisco Fino, Galeria Foco, Galeria Madragoa, Galeria Rui Freire, Galeria Vera Cortes, Galeria Filomena Soares. for more Print VOL XV - 2025 Out of Stock Add to Cart
- Jambo Zuri: Zuri Zanzibar Hotel and Travel Guide
Jambo Zuri follows Onur Baştürk at Zuri Zanzibar in Kendwa, exploring Jestico&Whiles' eco-minded design and Václav Dejčmar's island retreat. September 2024 | TRAVEL JAMBO* ZURİ! words Onur Baştürk (*) Jambo means "hello" in Swahili I landed in Zanzibar around 3:00 a.m. after a seven-hour THY flight and entered the island via the temporary airport, which was located in an abandoned container. In the morning, I yawned on the terrace of the bungalow where I was staying at Zuri Zanzibar and it hit me: I had come to a truly exquisite place, the nature was incredible! Situated on the western Kendwa coast of the island, Zuri means "beautiful" in Swahili. It is the result of a 10-year project by Czech entrepreneur and documentary filmmaker Václav Dejčmar. Dejčmar is an interesting profile in his own right. For one thing, he owns the best-known modeling agency in Eastern Europe. He is also the founder of an algorithmic trading company and the DOX modern art center in Prague. Dejčmar summarizes his efforts to create Zuri as follows: "This place is the result of my passion for Zen, the aesthetics of nature, the beauty of simplicity and freedom from the daily routine”. A HOTEL BUILT WITH ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES Zuri is located on the 300-meter-long strip of white sand of Kendwa, a rare spot without huge tidal changes. With a total of 55 villas and bungalows, it's like a small village. A village where modern and traditional African design meet, of course. All the villas and bungalows are surrounded by so much vegetation that it makes you go crazy with happiness. Designed by London and Prague-based Jestico&Whiles, the bungalows and villas have a refined and uncomplicated style. There is enough comfort, no exaggeration. While building Zuri on 13 acres of land, the Jestico&Whiles team took care to act with ecological principles at every point of the process. For example, all roofs are made of “nyasi” (Tanzanian grass) or local wooden shingles. These two were chosen because they are more sustainable than the typical Makuti roof used in the region... Zuri, by the way, is the first African resort to be certified by EarthCheck, a global advisory center specializing in sustainable tourism. To achieve this, the hotel team has implemented a number of technical practices, particularly in water and waste management. For example, they source water from their own wells. They do not use the water sources of Kendwa village. They also use ozone technology (one of the first hotels in Africa to use this mechanism) to remove bacteria from the water they extract from the well. THE SECRET OF SPICES IN THE SPICE GARDEN Zanzibar is famous for its spice farms. It is a wonderful experience to go to one of these farms and eat black pepper or turmeric from the branch and see a vanilla tree. One of the biggest areas in Zuri is dedicated to the Spice Garden. This garden has ginger, turmeric, pepper, cumin and many more varieties. Those who wish can have an interactive workshop on Swahili cuisine full of spices in this garden. WHAT TO DO IN ZANZIBAR - GO TO THE ROCK: You know, the place that keeps popping up on Instagram, on a rock in the middle of the ocean. When I went there, the water under The Rock had receded. Because Zanzibar is a tidal land. The sea you saw five minutes ago can be far away in an hour. - SPEND TIME AT THE KITE BEACH: The south side of Zanzibar is a kite surfing paradise. There are kite schools side by side. - HAVE FUN AT THE FULL MOON PARTY: The most interesting party I went to in Zanzibar was the traditional party of the island which is held every full moon period. All the locals of the island flock to this party in Kendwa and they dance non-stop all night long. - SEE STONE TOWN: Stone Town, the center of Zanzibar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So you should go and see it. If you get lost in the streets of this old town, look out for the gates! These beautiful gates are a mixture of different cultures and at the same time a symbol of the wealth of the old times. Speaking of different cultures, you can sum it up like this: If you go to the Beach House, Stone Town's famous place to watch the sunset, the food options on the menu are listed as follows; Indian, Portuguese, British, African and Omani. Zanzibar is an island that is a mixture of all these cultures. - GO TO THE MANGROVE FOREST: And of course, don't forget to see the forest of mangrove trees that hold the water... (*) Jambo Swahili dilinde “Merhaba” demek. Zanzibar’a yedi saatlik THY uçuşu sonrası gece saat 03.00 dolaylarında indim ve harabe bir konteyner içine konuşlanmış geçici havalimanından sonra adaya giriş yaptım. Sabah olunca Zuri Zanzibar’da kaldığım bungalovun terasına esneyerek çıktım ve o an anladım: Gerçekten nefis bir yere gelmişim, doğa inanılmazdı! Adanın batıya bakan Kendwa sahilinde yer alan Zuri, Swahili dilinde “güzel” anlamına geliyor. Burası Çek girişimci ve belgesel yapımcısı Václav Dejčmar’ın 10 yıllık projesinin sonucu. Dejčmar başlı başına ilginç bir profil. Bir kere Doğu Avrupa'nın en tanınmış mankenlik ajansının sahibi. Aynı zamanda algoritmik ticaret üzerine bir şirketi ve Prag'daki DOX adlı modern sanat merkezinin kurucusu. Dejčmar, Zuri’yi yaratma çabasını şöyle özetliyor: “Burası Zen'e, doğanın estetiğine, sadeliğin güzelliğine ve günlük rutinden kopup özgürleşmeye karşı tutkumun eseri”. EKOLOJİK İLKELERLE YAPILAN BİR OTEL Zuri, çok büyük gelgit değişiklikleri olmayan nadir bir nokta olan Kendwa’nın 300 metre uzunluğundaki beyaz kum şeridinde yer alıyor. Toplamda 55 tane olan villa ve bungalovlarıyla burası küçük bir köy gibi. Elbette modern ve geleneksel Afrika tasarımının buluştuğu bir köy. Tüm villa ve bungalovlar ise insanı mutluluktan çıldırtacak kadar kadar çok bitki örtüsüyle çevrili. Londra ve Prag merkezli Jestico&Whiles tarafından tasarlanan bungalov ve villalar, rafine ve karmaşık olmayan bir stilde yapılmış. Yeterli konfor var, abartı yok. Jestico&Whiles ekibi 13 dönümlük arazide Zuri’yi inşa ederken sürecin her noktasında ekolojik ilkelerle hareket etmeye özen göstermiş. Mesela tüm çatılar “nyasi” (Tanzanya otu) ya da yerel ahşap zonalardan yapılmış. Bu ikisinin seçilme nedeni, bölgede kullanılan tipik Makuti çatısına göre daha sürdürülebilir olması… Bu arada Zuri, sürdürülebilir turizm konusunda uzman olan global danışma merkezi EarthCheck'in sertifikasına sahip ilk Afrika tesisi. Bunu başarmak için otel ekibi, su ve atık yönetimi başta olmak üzere bir dizi teknik uygulama yapmış. Mesela suyu kendi kuyularından temin ediyorlar. Kendwa köyünün su kaynaklarını kullanmıyorlar. Ayrıca kuyudan çıkardıkları suyu ozon teknolojisiyle (Afrika'da bu mekanizmayı kullanan ilk otellerden biri) bakteriden arındırıyorlar. 'SPICE GARDEN'DA BAHARATLARIN SIRRI Malum, Zanzibar baharat çiftlikleriyle ünlü. O çiftliklerden birine gidip dalından karabiber ya da zerdeçal yemek, vanilyanın ağacını görmek şahane bir deneyim. Zuri bu konuda da üstüne düşeni yapmış ve büyük alanlardan birini Spice Garden’a ayırmış. Bu bahçede zencefil, zerdeçal, biber ve kimyon ve daha birçok çeşit bulunuyor. İsteyenler bu bahçede baharatlarla dolu Swahili mutfağı hakkında interaktif atölye çalışması da yapabiliyor. ZANZİBAR’DA NELER YAPILIR - THE ROCK’A GİDİN: Hani instagramda sürekli karşımıza çıkan, deniz ortasındaki kaya üzerine konuşlanmış olan mekan. Ben gittiğimde The Rock’ın altındaki sular çekilmişti. Çünkü Zanzibar bir gelgit diyarı. Beş dakika önce gördüğünüz deniz, bir saat sonra çok uzaklara çekilmiş olabiliyor. - KITE SAHİLİNDE VAKİT GEÇİRİN: Zanzibar’ın güney tarafı tam bir kite sörf cenneti. Yan yana kite okulları var. - DOLUNAY PARTİSİNDE EĞLENİN: Zanzibar’da gittiğim en ilginç parti her dolunay dönemi yapılan adanın geleneksel partisiydi. Kendwa’da yapılan bu partiye adanın tüm lokalleri akın ediyor ve gece boyu hiç durmadan dansediyorlar. - STONE TOWN’I GÖRÜN: Zanzibar’ın merkezi Stone Town UNESCO dünya mirası listesinde. O yüzden gidip görmeli. Bu eski şehrin sokaklarında kaybolurken kapılara dikkat! Hepsi birbirinden güzel bu kapılar farklı kültürlerin bir karışımı ve aynı zamanda eski dönemlerin zenginlik sembolü. Farklı kültürler demişken olayı şöyle özetlemek mümkün: Stone Town’ın meşhur gün batımı izleme mekanı Beach House’a gittiğinizde menüde yemek seçenekleri şöyle sıralanıyor; Hint, Portekiz, İngiliz, Afrika ve Umman. Zanzibar tüm bu kültürlerin karışımı olan bir ada. - MANGROVE ORMANINA GİDİN: Ve tabii suyu tutan Mangrove ağaçlarının olduğu ormanı görmeyi unutmayın…
