Interview with an interior designer: Roberta Penna

Could you introduce yourself briefly to give us a little insight into who you are?

My name is Robert Penna. I’m an interior designer and architect. I’m Brazilian and have been working in architecture and interior design for twenty years.

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So, what led you to choose a career in architecture or interior design?

I’ve always been really drawn to spaces, the harmony of spaces and also the beauty of things. I like being in a place that’s harmonious and functional, and I love interior design. I enjoy interacting with people. So for me, it was also important to have a job where I can interact with people and see their dreams come to life.

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You’ve been living in Switzerland for some time now, and you’ve had the chance to explore the city of Lausanne. Does that inspire you in your designs too?

Yes, I don’t actually live in Lausanne; I live near Vevey. It’s a bit further along the lake, but in any case I love the towns here. Switzerland is very, very beautiful and very peaceful, and that inspires me. In fact, it’s not just the towns here in Switzerland that inspire me, but my travels also inspire me enormously.

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What is the approach to project management at BeHome Interiors? Is there a set of guidelines?

I think that when it comes to managing projects, first and foremost, you need to listen carefully to the client to understand their needs and wishes. That way, we can always propose a project that reflects each client’s way of life.

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How would you describe the style of BeHome Interiors?

What I like about BeHome Interiors’ style is that I find it timeless, and that, to me, is important. If we don’t follow a trend – even if we might include touches linked to the current trend – as long as the project as a whole is timeless, that’s what matters to me. That way, we can adapt as we go along. And the projects have a much longer lifespan. And that’s much better than following a trend that’s only temporary.

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What sort of project have you carried out most often – something that comes up quite frequently in requests?

I’m talking about my own experience. I’ve done a lot of residential projects. They’re always renovations and projects where you have to involve the whole family and get to know them well in order to make choices and help clients decide.

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Is there a current trend in interior design that you particularly like?

As I was saying, I’m not too keen on trends when they’re very specific – for example, the ‘colour of the year’ and so on – though I do think it’s interesting to showcase them. However, I prefer to showcase them through objects – things that are easier to change – so as not to restrict the projects too much. Personally, I prefer projects that are timeless but also make extensive use of natural materials. I’ve always been drawn to wood, stone and materials such as cotton and linen. So I love natural materials – it’s not a trend, but it really resonates with me. And also having plants at home, having that connection and that openness to nature.

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Is there a trend you’re not so keen on?

No, I don’t think there’s a particular trend I’m not so keen on. I think everything can be adapted. There are several trends I like. It’s not that I don’t like them. I love minimalism, for example, but I wouldn’t be able to live that way. I find it too sterile and it doesn’t suit me. But then again, it’s not that I don’t like the trend – it just suits me less.

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Is there a project you’ve worked on that presented a real challenge for you?

I think every project has its own challenges. With renovation projects in quite old houses, you discover a lot of things as you get started, and in those cases you face more challenges in terms of adapting. Dealing with the unexpected and figuring out how to adapt the plans to this old house that needs renovating. For example, to make it modern and to suit the current owner’s taste. So it’s always a challenge when you’re working on a very old building – to comply with all the regulations, but also to take the owners’ lifestyle into account.

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What are the steps involved in renovating an old house?

If you’re planning a renovation, check the old plans – and any current ones you may have – and find out what the regulations are, for example in the local authority area where the house is located. You may not be allowed to alter certain façades. What are you allowed to do and what aren’t you allowed to do under the regulations? These are important things to consider first, and then you start with the demolition – and that’s when you’ll come across surprises as you go along. You’ll need to adapt your plans based on what you find.

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Do aesthetics and functionality go hand in hand?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, it’s essential that aesthetics are there, but so is functionality. For me, in a good project, the two really do go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. For me, a project lacking one of these isn’t a successful one. Above all, the space must be functional, so that it works well for the people who are going to live there.

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In this line of work, we deal with a lot of demanding clients. So how does that push you to go further? Does it provide extra motivation? Or, on the contrary, does it stifle creativity?

No, I think that whenever we face challenges or have demanding clients, it challenges us to do more, to look for other solutions and to experiment with new ideas. So I think it actually fuels creativity.

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Are there any pieces or objects you find interesting to include in an interior design scheme to create the right atmosphere?

Plants, for a start. I think it’s great to have green plants indoors. I like décor in neutral colours: large objects and pieces of furniture that are easy on the eye. But then you can always add little touches that are a bit more fun, with a bit more colour. It depends on the client – it could even be wallpaper, or it could be cushions – but I think that when there are splashes of colour, it’s more interesting to look at, and that can add a bit of zing and really liven up a space.

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Why choose BeHome Interiors for your project?

We handle a project from start to finish. So clients come to us and we have an initial chat where we really listen to understand their needs; then we’ll draw up a proposal and manage the project from start to finish. We can place orders and liaise directly with the manufacturer. So I think it’s much easier for clients to have a single point of contact rather than having to deal with several different people. I think it’s less stressful for clients; it’s more reassuring. And we can support them from start to finish.