Cover A serene, contemporary sitting room located in London’s Kensington area, designed by Victor Gradinaru Interiors in collaboration with a Singaporean developer
A serene, contemporary sitting room located in London’s Kensington area, designed by Victor Gradinaru Interiors in collaboration with a Singaporean developer
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From a childhood spent in the picturesque Romanian countryside to the luxury design practice he founded in the vibrant heart of London, Victor Gradinaru draws on all facets of creativity and craftsmanship for his bespoke interior design projects in Europe and Asia
From an early age, growing up in Romania, Victor Gradinaru knew he wanted to work in the world of interior design and architecture. With the encouragement of his supportive parents and artistic family, he began his studies in Bucharest, followed by an internship at a local architecture firm and later an interior design specialisation at the renowned KLC School of Design in London.
Immersed in London’s vibrant interior design scene after graduation, he undertook various stints at a number of leading firms in the city before setting up his own practice. In the last ten years, he has worked on prestigious projects, including some of the most exclusive residences in London, Grade II-listed historic properties in Britain, as well as luxury homes in China, Singapore and various properties in the Middle East.
Since 2021, he has been running his own interior design firm, Victor Gradinaru Interiors, which allows him to fully realise his creative vision and offer clients a highly personalised, experiential design process. This combines careful consideration of client needs, access to European craftsmen, impeccable curation, and a meticulous eye for detail to create beautiful, masterfully crafted abodes. In Singapore, his work includes Good Class Bungalows and private Sentosa residences.
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Above Victor Gradinaru, founder and principal of Victor Gradinaru Interiors in London
Above The living room of a London apartment with garden views
Victor Gradinaru, founder and principal of Victor Gradinaru Interiors in London
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How did you first discover your passion for design?
Design has always been deeply rooted in my upbringing in the picturesque countryside of Romania. My grandmother was a skilled haute couture dressmaker, and my grandfather was a talented sculptor, providing a nurturing environment where I was always surrounded by creativity.
Tell us more about your firm and the kind of work you do.
I started Victor Gradinaru Interiors, a boutique design studio, in London in 2021 to provide clients with a more personalised and experiential approach to home design. At the time, I had just completed work on what was then London’s largest private residence and wanted to combine my expertise with a more bespoke, individualised approach. My boutique practice now serves clients in Europe, the UK, Asia and Australia.
My process starts with understanding the client’s needs, tastes, aspirations, and routines. The journey can then continue with a bespoke tour to highly-curated ateliers and suppliers to source the perfect materials, finishes, and statement pieces. Finally, I work with the artisans to realise tailored spaces that are elegant, quietly stylish, and a reflection of the homeowner’s lifestyle and personality.
The aim is to make the design process feel almost like a holiday, rather than an arduous, stressful process. Some of my clients are very private individuals, so they really value my personalised approach, as well as the absolute discretion and confidentiality I provide.
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Above The living room of a client’s London apartment, featuring a handmade mirrored statement piece specially sourced and hand-transported from France
Above A custom console table and glassware curated for a London client
The living room of a client’s London apartment, featuring a handmade mirrored statement piece specially sourced and hand-transported from France
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What made you decide to set up your practice in London?
London offers a vibrant and diverse cultural backdrop and an unparalleled position as a global design hub. It also offers easy access to not only cutting-edge style but also small artisanal European craftsmen and artists, enhancing my ability to deliver world-class interior design solutions of the highest quality.
It was also a natural choice to set up Victor Gradinaru Interiors in London given my extensive network and experience here. We have thousands of suppliers across the city offering the widest range of options across fabrics, furniture and finishes, which we then carefully curate for every client.
How do you define your design philosophy?
My design philosophy encompasses a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, creating spaces that are timeless, stylish, comfortable and sleekly luxurious. What suits the client and their lifestyle is at the heart of everything. I don’t just aim to bring magazine-worthy pieces together; I want to tell the deeply personal story of the owner’s living space. The process itself can make for a special, memorable experience, and provide a great talking point for years to come.
For example, one of my clients wanted a specific wallpaper they had seen in an English manor where they stayed during their honeymoon. Despite the wallpaper being out of production, I arranged for the maker to produce a special run of it specifically for my client. Needless to say, they were thrilled!
Another time, I was on a trip with another client to France when we found the perfect one-of-a-kind statement mirror at a local artisan’s studio that is not open to the public. The journey to get it to the client’s home involved me speaking to the maker directly to get the best deal, and personally hand-carrying it through the streets of Paris, followed by many negotiations at baggage check-in! Even now, my client still recalls the experience, a story often repeated when their guests come over.