- Feria Habitat Valencia: 14 Turkish Architects at Vondom
Feria Habitat Valencia brought 14 Turkish architects and interior designers to Valencia, invited by Design-Link for meetings and events hosted by Vondom. October 2024 | DESIGN & INTERIORS TURKISH BELOW TURKISH ARCHITECTS at FERIA HABITAT VALENCIA words Alp Tekin photos Design Link Spain's largest international furniture and lighting fair, Feria Habitat, took place in Valencia from September 30th to October 3rd. This year's edition saw the participation of a team of 14 Turkish architects and interior designers. Invited by Design-Link, the Turkish representative of the Spanish outdoor brand Vondom, the group included Design-Link co-founders, interior architects Senem Atay and Merve Ertürer Güçhan; Ozge & Berat Taşkıran, co-founders of the Vondom Istanbul Flagship Store and Som Interior; Zoom TPU co-founder and interior architect Atilla Kuzu; Bou Design founder, architect Şebnem Buhara; Eke Architecture founder, architect Öznur Turan Eke; Aukett Swanke Istanbul Managing Partner, architect Burcu Şenparlak; Doğuş Construction Director, architect Fatoş Öcal; Mine Sayın Architecture and Design Studio founder, interior architect Mine Sayın; Mimaristudio co-founder, architect Ayça Akkaya Kul; Ofist co-founder and interior architect Yasemin Arpaç; Cisim Design co-founder and interior architect Erdem İşler; and Mer128 co-founder, interior architect Merve Özkardeşler. On the first day, the entire team gathered at the Vondom booth, where they had the opportunity to meet architect and designer Ramon Esteve. The following evening, they were invited to Vondom’s exclusive rooftop party at the Barcelo Hotel, where they met renowned designer Jean-Marie Massaud. TÜRK MİMARLAR FERIA HABITAT VALENCIA’DAYDI İspanya’nın en büyük uluslararası mobilya ve aydınlatma fuarı Feria Habitat her yıl olduğu gibi 30 Eylül- 3 Ekim tarihleri arasında Valencia’da gerçekleşti ve bu yılki edisyona Türkiye'den 14 kişilik mimar ve iç mimar ekibi katıldı. İspanyol outdoor markası Vondom’un Türkiye Temsilcisi Design-Link'in davetiyle Valencia'ya giden ekipte Design-Link kurucu ortakları iç mimar Senem Atay ve iç mimar Merve Ertürer Güçhan, Vondom İstanbul Flagship Mağazası ve Som Interior kurucu ortakları Ozge & Berat Taşkıran, Zoom TPU kurucu ortağı ve iç mimar Atilla Kuzu, Bou Design kurucusu mimar Şebnem Buhara, Eke Mimarlık kurucusu mimar Öznur Turan Eke, Aukett Swanke İstanbul Yönetici Ortağı mimar Burcu Şenparlak, Doğuş İnşaat Direktörü mimar Fatoş Öcal, Mine Sayın Architecture and Design Studio kurucusu iç mimar Mine Sayın, Mimaristudio kurucu ortağı mimar Ayça Akkaya Kul, Ofist kurucu ortağı ve iç mimar Yasemin Arpaç, Cisim Design kurucu ortağı ve iç mimar Erdem İşler, Mer128 kurucu ortağı ve iç mimar Merve Özkardeşler yer aldı. İlk gün tüm ekip fuardaki Vondom standında buluştu ve mimar, tasarımcı Ramon Esteve ile tanıştı. Ertesi akşam ise tüm ekip Vondom'un Barcelo Hotel'in rooftop'ında verdiği partiye davetliydi ve burada ünlü tasarımcı Jean-Marie Massaud ile tanıştı.
- NOMAD Hamptons: Art and Design Fair at The Watermill Center
NOMAD Hamptons brought art, design and open-air installations to The Watermill Center, featuring Gio Ponti, Rachel Hayes and The Oman Collection. July 18, 2026 | Art & Culture NOMAD HAMPTONS: HIGHLIGHTS installation photos Ivan Erofeev (Courtesy of NOMAD) Rather than occupying conventional fair halls, NOMAD has built its reputation as a travelling micro-fair staged inside historic villas, landmark hotels and culturally significant buildings—making architecture as central to the experience as the works themselves. Following editions in St. Moritz, Monaco, Venice, Capri and Abu Dhabi, it made its U.S. debut this summer at The Watermill Center in the Hamptons (25–28 June 2026). Founded in 1992 by theatre director and artist Robert Wilson, The Watermill Center is recognised as a unique space where architecture, landscape and artistic experimentation converge. Over four days, galleries, gardens and open-air installations became one continuous exhibition, dissolving the boundaries between art, design and landscape. 1- Gio Ponti × Robert Wilson: Correspondence Among the fair's most thoughtful exhibitions, Correspondence explored the creative dialogue between Gio Ponti and Robert Wilson through drawings, ceramics, archival materials and collectible design, revealing unexpected parallels between two visionary figures. 2- Fields of Vision by Rachel Hayes, presented by Giorgio Armani Installed across the South Lawn, Rachel Hayes' large-scale textile intervention invited visitors to sit, picnic and inhabit the artwork itself. Rather than functioning as a sculpture to observe, it became a landscape to experience. 3- The Oman Collection by Gaetano Pesce Among the highlights was Gaetano Pesce's final exploration of material and nature. Presented by Kalei NYC in collaboration with the Gaetano Pesce Estate, The Oman Collection brought together the Oman Chair and the monumental Oman Throne—a tribute to Oman's frankincense tree translated into Pesce's unmistakable sculptural language. 4- Gallery FUMI As always, London's Gallery FUMI delivered one of NOMAD's most refined presentations, bringing together works by Max Lamb, Charlotte Kingsnorth, Rowan Mersh and Jeremy Anderson, among others. Throughout the exhibition, craftsmanship and material experimentation remained in constant dialogue. 5- Lola Montes – Flower Flame, presented by Ashlee Harrison Presented by New York-based Ashlee Harrison, Flower Flame introduced another contemporary voice to NOMAD Hamptons' multidisciplinary programme, adding to the fair's dialogue between art, design and material experimentation. 6- Botanical Series by Sydney Albertini, presented by Sisley Paris Sydney Albertini's imagined botanical landscapes brought colour and spontaneity to The Watermill Center, blurring the line between memory, travel and fantasy. Presented by Sisley Paris, the installation became one of the fair's most uplifting moments. 7- Sorgin Gallery Where Light Becomes Form explored Brazilian modernism through works by Joaquim Tenreiro, Jorge Zalszupin, Hugo França, Rodrigo Simão and jewellery by Charo Casteres, placing landscape, light and materiality at the centre of the conversation. 8- UNNO Gallery & K'AB JUUN Mexico City and New York-based UNNO Gallery & K'AB JUUN presented Entre Orígenes, an exhibition exploring how traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve through contemporary design. Bringing together works by designers and artists from across Latin America, the presentation celebrated material knowledge, cultural memory and the enduring dialogue between heritage and innovation. 9- Collectors Lounge by Jessica Gersten Design More than a VIP lounge, Jessica Gersten's installation became one of the social centres of NOMAD. Layering collectible furniture, artisanal materials and works by Maison Gerard, John Salibello, Espasso and Nader Gammas, it reflected the fair's domestic rather than institutional spirit. 10- The Future Perfect The Future Perfect once again demonstrated why it remains one of the leading voices in contemporary collectible design. Works by Chen Chen & Kai Williams and John Hogan explored material innovation through sculptural furniture, glass and functional objects. 11- Eric Firestone Gallery One of the fair's strongest gallery presentations paired Almo Talud's vividly coloured paintings with Torben Gammelgaard's expressive ceramic sculptures, creating an engaging dialogue between folklore, humour and identity. 12- GLIF – Altered Heritage by Habif Mimarlık Representing Istanbul, Habif Mimarlık's GLIF project reimagined historical furniture through architectural interventions in marble, brass, leather, stainless steel and wood. A thoughtful exercise in preserving material memory while giving heritage objects an entirely contemporary presence. 13- Maison Gerard Blending French Art Deco with contemporary collectible design, Maison Gerard presented one of the fair's most elegant displays, where historical furniture, lighting and contemporary works shared the same refined visual language. 14- Todd Merrill Studio Presented as a salon-style installation, Todd Merrill Studio brought together contemporary design and fine art through works by Laura Facey, John Procario, Draga & Aurel and others, closing the fair with one of its most accomplished design presentations. 15- J. Lohmann Gallery New York-based J. Lohmann Gallery presented a refined selection of contemporary decorative arts, bringing together works in ceramics, glass and metal by an international roster of artists. The presentation highlighted material innovation while remaining deeply rooted in craftsmanship.
