Architects in the spotlight: The art of creating unique spaces - No. 4 Margot Guzik

Welcome to the fourth installment of our series, where we spotlight inspiring interior designers from our network. This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Margot Guzik, an interior designer who fuses styles to create spaces that are both modern and timeless. This article takes you on a journey through her eclectic inspirations, iconic projects, and how she incorporates Maison Prélonge products to enrich her designs. Join us as we explore how Margot Guzik reinvents interiors, imbuing them with remarkable elegance and functionality.

Can you introduce yourself? What is your background?

My name is Margot and I am originally from Poland, where I lived until I was 20 and where I also studied. I started by studying design at the art school in Poland.

Then, my path took another turn when I arrived in Switzerland. There, I practiced different jobs and even ran an art gallery, I always loved painting. I searched for myself for a long time, wondering what my path really was.

By a happy coincidence, I started working as a sales consultant at Roche Bobois, and that’s where I discovered my passion for interior design and furnishings. It was a real revelation for me, and I knew that this was what I wanted to do.

Then, everything accelerated during a trip to Vietnam with my partner, where we were captivated by a magnificent sculpture. This inspired us to open our own boutique in Switzerland. This simple discovery during a trip really launched the rest of my career. Since opening our boutique, I have also started to get involved in decoration and architecture projects, by talking to customers. It has become a real passion.

How would you define your style? What inspires you?

I would say my style is eclectic. I love playing with colors and I like to mix different objects and styles. I often go to auction houses or auctions where I can find unique pieces, such as sculptures or art objects, which are essential to create a beautiful design. This mix of styles really suits me.

On the other hand, I also lean towards contemporary style and design, which is a bit more refined. Eclecticism, with its mix of styles and bright colours, does not always appeal to everyone. Depending on my clients' preferences, I can therefore adapt my approach towards something more contemporary.

In Switzerland, sometimes, we don't dare enough in terms of decoration. When I visit my clients, even in my latest projects, I try to reuse objects that they thought they would throw away, such as paintings or other personal items. I make sure that each thing finds its place and is highlighted, because without this, the whole loses its meaning.

Among all your projects, is there one that particularly left its mark on you, that you are most proud of?

Among all my projects, there are two that have particularly marked me and of which I am very proud. The first dates back to the opening of our boutique. A Parisian client, who had just bought a beautiful house with a view of the lake, came into my boutique because she was looking for a water vapor fireplace. She already had a design project from another interior designer, but it didn't really suit her. So I made her a new proposal that she accepted. This project was special not only because it was my first major project, but also because the client had magnificent objects, such as old paintings and an exceptional chandelier.

The second notable project is more recent. A client contacted me after seeing the work I had done for a friend of hers. She felt that something was wrong with her house and thought it was her staircase. After seeing it, I suggested that she not change it but repaint the balustrade white. We also transformed other spaces, such as the bedroom, by adding a custom-made dressing room with a secret door. I love creating that “wow” effect in my projects.

What faux fur products from Maison Prélonge caught your attention as an interior designer?

The faux fur products from Maison Prélonge that immediately caught my attention are the blanket , the cushion , and the Snowballs , both the large and the small. For me, these three elements are essential to complete a decoration project. They provide that final touch that makes all the difference.

I must admit that when I have my creations photographed, I always bring a blanket and one or two Snowballs. I find that they enhance the atmosphere of the place and are really essential to finalize the decor. It's like the cherry on the cake!

Can you explain how Maison Prélonge faux fur was incorporated into one of your recent projects?

I can tell you about a recent creation in Lutry. My client chose two items: an alpine green faux fur throw and a blush Himalayan Snowball XL for her living room, as well as another cream throw for her bedroom.

In her living room, the green of the plaid goes very well with the rest of the decoration. She also has a pastel green sideboard and several paintings with touches of green, which creates a beautiful harmony. The white sofa, on which the green plaid rests, completes this harmony and echoes the green garden visible from the ground floor.

For the bedroom, we opted for a palette of softer shades: pale pink, white and cream. The new Maison Prélonge blanket in cream fits perfectly into this space and brings softness.

Do you have a decorating tip that our customers can easily reproduce at home using Maison Prélonge products?

For me, the decorating tip is really simple: you have to dare to use color. Often, customers have trouble imagining the result in their home. So I showcase your products in my store. When customers see a blanket or a snowball placed on a sofa, for example, they can immediately project themselves better. They say to themselves: "Ah, I have the same sofa at home, this blanket or this cushion would look great on it!"

Sometimes people are a little reluctant at first, but as soon as they see how it is presented, it helps them enormously to visualize the potential. So my advice would be to dare to add touches of color with plaids or snowballs, it changes everything and adds a little something extra to their decoration.

What drives you in the creation of your projects?

What I really like about creating projects is the challenge and the happiness I can bring to my clients. For example, my last client had just gotten divorced, she was leaving a big house for a small apartment and she was really upset. I told her: "Don't worry, this apartment has a lot of potential, you will be happy here." She trusted me, and now she is really fulfilled and keeps recommending me by telling her story.

That’s what I like: seeing my clients happy and grateful, and seeing the end result of our efforts. I also love the moment when we take pictures with my photographer, capturing the different phases of the project. It’s very rewarding to see these beautiful images of the work accomplished. It confirms the importance of being comfortable at home, which is essential for morale.

Future projects in sight…?

Yes, absolutely. Recently, a couple happened to walk into my shop as they were finishing up their new home and getting ready to move in. They were considering reusing some of the furniture from their old house, but after seeing the plans and discussing which pieces they wanted to keep, I convinced them that redecorating would be a better idea. The furniture they were thinking about keeping didn’t really fit with the aesthetic of their new home.

Eventually, what started as a simple search for lighting fixtures turned into a whole house decoration project. What I love about my job is this contact with people, being able to discuss, think together, and put them at ease. It's incredible how a simple conversation can evolve into a complete project. It's really exciting.

CONTACT:

Margot Guzik

Kubo Deco - Website

@Kubodecomorges - Instagram

Photographer

Igor Laski - Website

@igor_laski - Instagram

Stay tuned for more fascinating interviews with talented architects!