Tala Fustok is the fresh and powerful designer shaking up the design world with her evocative hospitality and residential projects.
London-based Tala Fustok has made a name for herself as an exciting and bold designer who creates unique commercial and residential spaces, inspired by her multicultural and well-travelled background.
With a Middle Eastern heritage, having studied at London’s Architectural Association and previously lived in Paris, Tala combines her own unique culltural experiences with an architectural eye and a boundless passion for opulent interiors.
Her distinct style can be seen across her projects, which include decadent Fitzrovia haven The Mandrake, Parisian palace Rosewood’s Le Crillon, London gem Laylow, and an array of Parisian, New York and London pied-à -terres.
Tala’s design philosophy is centered around the idea of creating spaces that reflect the unique personality and style of her clients. She believes that the best designs are those that tell a story and create an emotional connection with the people who use them.
Here, Tala shares the people and the stories that inspire her work, and how fusing aesthetics is key to creating unique spaces.
What is your earliest memory of design having an impact on you?
Oh it goes way back – as a young child, I was (frequently!) roaming flea markets and galleries with my parents and was simply in awe of vintage furniture and art I passed by. It lit a fire in me which has been burning since.
What kind of designer did you aspire to be and who are your inspirations?
The French interior designer, Jean-Michel Frank – known for his juxtaposition of minimalism with sumptuous pieces – has hugely inspired me over the years, as have the likes of Maria Pergay and the great Joseph Hoffmann. However, something I heavily drum into Tala Fustok Studio is that we don’t adhere to one particular style. We define interiors influenced by the particular client that we’re working with, bringing something specific to suit their personality rather than plugging a coined aesthetic. So essentially everything is an inspiration! On a personal note, I’m distinctly drawn to the bold glamour of the 70s, lavish use of mirrors and all.
What was your first professional design commission?
My first professional design commission for Tala Fustok Studio was Fitzrovia haven The Mandrake, an incredible project to work on and one that’s close to my heart as my brother Rami Fustok owns the hotel and we worked very collaboratively.
What has been your biggest design commission to date?
My biggest design commission to date is the Avenue Foch apartment in Paris. Together with my team, we transformed this traditional top floor space into a whimsical pied-Ã -terre blending old and new with a playful contemporary twist.
From a commercial versus residential standpoint,  The Mandrake has been my biggest design commission to date. When designing the surreal and decadent destination that is The Mandrake, it wasn’t just about thinking outside the box, but disregarding the box; not even seeing it. The project was of course challenging, however for each individual space, honouring the property’s spirit and the overarching goal of the world we wanted to create, meant that it naturally all came together cohesively, and the spaces’ vast contrasts fed into the riot we seeked to create. Three years in the making, The Mandrake needed to be a timelessly offbeat evolving retreat.
How would you describe Tala Fustok Studio as a studio and a community of designers?
We have a drive to create poetic interiors that honour the architecture and surroundings of each space. We take a fully immersive approach defining atmospheres inspired by our clients’ personalities, whilst pushing boundaries in the world of design. My practice consists of an intentionally small group of talented individuals that deliver a personal service to each project.
What are the key characteristics you look for when bringing new talent into your studio?
A passion for the work and our industry as a whole is key. I welcome curious minds who challenge visions and veer away from current fads. Even when clients are drawn to certain emerging trends, we at Tala Fustok Studio try to avoid them and encourage clients to stay true to themselves so that our resulting design is more personal and therefore timeless.
Where is the majority of your work based? And how has travel helped to shape and influence your ideas on design?
My work is peppered all over the world, particularly in Paris, New York and London. I’ve always been exposed to a rich mix of influences due to my multicultural heritage. This paired with my love for travel certainly plays a large part in how I look to design a space – to champion escapism and integrate different cultures and aesthetics within a home – but I always honour each project’s own environment and surroundings.
Travel influence of course also comes from the clients I work with. Take the owner of Palace Gate London for instance, one of my studio’s more recent projects – an avid traveller around Europe and North Africa which we reflected within her home. Soft colours are reflective of a sunset setting, whilst contrasting stoney textures and earthy fabric coatings create a harmonic tension. The apartment’s master bathroom is Moroccan-inspired, home to a bespoke travertine sink with Watermark taps and zellige moroccan tiles.
What do you think should be a key focus for designers moving forward in 2023 and beyond?
I feel that designers should further hone in on aesthetics fusion, enhancing one particular design genre by merging with another. There’s a lot more to be explored here, and I’m excited to see the results that emerge.
The seamless integration of technology within design should also be a key focus. As other industries and the consumer’s lifestyle generally evolves, our designs should too, and consistently be ahead of the curve. We need to complement today’s world.
And of course, designers should continue to seek more sustainable ways of working, prioritising materials such as rattan, bamboo and linen at the core of designs.
If you hadn’t become an interior designer what would you be doing?
Oh interesting question, and a hard one as interior design has been a passion of mine since early years. I’d say I’d be sculpting.