Above This timeless London family room encapsulates Victor Gradinaru Interior’s artful blend of classic tradition and sleek modernity
This timeless London family room encapsulates Victor Gradinaru Interior’s artful blend of classic tradition and sleek modernity
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What inspires you across your designs?
Inspiration for me is like magic, stemming from a deep connection with my travels and the cultural heritage of each city I’ve visited. Every place I visit imbues me with its rich tapestry of beauty, culture and individual design language. I draw heavily from these experiences and have worked with furniture studios in Brazil, glass studios in Murano, and even vicuña herdsmen in the Andes mountains.
My other inspiration roots back to my upbringing in the Romanian countryside, surrounded by nature and local artistry. This exposure to creativity and craftsmanship informs my work, leading to a seamless integration of organic elements and traditional techniques with contemporary design principles.
You also design bespoke furniture, accessories and lighting. Can you share more about this work?
I am constantly inspired to reimagine existing designs and antiques. In a world of mass-produced furniture, I focus on sustainability and custom solutions, ensuring each product not only meets the client’s needs but also contributes to a lasting, eco-friendly future.
While I strive to include clients’ existing items in their projects, some can’t be salvaged or reused, necessitating bespoke alternatives. At Victor Gradinaru Interiors, we create bespoke furniture and lighting, every piece designed by myself and crafted by our trusted artisans with longevity and sustainability in mind, ensuring it can be cherished for generations.
Our range also includes a series of limited-edition hand-poured candles, made entirely in London, which feature meticulously crafted scents, inspired by each season of the year to enhance the ambience of any space.
Above A Victor Gradinaru Interiors bespoke armchair design and limited-edition hand-poured candle in London
Above A close-up of the bespoke armchair detailing
A Victor Gradinaru Interiors bespoke armchair design and limited-edition hand-poured candle in London
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What is your personal definition of luxury?
My personal definition of luxury is the confluence of one’s needs, visions and dreams being understood and met. This transcends mere opulence, embracing a profound harmony between comfort, elegance, and individuality. True luxury lies in the meticulous execution of each detail to near perfection, creating spaces that are not only aesthetically stunning but also deeply personalised and functional.
Curiosity is my luxury asset, transforming every project into a journey of discovery and innovation.
You seem to take great care when choosing textures, patterns and colours. How do you go about curating and matching these?
At the start of my career, I dedicated substantial time to exploring materials and finishes, which has greatly informed my approach. Every pattern and colour I choose not only reflects my design aesthetic but also my clients’ preferences. The textures I use must honour the property’s heritage and location as well as the client’s taste.
I conduct thorough research on each material, engaging with suppliers to understand its origins and production. This meticulous process ensures a harmonious and personalised final selection for each project.
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Above Details of a kitchen designed by Victor Gradinaru Interiors in Bucharest, Romania
Above A bespoke onyx light custom-designed for an abode in Bucharest
Details of a kitchen designed by Victor Gradinaru Interiors in Bucharest, Romania
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Can you share more about your work in Singapore and your relationship with the city?
My work in Singapore has been an incredibly enriching experience. I have developed many warm and lasting friendships with my clients and their networks in Singapore, so every trip there feels like returning home.
I’m very fortunate to have had the opportunity to create interiors that reflect the city’s vibrant culture with its dynamic blend of modernity and tradition, always emphasising high-quality materials and innovative design.
Working on Singapore projects has also broadened my understanding of designing homes in tropical environments. The durability of materials and fabrics, and suitable lighting and shading to manage the tropical sun, are subtle but important details to consider.
Three years after founding your firm, what are some of your greatest lessons and takeaways?
The past three years have been a transformative journey. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of understanding and adapting to each client’s unique needs and preferences. Personalisation and functionality are key to successful design.
Additionally, I’ve realised that collaboration and communication are crucial to achieving the best outcomes. The significance of high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship has also been reinforced, as these elements ensure both beauty and durability in our projects. Overall, resilience and continuous learning are vital in navigating the dynamic world of interior design.
Above A hand-drawn sketch of a master bedroom for a Good Class Bungalow in Dempsey, Singapore
A hand-drawn sketch of a master bedroom for a Good Class Bungalow in Dempsey, Singapore
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Credits
Images: Courtesy of Victor Gradinaru