- BOX 9: The Hall at Denton Reserve in Yorkshire
BOX 9 reimagines The Hall, a John Carr Georgian home at Denton Reserve in Yorkshire, through regenerative design and material innovation for rural luxury. April 13, 2026 | DESIGN & INTERIORS RURAL LUXURY, REDEFINED words Onur Basturk photos Sean Knott, Lucy Franks Denton Reserve is a 2,500-acre estate on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, offering immersive, design-led rural luxury rooted in nature recovery, restoration, and reconnection. At its heart is The Hall — a Grade I listed Georgian home reimagined as a contemporary sanctuary for exclusive hire, alongside a growing collection of retreats including farmhouses, barns, and coach houses. Originally designed by John Carr in 1778, The Hall has now been restored and reinterpreted by the London-based studio BOX 9. Once an ornate wedding venue, it has been quietly transformed into a place of renewal — where craftsmanship, conservation, and material innovation meet. From cork-clad walls and recycled concrete basins to art commissions celebrating collaboration and locality, every element was chosen with intent. Far beyond a restoration, The Hall is a meditation on restraint and regeneration — an invitation to reconnect with land, nature, and self through design that is both radical and deeply human. OUR DESIGN APPROACH WAS RİGOROUS — ONLY WHAT HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT COULD ENTER THE HALL The Hall represents a complete departure from the traditional country house aesthetic. What was the starting point for this bold approach? The client’s mission was to restore the land’s health and biodiversity across the estate. They first approached us about our BERTS cabins for the walled garden, but once we understood the scale of their ambition, it was clear our architectural practice and cabin business were perfectly aligned. Their goal was for Denton Reserve to become a carbon-sequestering estate; ours, to restore its buildings with natural materials and sustainable construction — redefining rural luxury and reimagining what a country estate could be. The Hall, a magnificent John Carr building set within a breathtaking landscape, offered an extraordinary opportunity and an equally great responsibility. We’re deeply grateful to be the custodians of this new chapter, guided by the principle of creating something that endures and inspires positive change. LETTING THE BUILDING BREATHE You’ve spoken about “emptying the building so it could breathe again.” How did this philosophy guide your process, especially when working with such a historically significant structure? Our first impression of the Hall was one of noise and inherited opulence. It felt out of step with the current moment. Of course, stately homes like this have long been inaccessible to most people — but now, in the face of a climate crisis and cost-of-living crisis, that excess felt even more jarring. As a practice, we shy away from excess. We constantly ask: does this material, object or gesture need to be here? Does it change how the space feels? If it’s just decoration, and the positive impact isn’t clear, then we’ll often leave it out. There was such an overwhelming desire to strip the Hall back to its majestic bones and start again. Once we removed the layers, we could reimagine a new chapter — one of quiet, thoughtful, and deeply intentional design. Of course, we couldn’t remove anything protected under the building’s listing, but by stripping back the excess, the architecture could finally breathe again. DESIGNERS MUST GO BEYOND BEING ‘LESS WASTEFUL’ The choice of materials is striking — from 100% post-consumer plastic and recycled concrete to cork, crushed olive stones, and locally sourced oak. What drew you to these specific material stories? Our design approach was rigorous. Nothing could enter the Hall unless we believed it would have a positive impact. We asked ourselves: is there a material innovation, or an abundant local resource, that can help restore rather than deplete? Time and again, we were led back to the beauty of nature — especially trees, in all their forms: oak, bark, cork, seeds, needles, and even 100% post-consumer waste paper. We didn’t just want to design beautifully crafted pieces; we wanted to help clean up some of the waste left by the construction industry. That’s why we explored high-waste content concrete and tiles, and found ways to give new life to discarded materials. We achieved this by working with materials and makers who honour nature — who work reciprocally with what it gives us, without draining it. Designers can’t simply aim to be “less wasteful”; our decisions must go further. They must clean up waste. They must give back. They must have a positive impact. We sought a careful balance between respecting the history of the Hall and embracing the future it now has a duty to help protect. Collaboration seems central to the project, with names like Jan Hendzel, Ted Jeffries, and Anarchy Art Club involved. How did these creative partnerships shape the outcome? Our greatest joys come from collaborating with gifted, passionate makers. When those relationships are nurtured and creatives are given respect and freedom, the results are remarkable. It will take many hands to tackle the climate crisis, so collaboration is essential. Beyond that, in a disconnected, screen-led world, the act of creating together — in workshops, in nature — is deeply uplifting. LUXURY TO US IS THE PRIVILEGE OF TIME You often speak of redefining luxury for a new generation — what does “new luxury” mean to you? Luxury to us is the privilege of time — to have the time and space to do things differently. To create new experiences. To reconnect with nature, with yourself, and with people you love. It’s not about excess. It’s about presence. How did you envision the guest experience, and how does the design foster connection with the building, the landscape, and one another? The aim of the Hall was to restore — to bring a calm and connected energy to guests, but also to surprise, excite, and inspire. By creating spaces so deeply connected to the landscape and to the wider nature recovery on the estate, you invite people to look at their impact on the environment differently. If guests fall in love with nature and with craft, they become custodians of the land, extending the restoration project. DESIGN AS ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP The Hall is positioned as part of Denton Reserve’s wider regenerative vision. Could you tell us more about how this project connects to that larger mission? The mission of the Reserve is to allow nature to recover, to sequester carbon, and to tackle the climate crisis. Our design approach is entirely woven into that wider nature recovery mission. We set ourselves an incredibly high bar: nothing was allowed back into the Hall unless it had a positive impact on the planet. Our goal was not only to restore the health of the environment piece by piece and support talented makers aligned with that mission, but also to create a setting that invites nature back in — a place where people could reconnect with, and fall back in love with, the natural world. Almost every piece returned to the Hall was either inspired by natural forms, made using natural materials, or shaped by the hands of exceptional makers equally committed to restoring balance between people and nature. The design invites quiet reflection. It’s wild and challenging, yet calming and peaceful — encouraging people to consider their own relationship with nature and their impact on the landscape around them. BEYOND SUSTAINABILITY Founded in 2007, BOX 9 has developed a design language that is both restrained and radical. How would you describe this philosophy in your own words? We believe design must now move beyond sustainable — towards regenerative and restorative. Our mission is to help people feel that spaces which restore and have a positive impact on the planet, and on all the people involved in making them, are not only the most beautiful solution — they’re the only viable one. Almost every decision and object we bring into our designs has a story that draws us in. Whether it’s timber fallen in a storm and reworked into something incredible, ceramics sculpted with intent and texture, or a discarded slab of stone reimagined as a centrepiece table — everything is chosen with purpose. Even the paint on our walls is made from crushed olive stones by a company on a mission to change the industry. Lucy and our team of trusted collectors personally source antiques that complement these stories. We work with natural, reclaimed, and waste materials, and place equal value on the people and planet that shape and surround our work. Our studio is grounded in collaboration and constant reflection. We actively