Carlotta, who has been working as an interior consultant and blogger since 2013, offered us deep insights into the importance of sensory design elements and her approach to interior design.
Interiors as a ‘third skin’
‘I like to think of interiors as a third skin,’ explains Carlotta. “They should not only look beautiful, but also be tactilely pleasant.” She points out the importance of all five senses when designing a room. While colours and light are often the focus, the sense of touch – for example through the choice of materials – is often neglected.
Carlotta emphasises that interiors are more than just aesthetic backdrops: they are environments that need to be experienced. This sensory depth plays a crucial role in determining whether people feel comfortable in a room or not. ‘The texture of a wall, the weight of a ceiling or the sound when you step on a floor – all of this influences our perception.’
Colours and light: emotional keys to spaces
Colours play a particularly important emotional role for Carlotta: ‘Colours connect us deeply and quickly with our memories and emotions.’ In her work, she takes into account the psychological effects of colours to create spaces that positively influence their inhabitants in different ways. For example, a warm yellow can convey a sense of security, while a cool blue has a calming effect.
Light is also a central element of her designs. Carlotta sees light not only as a functional tool, but as an integral part of interior design. ‘Natural light is always my favourite,’ she says. ‘But when that's not possible, I like to work with indirect lighting to create a pleasant atmosphere.’
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The challenge: aesthetics meet functionality
For Carlotta, finding the balance between aesthetics and functionality is a daily challenge. ‘I rely heavily on my empathy to understand the style of my clients and to ensure that functionality does not suffer,’ she says. She always puts the customer first: ‘I want to help my clients without imposing my style on them.’
This partnership approach is part of her philosophy as an interior consultant. ‘That's why I call myself a consultant and not a designer. It's about working with the client to create a home that meets their needs.’
Sometimes it's good
to think outside the box.
The value of a well-thought-out project
Another central aspect of her work is the importance of a clear plan. ‘The biggest mistake people make when furnishing their homes is to start without a plan or concept,’ explains Carlotta. Her own studio is called Un Progetto – which means ‘One Project’ – and is emblematic of her approach: ‘Without a plan, mistakes are made: Furniture that doesn't go together, or decisions made under time pressure.’
Carlotta guides her clients step by step through the process, starting with the style, moving on to the functionality and finally to the design. ‘I don't start a construction project without a clear vision,’ she emphasises.
Residential versus commercial spaces
While Carlotta loves the emotional design of living spaces, she also enjoys the challenges of designing commercial spaces. ‘A home should make its residents happy, while a commercial space must focus on its target audience.’
Here, the focus is often more on functionality and brand communication, which Carlotta finds an exciting change: ‘Sometimes it's good to think outside the box.’
Looking to the future: more videos and AI
Carlotta has big plans for the future. In addition to her work as an interior designer, she wants to focus more on videos and the use of artificial intelligence. ‘I already use AI as a blogger and see great potential in using it in interior design too,’ she says. She is not only interested in creative impulses, but also in efficiency in project planning and customer communication.
The power of the senses in interior design
To sum up, Carlotta Berta impressively demonstrates how important it is to design spaces not only visually, but holistically. Colours, light and sensory experiences are not just aesthetic tools, but crucial factors for the well-being of the people who spend time in these spaces.
For those who want to learn more about Carlotta and her work, it is worth visiting her blog or her Instagram account.
In a world in which our living space is becoming increasingly important, Carlotta reminds us to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but also tangible and full of experiences.
