Phoenix takes 5 with… SMUB’s Katie Soineva
As part of Phoenix Tapware’s new interview series with key designers, architects, builders and plumbers, we take five minutes with Katie Soineva, founder at SMUB, based on the Gold Coast, to chat about her career, inspiration and current design trends.
How did you get started in interior design and styling?
My husband and I have been in the house flipping game for the past decade, starting with small scale cosmetic renovations, building our way up to small developments. This is where my love for design and style started.
Initially, I worked with family and friends to create their home dreams, but this soon turned into my own design studio, SMUB.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My typical day consists of liaising with clients, product searching, sample sourcing, schedule building and creating mood boards.
What are your favourite types of projects to work on?
My favourite projects are bathroom, kitchen and laundry builds as they are the hubs of the home; both functional and aesthetic.
What do you find to be most rewarding about being a designer?
The most rewarding aspect is working with my clients to understand their dreams and bringing them to life. I love the final reveal and their smiley faces!
What is the most rewarding part of being in the design industry?
The design industry is an amazing world filled with beautiful products and incredibly talented professionals turning blank canvases into truly amazing spaces.
What currently inspires you and your work?
I’m inspired daily by my clients dreams to make their house a home. I seek inspiration from multiple sources; nature, cultures and new products to the market.
What is your favourite project to date that you’ve worked on?
Hygge House – a coastal inspired home with a Nordic twist. It features clean lines and light and bright functional spaces.
What are the greatest or most important lessons you have learned along the way in your career?
Doing your due diligence on product sourcing is key, it’s amazing what products you can find at incredible prices.
Always sample and test your products before committing.
Planning is key, even if it’s a basic plan it helps you understand your direction.
Mood boarding will open up your mind and help you visualise your space.
What kinds of trends are you seeing in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries?
I’m seeing earthy neutral tones for floor and wall coverings and cabinetry – for example beige, terracotta, sage etc.
Traditional chrome hardware is also making a come-back for its timelessness. I’m also seeing more wall mounted lighting accessories over pendant lighting and additional functionality is trending – i.e. laundry rails, multi-function draw configuration within cabinets and wall hung cabinetry.
Pictured: Vivid Slimline Outlet and Wall Mixer in Chrome