measure the positive impact of our designs and are always evolving our process. THREE MINDS IN BALANCE As co-founders, how do you and Caroline Hunter balance and complement each other’s creative instincts within the studio? We’re actually a trio of passionate women with very different but deeply complementary strengths. Caroline and I founded the studio, and we brought Lucy on board a few years ago. I’m the wild chaos, Caroline is the discipline, and Lucy brings new growth and harmony — the glue that holds us all together. Creatively, our minds are beautifully balanced. We all share a passion for design excellence — for meticulously considered, detailed work where nothing makes the final edit unless it’s essential to the feeling of a space. BOX 9 works holistically across architecture, interiors, furniture, and styling. How does this “one sculpted form” approach influence the way you design? Every part of our design — from spatial flow and architectural form to textures, tones, and objects — is considered together, from day one, as part of one sculpted whole. It’s a true balancing act, where each element is integral to the final feeling. Styling and texture aren’t layered on later; they’re developed alongside the structure itself. We think about how pieces are placed, how they’re lit, the views they create, and how they relate to one another. - The full story is featured in Vol.17 - Print VOL XVII - 2025 Out of Stock Add to Cart
- The Verse: Boutique Hotel in Lisbon by Studio Astolfi
The Verse is a boutique hotel in Lisbon’s São Bento neighbourhood, with interiors by Studio Astolfi and a distinctly local way of staying. February 11, 2025 | VOL 17 THE VERSE, LOCAL WAY words Onur Baştürk photos Francisco Nogueira I’ve stayed in all kinds of hotels across Lisbon — design-led, heritage, hidden gems — so I’d say I know the city’s hospitality scene pretty well. Yet The Verse, one of Lisbon’s newest boutique stays, instantly made it to my shortlist of favourites. Mostly because, for the first time, I actually felt like a local. Every morning I’d step out and head two doors down to Hello, Kristof, the effortlessly cool café that also hosts the hotel’s breakfast. It quickly became my little ritual — an Americano, a few pages from a magazine, the quiet buzz of São Bento waking up around me. But what really sealed the deal was the interior design by Studio Astolfi. The space nails that elusive blend of warmth and restraint — terracotta, olive green and chalky whites in perfect harmony. After a long day, walking into my room felt less like checking into a hotel and more like returning to a home in another city. For anyone who travels often, that feeling is rare — and precious. Because let’s be honest: a room that screams go out instead of slow down can be draining. Sometimes all you want is to stay in, breathe, and let the space hold you. The Verse understands that balance. A FEW QUICK NOTES – Perfectly placed on Rua de São Bento, one of Lisbon’s most characterful streets. – The lobby-bar hybrid is a smart nod to how people travel now — fluid, informal, always open. – Portuguese craftsmanship is everywhere, from artworks to bespoke details. – The founders — Andrew and Anna Richardson and David and Henry Clarkin — are all seasoned travellers who wanted a hotel that feels like home. Mission accomplished. - The full story is featured in Vol.17 - Print VOL XVII - 2025 Out of Stock Add to Cart
- Julie de Halleux: Lisbon by Design Founder Interview
Julie de Halleux discusses Lisbon by Design, the Lisbon fair she founded, and its focus on Portuguese craftsmanship, slow design, and sustainability. May 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS JULIE DE HALLEUX: the CREATIVE MIND BEHIND LBD Now in its fifth year, Lisbon by Design (LBD) has established itself as one of Portugal’s most thoughtful and distinctive design fairs, celebrating local craftsmanship, contemporary creativity, and slow design values. We spoke to Julie de Halleux, founder and curator of the fair, about the vision behind the event, its evolving identity, and what sets it apart from the European design scene. What inspired you to launch Lisbon by Design? Can you tell us about the original idea behind the fair and what gap you saw in Portugal’s creative scene? I’ve always loved visiting design fairs abroad—they were a great source of inspiration. When I moved to Portugal, I realized there was a real gap: so many incredibly talented artisans and designers were creating beautiful work, but they didn’t have the visibility they deserved, especially internationally. I felt it was both necessary and exciting to create a platform that could highlight these talents and give them the stage they lacked. What felt unique was the idea of asking each participant to produce new, one-of-a-kind pieces specifically for the fair. That creative challenge became central to the DNA of Lisbon by Design. IT’S NOT A COMMERCIAL SHOWROOM How would you describe the spirit and identity of Lisbon by Design? What makes it different from other design fairs in Europe? What makes Lisbon by Design truly different is that every piece presented is made in Portugal—and made for the fair. It’s not a commercial showroom; it’s a curated, immersive experience where each designer is present, engaging directly with the public. We don’t work with many galleries—most of the participants are the creators themselves. This fosters a real sense of authenticity and exchange. You can feel the soul in each room. To my knowledge, there’s no other fair quite like it in Europe. Now in its fifth year, how has the fair evolved since its early editions? It has evolved into a real platform. What began as a design fair has become a space where connections are made—between designers and collectors, architects, real estate developers, and international journalists. I’m proud to say we now attract visitors from abroad who come specifically for the fair. We’ve also expanded beyond the annual event: we organize monthly studio visits in Lisbon, allowing people to go behind the scenes, understand the creative process, and meet the designers in their own environments. CURATION IS AT THE HEART OF LISBON BY DESIGN This year’s edition has a notably international scope. What led to that decision? How do you see the balance between showcasing Portuguese talent and introducing international voices? Every edition features a mix of Portuguese and international designers—but they all have to produce their work in Portugal. That’s our red thread. We love seeing how foreign designers engage with Portuguese culture and traditional techniques—it often results in unexpected and inspiring pieces. This year, alongside the Portuguese designers, we’ll present some Polish, French, Brazilian, and Belgian designers, all working locally. It brings a fresh perspective on Portuguese craftsmanship and creates rich cross-cultural dialogue. Sustainability, craftsmanship, and soul seem central to the fair’s curation. How do you choose the participants, and what kind of narrative are you hoping to build through their work? Curation is at the heart of Lisbon by Design. We select designers who work with genuine materials—ceramics, wood, metal, textiles, glass—and who create with intention, depth, and aesthetics. Every piece must feel soulful, collectible, and aligned with a narrative of sustainability and authenticity. We aim to show the richness of materials, techniques, and stories, always with a fresh selection each year. For this edition, we’ve placed an even stronger focus on sustainability, which we believe is crucial moving forward. THE PALACE PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN THE FAIR’S MAGIC The setting—Palacete Gomes Freire—is quite unique. How does the venue influence the atmosphere and experience of the fair? The palace plays a huge role in the fair’s magic. It’s a private house, full of light, right in the center of Lisbon. Its many rooms allow us to host around 30 designers, each creating their own intimate atmosphere. Visitors often say it feels more like stepping into a beautiful home than attending a fair. Beyond the fair itself, do you see Lisbon by Design growing into something more—perhaps a platform, a community, or a movement? Absolutely—it already has. What started five years ago as a fair is now a platform, a community, and I would say even a movement. We’ve created something that puts Portuguese design and craftsmanship on the map, and that supports artists throughout the year with studio visits and collaborations. What’s your long-term vision for it? My long-term vision is to grow Lisbon by Design even further—ideally finding a larger venue and stronger financial support so we can scale up. I’d also love for it to travel internationally, bringing this unique blend of Portuguese talent and soul to other cities.
