Design Tips & Tricks
Yuliya Forrest, Founder & Lead Interior Designer, Yuliya Forrest Interior Design LTD
With over 18 years of international experience, I am an interior designer currently based in Scotland. My background combines fine arts and civil engineering, which enables me to approach design with both creative depth and technical accuracy. Throughout my career, I have worked on a wide range of residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across countries including Russia, Belarus, Egypt, and the UK.
Since relocating to Scotland, I have been inspired by the local architecture and stunning natural environment. However, I often notice a disconnect between the charming exteriors of buildings and their interiors, which sometimes feel uninspired. My mission is to close that gap by introducing thoughtful, elegant, and emotionally engaging design into Scottish interiors—enhancing public spaces, hospitality venues, and homes to better reflect their surroundings.
I recently founded my own design practice, Yuliya Forrest Interior Design LTD, and I am actively expanding my portfolio across the UK.
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Art has always been a significant part of my life. Coming from a creative family, I am inspired by my ancestor, the Russian landscape painter Nikolai Petrovich Krymov, whose works are displayed in the Tretyakov Gallery. His legacy has deeply influenced my passion for art.
I studied fine art and spent much of my early years drawing, but eventually felt the desire to express creativity on a larger scale. I wanted to shape entire environments rather than just images. For me, interior design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about creating moods, evoking emotions, and supporting the lives of those who inhabit a space. I believe the environments we live and work in shape who we are.
Over 18 years, my interests have evolved naturally. I have always been a hands-on designer, capable of managing projects from initial measurements through to installation. I create 3D visualizations, technical drawings, budgets, and select materials. Today, however, I find the early conceptual phase—the generation of the design idea—the most exciting part.
This phase is where I focus most of my energy, while my team handles technical development under my guidance. I enjoy connecting with clients and discovering what they truly want, even when they are unsure themselves. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a client’s excitement when the final design perfectly matches their needs, sometimes even before they realized them.
The past year has been full of milestones—it’s hard to believe it’s been less than twelve months since I launched my interior design business in the UK. The most memorable moment was securing my very first UK project.
This commercial commission involved designing a multifunctional venue including a bar, restaurant, and event hall. I led the project from initial concept sketches and zoning through to completion. This project holds a special place in my heart as the beginning of my UK journey. Commercial spaces energize me—I love creating environments where people gather, celebrate, and connect.
The most fulfilling projects are those where clients trust the design process and are open to creating something expressive. Whether residential or commercial, mutual respect and creative dialogue are key.
Personally, I find commercial interiors the most rewarding. Designing spaces that serve a broad audience—hotels, restaurants, public venues—is invigorating. One of my most fascinating projects was the Hawaii Resort Hotel, which I developed over several years. Such projects allow me to combine strategic planning with storytelling and emotional atmosphere.
As someone meticulous and responsible, I always aim for perfection. I want every detail executed precisely. However, interior design, especially during implementation, often involves unexpected challenges—site issues or last-minute client changes.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to stay flexible amid constant changes. You must adapt quickly and calmly while maintaining quality. Balancing perfectionism with the need for agility has been one of the most demanding but rewarding aspects of my career.
Early in my career, I focused heavily on the artistic side—creating beautiful atmospheres and visual impact. Over time, I realized how crucial it is to master the technical and construction aspects as well.
I wish I had understood sooner the importance of knowing how things are built—the materials, methods, and hidden details behind finished surfaces. Now, with this experience, I encourage aspiring designers to engage actively with the ‘invisible’ side of design: the structure behind the beauty.
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Always keep your eyes on the final outcome, not just the design concept. A beautiful idea on paper means little if it isn’t realized as intended. See your projects through to completion—be involved during implementation, support your client, and guide the process.
Early in my career, I worked on projects where clients declined author supervision, often due to budget concerns. Unfortunately, many of those interiors never matched the original vision. The design was lost in translation, and the final result didn’t reflect the intended concept.
Current trends, as seen at recent design events like Milan Design Week, highlight natural materials, bold forms, and rich earthy tones.
I believe the interior design industry will continue to grow creatively and commercially. As people increasingly value the aesthetics of their environments—whether at home or at work—design will become a necessity rather than a luxury.
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