More Than Just Real Estate x Teddy Amova
We are excited to present to you the second edition of our project More Than Just Real Estate.
Today, we will share the story of Teddy Amova, an interior decorator who loves to mix eclecticism with modernism and works with both end clients on decor and interior projects, as well as with property investors, bringing coziness to homes for sale and rent, sharing her process with thousands of people online.
We met in her spacious and bright home at the foot of Vitosha and discovered some interesting facts!
What do you love about your neighborhood, what do you particularly enjoy, and what places do you visit near your home?
I love being out of the city, the clean air, and the fact that my backyard is literally a forest. I have also rediscovered local venues in the nearby small settlements and a completely different rhythm of life where you stop and enjoy the little things. My favorite destinations are Zheleznitsa and Plana, where there are incredibly beautiful eco-trails, and I often take walks there.
What inspired you to become a decorator, and how did you develop your unique style?
I was inspired by the desire to experiment in the process of building our own home and the fact that I wanted to achieve coziness beyond specific trends. Over the years, I have always created interiors for friends and acquaintances "for fun," and with the birth of my furniture brand (@terra.domo.design), the desire to turn my hobby into a profession prevailed. I define my style as 'eclectic' because I mix many interior solutions and experiment with a blend of new and old, colorful and neutral, and I hope to inspire more people to express their individuality in the spaces they inhabit.
Can you share the inspiration behind your home's design and the personal touches that make it uniquely yours?
My inspiration comes from the nature surrounding our home and the desire to bring the feeling of earth into the interior, which I have achieved with a palette of greens, wood, and matte surfaces and textiles. Everything that can be found in a forest in terms of feeling and colors. Yes, some of my favorite details are from there - like the branches I collected during a trip and brought into a vase in the living room, for example. I also strongly believe in the energy you bring into your home with the objects you choose. I mix vintage finds with new furniture because I find beauty in "worn" items that have lived a life and carry a story. Examples are the armchairs in the relaxation area in the living room that I restored with an upholsterer, as well as the many decor details that I have found at bazaars and antique shops both in Bulgaria and abroad.
Why is your home more than just a property? What makes it special and how did you find it?
A property becomes a home with us in it and the individual decisions we make in our interiors. We knew this property had the potential to be a home the moment we walked in and saw the spaciousness and the height of the ceiling and looked at all the greenery and tranquility surrounding the house. We found it by accident while looking at a completely different house nearby, but as I like to say - "Fate knows its job."
How do you achieve the perfect balance between functionality and beauty in your design choices?
The truth is, this balance is not always easy or achievable, and none of us are flawless. There are situations where I directly explain to clients that design is secondary to function and sometimes that's OK. However, the ability to mix interior styles, new and old, and generally experiment with home decor makes even the imperfect zones unique. It's no coincidence there's an interior movement that's trending in the West driven by the principles of the imperfect perfect - 'wabi sabi,' and I'm definitely a fan of this philosophy both in interior design and other aspects of life.
What advice would you give to someone who aims to create a home that is stylish and truly reflective of their personality?
Follow your heart and the things that make you smile when you see them, because this is your home. Interior trends come and go, but personal aesthetics are something that we can only build on over the years, so think about what are the main elements of your personal aesthetics and what your idea of coziness is. Start with a base color and build with a selection of materials, textiles, and little by little the puzzle will start to come together in your mind. If you feel lost, you can always turn to me to unravel your decor dilemma and help you unlock the individual expression of your character in the most sacred place – your home.
Name three Pinterest search queries that would open a 'Pandora's box' in terms of good taste and visual inspiration.
"danish pastel," "mid-century modern," "wabi sabi interiors"
Project by @firstestatesagency
Featuring @home.of.teddy
Photography&edits @tattio @tatianalebed.ph
Creative direction @annagreenwich