- New York Hot Spots: NY Gastro Restaurant and Bar Guide
New York Hot Spots presents an NY Gastro guide to restaurants and bars, from Dhamaka and Cosme to Iris and Sunday in Brooklyn, New York. Kasım 2022 | Travel | Amerika for english Yazı Onur Baştürk New York Hot Spots N ew York demek aynı zamanda yeni yeme-içme noktaları keşfetmek demek. O zaman yuzu’nun (hepsi denenmiş) NY Gastro listesine göz atın. * Portekiz ve Çin mutfağı karışımı restoran bar MACAO. * Zamanında yemek eleştirmenlerinin favorisi olmuş, Rahi ve Adda Indian Canteen'in şefi ve ortağı Chintan Pandya ile restorancı Roni Mazumdar’ın Essex Market içinde geçen yıl açtığı yeni Hint mutfağı restoranı DHAMAKA. * Çin'in Jiangnan bölgesinden gelen malzemelerle menüsü oluşturulmuş, Longjing adlı karidesi dillere destan olan Queens’teki CHELI. * Peru mutfağının Fransız mutfağı ve diğer mutfaklarla melez hali olarak nitelenen yeni ve gözde CONTENTO. * Meksika mutfağının sofistike ve fine-dining hali COSME. * İyi margarita içmekiçin Cosme’nin kardeş mekanı ATLA. * “İnsanların İspanya'da yediklerinin en filtrelenmemiş hali” diye nitelenen, Bask mutfağına övgü niteliğindeki ERNESTO’S. * Akdeniz geleneklerinden ilham alan şef John Fraser’in Türk ve Yunan mutfağına olan hayranlığını dile getirdiği, menüsünde pide ve bolca Türk şarabı barındıran IRIS * İyi kahvaltı için SUNDAY in BROOKLYN. * Klasik Amerikan kahvaltısı ve öğle yemeği için EMPIRE DINER’a. * Parti ortamında İtalyan restoranı için MAMO’ya. * Teras bar için JIMMY’ye, DUMBO HOUSE’a, 1 Hotel’e ve RH ROOFTOP’a. * İyi kokteyl ve ambiyans için MACE ve DANTE’ye. * İtalyan ve Japon mutfağı melezi KİMİKA’ya. * Eklektik menüsüyle öne çıkan, çeşidi bol mezcalli kokteylleriyle baş döndüren Brooklyn’deki FANDI MATA’ya. * Omar’s adlı restoranıyla bilinen Omar Hernandez’in La Goulue adlı Fransız restoranı içinde açtığı OH LA LA! adlı yemekli kulübe. * Ayrıca vazgeçilmeyen klasiklere: Jean Georges restoranı ABC Kitchen’a, İtalyan mutfakları Carbone ve Bar Pitti’ye, Balthazar’a, Red Rooster’a, Butcher’s Daughter’a, Buvette’e. New York also means discovering new eating and drinking spots. Then check out yuzu's (all tried) NY Gastro listing. * A mix of Portuguese and Chinese cuisine restaurant bar MACAO. * DHAMAKA, the new Indian cuisine restaurant opened last year in Essex Market by Chintan Pandya, chef and partner of Rahi and Adda Indian Canteen, and restaurateur Roni Mazumdar, once a favorite of food critics. * CHELI in Queens, whose menu is created with ingredients from the Jiangnan region of China, and the legendary shrimp named Longjing. * The new and popular CONTENTO, which is described as a hybrid of Peruvian cuisine with French cuisine and other cuisines. * COSME is the sophisticated and fine-dining version of Mexican cuisine. * ATLA Cosme's sister venue for good margaritas. * ERNESTO’S, a tribute to Basque cuisine, described as “the most unfiltered version of what people eat in Spain”. * Inspired by Mediterranean traditions, IRIS, where Chef John Fraser expresses his admiration for Turkish and Greek cuisine, includes pide and plenty of Turkish wine in its menu. * SUNDAY in BROOKLYN for good breakfast. * To EMPIRE DINER for classic American breakfast and lunch. * To MAMO for the Italian restaurant in a party setting. * To JIMMY, DUMBO HOUSE, 1 Hotel and RH ROOFTOP for terrace bar. * To MACE and DANTE for good cocktail and ambiance. * To FANDI MATA in Brooklyn, which stands out with its eclectic menu and dazzles with its variety of mezcal cocktails. * Omar Hernandez, known for his restaurant called Omar's, opened in the French restaurant La Goulue, OH LA LA! dining hut. * Also to the indispensable classics: Jean Georges restaurant ABC Kitchen, Italian cuisines Carbone and Bar Pitti, Balthazar, Red Rooster, Butcher's Daughter, Buvette. Çapa 1
- ART
Eylül 2020 | Art | Türkiye click for english İçinden Matisse ve Warhol geçen minyatürler Yazı | Onur Baştürk Ö nce Mamut Art Project’te, daha sonra da 2017 yılında Londra’daki Saatchi Galeri’de sergilenen ”Mitoloji” serisinde minyatür sanatını Starbucks kahve bardaklarına taşımıştı. Taner Ceylan’ın küratörlüğünü yaptığı “Olimpos / Portreler-1” sergisinde ise şeffaf kağıt üzerine tamamı 24 K. gerçek altınla yapılmış “Otoportre” isimli çalışmasıyla dikkatleri çekmişti. Onu kısaca “minyatürü güncel hale getiren sanatçı” diye tanımlayabilirim. Onur Hastürk’ten bahsediyorum. Şu anda Anna Laudel Düsseldorf’ta açılan ve ekim ayı sonuna kadar sürecek “Asimilasyon” sergisiyle gündemde. Serginin ana damarı Matisse ve Warhol. Onları buluşturan ise minyatür. İşte Onur Hastürk’ün kendine has dünyası… “Asimilasyon” sergisinde minyatürün dünyasıyla Henri Matisse ve Andy Warhol'un dünyasını kesiştirmek nereden aklınıza geldi? Farklı dünyaları buluşturmaktan alınan haz mı yoksa yurtdışına yönelik bir hamle mi bu? Uzun süredir Doğu-Batı, geleneksel-güncel, geçmiş ve günümüz arasında bağ kurmaya çalışıyorum. Üretim süreçleri öncesinde de yoğun okuma ve araştırmalar yapmaktayım. Böyle bir esnada Goethe Enstitüsü’nde düzenlenen “Modern Sanatta İslam Estetiği” başlıklı sempozyumun 2005 Aralık tarihinde yayımlanan bildiriler kitabında Henri Matisse’in 1910 yılında Münih’te, Ernst Kühnel tarafından düzenlenen “İslam Sanatının Şaheserleri” sergisini ziyaretinin ardından söylediği şu sözler sergimin çıkış noktasını oluşturdu: “Doğu minyatürleri benim için mümkün olan duyu algılamalarının bütün biçimlerinin farkına varmamı sağladı. Bu minyatürlerde kullanılan resim türü ile bu sanat büyük ve gerçekten kendine has bir alanı ifade ediyor. Bu da benim taklitçi resimden kurtulmama yardımcı oldu”. Vay, bunu bilmiyordum… Öte yandan Matisse, özellikle 1910-1929 yılları arasında “Odalisque” (Türkçe kökenli “Odalık”) adını verdiği elli civarındaki yağlıboya resim çalışmasıyla beni kendine çeken sanatçıların başında oldu. Doğu sanatından feyz alarak, batıda yeni bir dönem açan ve zihnimde kıvılcımlar çakmasına sebep olan Matisse’in bu resimleri bende kendi kültür ve geleneklerimin etkileşimiyle birlikte yeniden asimile etme arzusu oluşturdu. BİZİ BİRBİRİNE BAĞLAYAN GÖRÜNMEZ BAĞ Peki Warhol? Warhol’un “A Gold Book” kitabı ve serisinde yer alan kağıt üzerine altın kaplama olarak yaptığı çizimlerde farklı desenleri (kadın ayakkabıları, feminen oğlanlar, davetkar figürler vb.) beni inanılmaz etkilemiştir. “Altın”ın yüzyıllar içinde sanat malzemesi olarak kullanımı ve sanattaki çok katmanlı ilişkisi benim için hep ilgi çekici oldu. Andy Warhol’un eserlerimdeki ilk yansıması ise katılımcısı olduğum ve güncel sanatta görünür olmamı sağlayan 2016 Mamut Art Project’te, Starbucks kâğıt bardakları üzerine klasik minyatür eserleri yorumladığım “One More Coffee” serisiyle başladı. Böylece batı sanatının parlayan yıldızları Matisse ve Warhol’la farklı zamanlarda da olsak, bizi birbirine bağlayan görünmez bir bağın olduğunu farkettim. Aslında her şey oradaydı, karşımda beni bekliyordu. Geriye sadece şimdiki zamanda bir minyatür sanatçısının gözünden bunun nasıl görüldüğünü göstermek kalmıştı. Dolayısıyla 110 yılın ardından (mekansal bir referansla), Matisse eserlerinin klasik