Country Spa Retreat – Decoration projects with natural stone

Using natural stone for relaxing areas – Project Country Spa Retreat

Stone is the logical option for decorating relaxation areas, with distinct materials for every area to be able to convey the energy and personality of your space. Since it convinced us to get involved in the first place because of natural stone, Country SPA is the topic of our discussion about trends and design with Ciprian Sipos – the interior designer in charge of Country Spa Retreat decoration project using natural materials.

"Country Spa is an amazing place surrounded by nature, bathed in the moonlight and illuminated by night stars. This is the place to ask for more and fulfill your desire. This is the retreat you need."

PIATRAONLINE: What about Romanian interior design in 2018? What about trends?

Ciprian Sipos: A change for the better, adjustements, knowledge, trials. That's how I'd summarize them. As for trends, we are still in repeatitivity and fear. In spite of the mixed trends, the interior architecture is dominant at the moment. Volumes and definite shapes, exact lines inhabit the fear of trying more. In my opinion, the interior design, leaves room for interpretation, allowing further adjustments. We're still discovering and this leaves room for tests. However, I noticed an opportunity, a break away from our connection to the past in terms of aesthetics. For me, space comes before trends and you should “listen” to it, for transmitting you the suitable design.

PIATRAONLINE: Right now, customers budget more for their projects and agree to hire an interior designer?

Ciprian Sipos: Yes, apparently, yet there's still the perception that we know them all and that makes it even harder. Although, if we accept changes and assume the fact that there will be always things out of our expertise and things we are good at, things become easier. The answyer to your question is yes, customers will hire an architect, people I work with have an open mind and together we work as a team.

PIATRAONLINE: If we were to compare with the past, is there an evolution for designers? An evolution to be noticed also in residences?

Ciprian Sipos: Yes, there is! We have visual landmarks, events and places that invite you to check them. Places and spaces open for new. Beautiful and creative people who challenge you to new, different or to manifest yourself personally. Now we have a choice, from more affordable prices to solutions for every budget. The only key is creativity.

PIATRAONLINE: About "Country Spa" project – your signature space in terms of ambience and interior design – what was the initial concept and how did you get to integrate natural stone in this space?

Ciprian Sipos: Country SPA project is defined by Dandelion, my source of inspiration for the concept. Country chic or rustic chic areas inspired by British heritage in terms of colors. My design redecorates spaces using many natural stones and different finishes for being able to feel the power and transformation. Spaces can be renovated with light and color and this is also true for natural materials. Alongside wood, natural stone had a major influence in Country Spa design.

PIATRAONLINE: With so many natural stones available, how did you choose travertine for Country Spa?

Ciprian Sipos: As I’ve already mentioned, light is essential for highlighting the material. Whether artificial or natural, light transforms natural stone, making it alive. Light basically brings life to the areas that use it. Plus I insisted on including natural materials and nature, just like Country inspire freedom, environment and nature. Therefore, natural was self-evident when we started this project.

PIATRAONLINE: What materials have been used for this space besides natural stone? Do you consider that each material will influence the space in any way?

Ciprian Sipos: I used wood, metal, natural fabrics, reclaimed wood and reinterpreted vintage items. I call the vintage items “preloved”. 2nd & 3rd life products have identity and I keep using those under a new perspective. I prefer sustainability or things that sustain a circular economy.

PIATRAONLINE: In terms of interior design for you, Ciprian Sipos, what about the message conveyed by natural stone into a space? To what extent, would you further recommend natural stone and PIATRAONLINE to your customers or partners?

Ciprian Sipos: First and foremost, a space will speak to you, as long as you know how to listen. The stone is suitable for any space and is similar to wood, although it lacks that personal touch, can be easily adapted and allows you to bring elements for balancing its strength. I currently have 3 projects of spaces featuring natural stone. I recommend the type of stone that matches with the concept / story.

PIATRAONLINE: If you were to describe your work, what is the typical feature of a Ciprian Sipos project? What about the elements that make his work genuine? And how did you get here?

Ciprian Sipos: I'm not sure if I have a specific style, all I know is that I love colors and textures. This helps me to be more specific. I also attended specialized training for working with color, so this is quite easy for me. Whenever possible, I learned from every project that I should avoid doing something repeatedly or imagine a concept for each project. From my first project, an office space decoration project for FHM (my employer at the time) it was clear to me that I was going to be an interior designer and 5 years later I was asked to decorate residential areas. I was also guided into this profession by somebody very dear to me. That's how I got to study interior design in Barcelona and London.

PIATRAONLINE: Working in a creative areas sometimes implies accepting projects less pleasant or something against one principles. Should you find yourself in a position that forces you to choose between working for a smaller project, yet totally conveying your vision and working for another project that would only look fine in your portfolio, what would you choose?

Ciprian Sipos: First option, without hesitation. Every day I’m learning to give up my Ego. Throughout school we were instructed to give up our ego if we want good results and learn to listen. Right now, I have projects where my relationship with the customer is essential and his needs turn into a guide for me.

PIATRAONLINE: We believe that people telling stories will this stone journey further. Please share with us your favorite stone and why?

Ciprian Sipos: I do not have a particular stone, except for my heart gemstone ring. I would probably have to say marble, although I’m trying to keep an open mind...

PIATRAONLINE: What about your current projects and how about checking them out?

Ciprian Sipos: Two very dear projects for me associated with sustainability, circular economy and social impact. Responsibility is key for this projects. A green apartment in Cluj and Casa Canepa Sibiel (house built near Sibiu from a combination of hemp and lime) both with preloved elements seen from another perspective and materials with a second life and potential for contemporary shapes. These project combine old and new in a new world, defined by the concept I imagined for autumn, a project with meaning and responsibilities and perhaps public presentations based on the concept imagined for some time RE (F) USE. But there's a lot to tell...

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