minyatür üslubunda yeniden yorumlandığı bu sergiyi, ilk olarak Almanya / Anna Laudel Düsseldorf Galeri’de izleyiciyle buluşturma fikri ortaya çıkmış oldu. HEP KABINA SIĞMAYAN BİR ADAM OLDUM Minyatür gerçekten her alana uyarlanabilir mi? Sınırları var mı? Ne kadar özgür olunabilir minyatürde? Ana sanat dalım Tezhip ve Minyatür ama eğitimim boyunca fakültedeki diğer tüm geleneksel ve plastik sanatların üretim disiplinlerine de ilgim oldu. Hocalarımız bize eğitim yıllarında gelenekselin bir oda olduğunu ve bu odanın içinde istediğimizi yapabileceğimizi söylediler. Ama ben hep kabına sığmayan bir adam oldum. O odaya pencereler çizdim gökyüzünü görebilmek için, kapılar çizdim başka odalara geçebilmek için, fırça benim elimdeydi ve sınır yalnızca kendimdim… Yüksek lisansımı Süleymaniye Yazma Eserler Kütüphanesi’ndeki “Suver-ul Kevakib” adlı 15. yüzyıla ait bir astronomi kitabının analizi üzerine yazarken, tezimi bitirmeme yakın Mamut Art Project‘e kabul edildim ve orada da Starbucks’ın kağıt bardaklarının üzerlerine saray nakkaşhanelerinde sultanlar için nakşedilen minyatürleri ve tezimde incelediğim burçların minyatür figürlerini yeniden yorumladım. MİNYATÜR BENİ SEÇTİ Peki en başta neden minyatürü seçmiştiniz? Açıkçası ben onu değil de, sanki o beni seçti. Varoluşu anlamaya ve kendimi tanımaya çalıştığım bu yolculuğumda sanatın bana yol göstermek için hep bambaşka ufuklar açtığını düşünürüm. Geleneksel sanat anlayışı; yeryüzü gibi görünen ve görünmeyen sınırlarla (coğrafi, siyasi, kültürel, inanç vb.) çevrili. Sanki bir simülasyon içindeymişiz gibi; karşımızda figürler, desenler var ama gölgeleri yok. Aslında iki boyutlu ama içinde sonsuzluğa açılan boyutlar saklı. Her zaman bir kuralı bir sınırı var, ama benim için bu sınırları kullanarak sınırsızlığa ulaşılacak bir akıl oyunu gibi… İçinde olduğunuz odadan başka odalara geçmenizi sağlayan kapılar açıyor zihninizde. Ben bazı kapıların eşiğinde durup sadece içeriyi izlerken bazılarından da içeri girip yeni ve farklı yaşamları keşfediyor ve bu yaşamları kendi hayatıma asimile ederek kendimi yeniden tanımlıyorum. Serginin adı “Asimilasyon”. Aslında negatif içeriği olan bir kavram. Yaptığınız sentez asimilasyona girer mi yoksa bu kavramdan kastınız başka bir durum mu? Sanat tarihçi Thadeus Jay Dare Dowad tarafından sergi kataloğuna yazılan bir yazıyı alıntılamak isterim: “İslam sanatı her zaman Roma ve Bizans’ın ve İslamiyet öncesindeki İran, Afrika, Güney Asya ve Çin’in sanat geleneklerini harmanlayan asimilatif bir varlık oldu. Doğu ve Batı sanat kültürleri için bir pota olarak, İslam sanatı yüzyıllar boyunca İslami alanda yeni ve gelişmekte olan gelenekler oluşturmak için coğrafi olarak uzaklara yayılan stiller ve teknikleri özümsedi”. Bu bağlamda Asimilasyon; özümseme, benimseme anlamlarıyla bu sergide yer alıyor. Farklı kültürlerin aynı sanat üzerinde ilişki kurduğu bir anlayışa dönüşüyor. MİNYATÜR VE ÇIPLAKLIK Minyatür ve çıplaklık meselesi de kafamı kurcalıyor. Seks pozisyonları bile rahatlıkla yer alabilmiş bildiğim kadarıyla minyatürlerde. Sizce minyatürün bu anlamda tavrı nedir? Osmanlı ve İslam sanatı kelimeleriyle yan yana gelince haliyle kafada kalıplar oluşuyor çünkü. Ne dersiniz? Minyatür, Türkler’in İslamiyeti kabul edişinin yüzyıllar öncesine konumlanan bir kronolojide yer alması itibariyle İslam öncesi bir süreçten günümüze geliyor. İstanbul Üniversitesi Kütüphanesi’nde bulunan Enderunlu Fazıl’ın minyatürlü “Hubanname” (erkek güzelliğiyle ilgili) ve “Zenanname” (kadın güzelliğiyle ilgili) yazmalarındaki kimi kadınların göğüsleri tam açıktır. Bunlarla beraber hamamda yıkanan çıplaklar, üryan ya da uçkuru çözülmüş uzanan oğlanlar, göğüs dekolteli kadınlar, hatta seks sahnelerinin olduğu minyatürler de gösterilmiştir. Bunun gibi çıplak kadınlarla ya da oğlanlarla ilgili daha pek çok örnek vardır. Dolayısıyla günlük yaşamın doğal bir parçası olan cinselliğin Osmanlı nakkaşları tarafından da en naif şekillerde resmedildiği görülmektedir.
- Athens Food Guide: 24 Places to Eat and Drink
Athens Food Guide selects 24 restaurants and bars, from Akra and Vezene to modern Greek dining, ramen, natural wine and Acropolis views. November 2024 | Travel TR below FLAVORS of ATHENS: WHERE to EAT + DRINK Words ONUR BAŞTÜRK 24 recommendations from Athens’ Thriving Food Scene. Note: Our guide is updated monthly! AKRA Located in Athens, Akra is a minimalist yet flavor-packed restaurant founded by chef Giannis Loukakis—known for Mourga and +Trofi in Thessaloniki—together with Spiros Pediaditakis. Loukakis, who values respect for ingredients, keeps his culinary techniques simple, just like at his Thessaloniki venues. The focus here is on seasonality, meaning the menu constantly evolves. Expect dishes that are smoked, grilled, or cooked over an open flame. Sustainability is key, with efforts to minimize food waste. Don’t miss the shared fish soup and the desserts! Instagram @akra_ath SOIL Chef Tasos Mantis, originally from Lesbos, developed his green thumb as a child, learning gardening from his father. After honing his skills at globally renowned restaurants, he returned to Greece and has spent the last decade tending his garden in Alepochori, a village an hour from Athens. This garden is an essential extension of Soil, his restaurant, where rare Greek herbs, edible flowers, and fresh vegetables often find their way onto the menu. Instagram @soilrestaurant.gr VEZENE Self-taught chef and butcher Ari Vezené is credited as one of the first in Athens to blend traditional Greek recipes with unique ingredients, creating complex flavor profiles cooked over a wood fire. Opened in 2011, Vezene remains a local favorite. Instagram @vezene BIRDMAN Birdman, another venture by chef Ari Vezené, is a cozy Japanese grill bar paying homage to Tokyo’s late-night eateries and jazz kissa bars. It serves next-gen yakitori alongside analog tunes. Must-tries include the Iberico Katsu and Mutton Tsukune. Instagram @birdmanathen s ATHENEE With a history dating back to 1939, this elegant venue has hosted iconic figures like Odysseas Elytis, Melina Mercouri, and Sophia Loren. Reopened by the Panas brothers, Athenee offers a blend of sophistication and timeless charm. Don’t miss the brunch or lunch experience. Instagram @atheneeathens PHARAOH Located in the lively Exarcheia neighborhood, known for its politically charged street art, rare record and vintage guitar shops, and vibrant live music bars, Pharaoh quickly became a popular spot after opening two years ago. This energetic restaurant and wine bar also features vinyl records spinning in the background. Don’t miss the traditional dishes by chef Manolis Papoutsakis, such as dolmadakia and beef with orzo. Be sure to explore the list of over 400 natural wines—they're fantastic! Instagram @pharaohathens LINOU SOUMPASIS & SIA This modern tavern, located in an old candle shop in Psiri, features lighting inspired by the delicate candles found in churches. Led by chef Lukas Mailer, the restaurant serves exquisite dishes like fish soup that are not to be missed. Instagram @lsandsia OKIO Casual yet stylish, Okio offers bold Asian twists on traditional Mediterranean recipes, with a focus on fish and seafood. Instagram @okio.restaurant TUDOR HALL Situated on the 7th floor of the King George Hotel, Tudor Hall stands out for its breathtaking views of the Acropolis. Perfect for a romantic evening, the menu presents modern takes on Greek cuisine through a concise à la carte and tasting menu. Instagram @tudorhallrestaurant NOLAN Just steps from Syntagma Square, this contemporary bistro defies culinary labels, blending global influences. In the summer, the team relocates to their Mykonos outpost, bringing their dynamic energy to the island. Instagram @nolanrestaurant OIKEIO A cozy two-story eatery with outdoor seating, Oikeio specializes in homestyle Greek dishes. Highlights include sardines, moussaka, and octopus in vinegar. Instagram @oikeio_restaurant COOKOOVAYA Korfu-born chef Periklis Koskinas (photo credit: Andreas Simopoulos) describes himself as an "untiring traveler”. His modern, open-kitchen restaurant focuses on fresh seafood, delivering dishes with bold flavors. Instagram @cookoovaya TANPOPO Opened in 2023 by chef Sotiris Kontzias, known for Nolan and Proveleggios, Tanpopo (meaning "dandelion" in Japanese) is an intimate ramen spot with just three tables. Start with a Tanpopo Negroni, then dive into the shoyu ramen with crispy pork and enoki mushrooms. Note: It closes at 6:30 PM daily, except Saturdays. Instagram @tanpopo.athens LINE Ranked 6th on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, Line occupies a former art gallery and stands out as a creative hub in Athens. The bar was founded by renowned mixologists Vasilis Kyritsis and Nikos Bakoulis, creators of The Clumsies, along with Dimitris Dafopoulos, co-founder of Three Cents Artisanal Beverages. At Line, ingredients aren’t just mixed into cocktails—they’re also made in-house. The bar produces its own fruit wines, beers, and artisanal bread, offering a truly unique experience. Instagram @line.athens HYTRA Chef George Felemegkas reimagines traditional Greek flavors in a modern context at Hytra. Instagram @hytra_restaurant IODIO IODIO is the latest venture of Michelin-starred chef Georgianna Hiliadaki, who also provides consultancy services to renowned restaurants like Zurbaran and Gatsby. Instagram @iodio_athens HERVÉ Hervé offers an avant-garde dining experience led by French-born chef Hervé Pronzato. With influences from French, Asian, and Italian cuisines, the seasonal menu highlights local ingredients and innovative techniques. Instagram @herverestaurant JERAR Located away from the tourist hub, Jerar is worth the trip. Chef Charis Nikolouzos crafts globally inspired dishes with Greek roots, including a standout “Mikrolimano Shrimp.” Instagram @jerar_athens DELTA Nestled within the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), Delta is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that embodies the intersection of fine dining and sustainability. Located on the fifth floor of the building, which also houses the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, Delta offers a dining experience as striking as its architectural surroundings. The restaurant is helmed by chefs George Papazacharias and Thanos Feskos, both of whom have honed their skills at some of Europe’s most prestigious establishments. Their philosophy places sustainability at the heart of their culinary approach, emphasizing local ingredients, innovative techniques, and zero-waste practices. Instagram @delta_restaurant SEYCHELLES Hidden in the vibrant Metaxourgeio neighborhood, Seychelles has been a favorite local hangout since it opened in 2014. The menu is all about simple, delicious Greek dishes with a creative touch—don’t leave without trying the wine-braised octopus and grilled beef tongue. Pair them with a glass of wine from their excellent selection and enjoy the warm, welcoming vibes. Photo Anthony Katra Instagram @seychellesrestaurant TAVERNA TON FILON The newest venture by Seychelles chef Yiannis Mousios, this cozy spot in Kolonos sources its ingredients from farms in Kimolos, Evia, and Crete. Highly recommended dishes include spinach and Rethymno Galomyzithra cheese-stuffed gigantes—a true standout! Instagram @tavernatonfilon GORLOMI Located in Kolonaki, Gorlomi is a sleek Italian restaurant designed by Bobotis+Bobotis Architects. The menu, crafted by chef Luca Piscazzi, shines with dishes like homemade pasta, risotto, and perfectly poached fish. Instagram @gorlomiathens BOTRINI’S Set in a old school building with a beautiful garden, Botrini’s is the brainchild of chefs Ettore Botrini and Nikos Billis. Their inspiration comes from the places they grew up: Ettore draws from the flavors of Corfu and Tuscany, while Nikos finds his roots in the Pelion region. The restaurant offers two exceptional tasting menus—Peripatos ("A Leisurely Walk") and Taksidi ("Journey")—featuring innovative dishes like swordfish marinated in seawater and creations celebrating Greece's tsipouradika culture. Photo Yiorgos Kaplanidis Instagram @botrinisrestaurant.official ASŌTOS A modern Greek restaurant in Pangrati, Asōtos is dedicated to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Chef Michael Merzenis embraces simplicity and excellent produce for a refined yet unpretentious experience. Instagram @aswtos_ ATİNA YEME-İÇME REHBERİ Atina'nın sürekli gelişen yeme-içme sahnesinden 24 öneri! (Not: Rehberimiz aylık olarak güncellenmektedir!) AKRA Selanik’in gastronomi sahnesinin halen en çok konuşulan restoranlarından biri olan Mourga ve yanı sıra +Trofi’nin (“Syntrofi” olarak okunuyor) kurucularından olan şef Giannis Loukakis’in Spiros Pediaditakis ile birlikte açtığı Atina’daki Akra, minimalist ambiyansa sahip ama lezzet açısından hayli yoğun bir restoran! Çünkü şef Loukakis büyük saygı duyduğu malzemelerle uğraşmayı fazla sevmiyor ve tıpkı Selanik’teki restoranlarda olduğu gibi burada da mevsimsellik tutkusu ön planda. Menü bu nedenle sürekli değişiyor ve neredeyse her şey tütsülenip ızgara yapılıyor ya da açık ateşte kızartılıyor. Ayrıca gıda israfı mümkün olduğunca en aza indirgenmiş durumda. Paylaşımlık gelen balık çorbası ve ayrıca tatlılara dikkat! Instagram @akra_ath SOIL Küçük yaşlarda babasından bahçe bakımını öğrenen Midillili şef Tasos Mantis, global üne sahip restoranlarda çalıştıktan sonra memleketine döndü ve son 10 yıldır Atina'ya bir saat uzaklıktaki Alepochori köyünde kendi bahçesiyle ilgileniyor. Şefin bahçesi aynı zamanda restoranı Soil'in vazgeçilmez bir uzantısı. Bu nedenle menüdeki yemeklere sık sık nadir Yunan otları, yenilebilir çiçekler ve taze sebzeler eşlik ediyor. Instagram @soilrestaurant.gr VEZENE New York doğumlu şef Ari Vezené kendi kendini yetiştirmiş bir şef ve kasap. Şef Vezené, geleneksel Yunan tariflerini farklı malzemelerle harmanlayıp odun ateşinde pişirerek karmaşık lezzet profilleri ortaya çıkaran Atina’daki ilk şef. 2011’de açılan Vezene halen popüler. Instagram @vezene BIRDMAN Şef Ari Vezene’nin bir başka restoranı olan Birdman, Tokyo’nun gece geç saatteki lokantalarına ve caz Kissa tarzı barlarına saygı duruşunda bulunan, yeni nesil yakitori servis eden ve analog melodiler sunan samimi bir Japon grill-bar. Iberico Katsu’su ve Mutton Tsukune’si özellikle tavsiye! Instagram @birdmanathen s ATHENEE Bu tarihi mekanın hikâyesi 1939’a dek uzanıyor. Öyle ki, zarif ve lüks ortamı yıllar boyunca Odysseas Elytis, Nikos Gatsos, Melina Mercouri, Sophia Loren, Anthony Quinn gibi 20. yüzyılın önemli figürlerini ağırlamış. 75 yıl sonra Spyros ve Chrysanthos Panas kardeşlerin mekanı yeniden açmasıyla tarih yeniden yazılmaya başlandı diyebiliriz. Brunch ya da lunch’ını mutlaka deneyin. Instagram @atheneeathens PHARAOH Sokakları siyasi içerikli duvar resimleriyle donanmış, nadir plak ve vintage gitar satan mağazaları ve canlı müzik barlarıyla bilinen Exarcheia mahallesinde iki yıl önce açılan Pharaoh, kısa sürede popüler olmuş bir restoran ve şarap barı. Aynı zamanda vinil plakların çaldığı hayli enerjik bir mekan! Şef Manolis Papoutsakis’in hazırladığı geleneksel yemeklerden mutlaka dolmadakia ve arpalı kızarmış dana etini deneyin! 400'den fazla doğal şaraptan oluşan listeye de mutlaka göz atın, harika şaraplar var! Instagram @pharaohathens LINOU SOUMPASIS & SIA Psiri’de yer alan bu yeni nesil taverna eski bir mum dükkânında yer alıyor ve mekan kiliselerde bulunan ince balmumu mumlarla aydınlatılıyor. Restoranın leziz mutfağı şef Lukas Mailer liderliğinde. Balık çorbasını mutlaka tatmalısınız! Instagram @lsandsia OKIO Cool ve casual bir ambiyansa sahip Okio’da geleneksel Akdeniz tariflerine cesur Asya dokunuşları yapılıyor. Restoranda balık ve kabuklu deniz ürünleri ön planda. Instagram @okio.restaurant TUDOR HALL Syntagma Meydanı'nın yanındaki King George Hotel'in yedinci katındaki Tudor Hall elbette öncelikle Akropolis manzarasıyla dikkat çekiyor. Eğer romantik bir akşam yemeği istiyorsanız burası tam size göre. Menü de yormuyor. Kısa bir alakart ve bir tadım menüsü etrafında inşa edilen menüde Yunan mutfağına modern bir yaklaşım var. Instagram @tudorhallrestaurant NOLAN Syntagma Meydanı'na birkaç adım mesafedeki bu modern bistronun mutfağında coğrafi kısıtlamalar yok. Kendilerini herhangi bir mutfak kategorisiyle sınırlandırmıyorlar. Yan tarafta bir de pastaneleri var, Sweet Nolan. Restoran yaz aylarında tüm ekibiyle birlikte Mykonos’taki yerlerine taşınıyor. Instagram @nolanrestaurant OIKEIO İki farklı katta, dışarda masaları olan, ev yemeği tarzı yemekler yapan küçük bir restoran. Menüsü taze malzemelerle hazırlanıyor. Sardalya, musakka ve sirkeli ahtapot gibi yemekler var. Instagram @oikeio_restaurant COOKOOVAYA Kendini “yorulmak bilmeyen bir gezgin” olarak tanımlayan Korfu doğumlu şef Periklis Koskinas’ın tamamen açık mutfağa sahip modern restoranında balık özellikle çok lezzetli! Instagram @cookoovaya TANPOPO Nolan ve Proveleggios’u açan şef Sotiris Kontzias’ın 2023’te açtığı ramen restoranı Tanpopo (Japonca'da karahindiba anlamına gelen taraxacum bitkisi), mütevazı bir tasarıma, üç masaya sahip ama yemekler enfes. Önce bir Tanpopo negroni söyleyin, sonra da kızarmış domuz eti ve enokili bir shoyu ramen sipariş edin. Restoranın cumartesi hariç her gün saat 18.30'da kapandığını hatırlatalım. Instagram @tanpopo.athens LINE Eski bir sanat galerisi içinde açılan Line, bu yılki The World’s 50 Best Bars listesine altıncı sıradan girdi. Global üne sahip The Clumsies’in kurucuları Vasilis Kyritsis ve Nikos Bakoulis ile Three Cents Artisanal Beverages’ın kurucu ortağı Dimitris Dafopoulos’un beraber açtığı Line’da malzemeler sadece karıştırılıp kokteyl olarak servis edilmiyor, aynı zamanda çoğu malzeme mekanın içinde yapılıyor. Öyle ki Line, kendi meyve şaraplarını, biralarını ve artizan ekmeklerini dahi üretiyor. Instagram @line.athens HYTRA Şef George Felemegkas tarafından hazırlanan Hytra menüsü, geleneksel Yunan lezzetlerinin modern bir yorumundan oluşuyor. Instagram @hytra_restaurant IODIO Zurbaran, Gatsby gibi restoranlara danışmanlık da veren Michelin yıldızlı şef Georgianna Hiliadaki’nin yeni restoranı. Instagram @iodio_athens HERVE Hervé’nin üç ortağı Herve Pronzato (Restorana adını veren Fransa doğumlu şef), George Efthimopoulos ve Grigoris Kikis’in cesur, yenilikçi, teşvik edici ve ilerici yemek deneyimine buyurun! Menüleri yılın her döneminde en iyi yerel malzemeleri yansıtacak şekilde mevsimsel olarak değişiyor. “Herhangi bir mutfak kategorisine girmiyoruz” diyorlar, “Ancak birçok mutfaktan, yerel sokak yemeklerinden ve pazarlardan, modern bir yaklaşımla sunulan geleneksel eski usul unutulmuş tekniklerden etkileniyoruz”. Merkezden biraz uzakta yer alan bu modern restoran için Fransız, Asya ve İtalyan mutfağından etkilenen füzyon yemekler içeriyor diyebiliriz. Instagram @herverestaurant JERAR Jerár, şehrin turistik merkezinden uzakta, ama iyi yemek söz konusu oldu mu mesafeler önemsizdir değil mi? Jerar’ın şefi Charis Nikolouzos, Yunan köklerini Fransız ve İtalyan mutfak detaylarıyla birleştiren global yemekler yapıyor. Özellikle “Mikrolimano Karidesi”ne dikkat! Instagram @jerar_athens DELTA İki Michelin yıldızlı Delta, Yunanistan Ulusal Kütüphanesi ve Yunan Ulusal Operası'na da ev sahipliği yapan Stavros Niarchos Vakfı Kültür Merkezi'nin (SNFCC) içinde yer alıyor. Binanın beşinci katındaki bu restoranın etkileyici iç tasarımı kadar her ikisi de Avrupa'nın en iyi restoranlarında eğitim almış şeflerine dikkat çekmek isteriz: George Papazacharias ve Thanos Feskos. İki şef de sürdürülebilirliği mutfaklarının merkezine koyuyor. Instagram @delta_restaurant SEYCHELLES 2014’te Metaxourgeio semtinde açılan popüler Yunan restoranı Seychelles’e gitmeden olmaz! Yüksek tavanlı bu davetkâr restoranda şarapta pişmiş ahtapot, ızgara dana dil ve kabak ve domatesli köfte tavsiye! Instagram @seychellesrestaurant TAVERNA TON FILON Seychelles’in başarısından sonra şef Yiannis Mousios 2023 sonlarında Kolonos'ta bu yeni mekanı açtı. Ürünlerini Kimolos, Evia ve Girit'teki çiftliklerden temin eden restoranın menüsünden ıspanaklı ve Rethymno Galomyzithra peynirli Gigantes tavsiye! Instagram @tavernatonfilon GORLOMI Kolonaki’de yer alan bu şık İtalyan restoranın tasarımı Bobotis+Bobotis Architects’e ait. Şef Luca Piscazzi tarafından hazırlanan menü ise ev yapımı makarna, risotto ve haşlanmış balıkla parlıyor. Instagram @gorlomiathens BOTRINI’S Botrini's güzel bir bahçeye sahip eski bir ilkokul binasında yer alıyor. Restoranın ilhamı bizzat şeflerinin, yani Ettore Botrini ve Nikos Billis’in büyüdüğü yerler. Ettore Botrini’nin ilham kaynakları Korfu ve Toskana, Nikos Billis'in ise Pelion Dağı. Botrini’s iki özel tadım menüsüne sahip: Peripatos (Yavaş bir yürüyüş) ve Taksidi (Yolculuk). Bu menülerde deniz suyunda marine edilmiş kılıç balığı ve Yunan tsipouradika kültürünün lezzetlerini kutlayan yemekler gibi yenilikçi kombinasyonlar var. Instagram @botrinisrestaurant.official ASŌTOS Şehrin en yeni restoranlarından biri olan Asōtos, Pangrati bölgesinde, Aminta Caddesi'nde açıldı. Modern bir Yunan mutfağı deneyimi sunan Asōtos, yerel üreticilerden tedarik edilen yüksek kaliteli malzemelere odaklanıyor. Şef Micheal Merzenis’in mottosunu hatırlatalım: Sadelik ve mükemmel malzeme! Instagram @aswtos_





