In Profile:
Rezzan Benardete Interiors

Name: REZZAN BENARDETE

Company Name:  REZZAN BENARDETE INTERIORS

Position Within Company: FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Website: https://www.rezzanbenardete.com/

Tell us a little about your background in the sector:
My journey in design has always been about storytelling through space. With a background in luxury interiors, I have had the privilege of working on bespoke residential, hospitality, and yacht projects that celebrate craftsmanship, elegance, and timeless beauty. This experience has shaped my ability to blend classical refinement with modern sensibility, creating spaces that feel both curated and deeply personal.

How would you describe your design ethos?
I believe in designing spaces that evoke emotion, where every detail has a purpose and every element tells a story. My approach is about balance, light and shadow, texture and form, history and modernity. True luxury is not just seen, it is felt.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from travel, art, architecture, and nature. I find beauty in how different cultures express craftsmanship, the interplay of materials, and the way light transforms a space throughout the day. Timeless design often comes from observing the world with fresh eyes.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design is becoming more intimate and personal. People are seeking spaces that feel like an extension of themselves, crafted with care, rich in character, and layered with meaning. The focus is shifting from trends to authenticity, where every detail is considered and intentional.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future.
When approaching design in the future, five key themes stand out. Timeless elegance remains essential, ensuring that spaces age beautifully rather than follow fleeting trends. Artisanal craftsmanship brings a sense of authenticity, where the human touch is evident in every detail, from bespoke furniture to hand-finished materials. Beyond aesthetics, emotional connection is crucial, design should evoke a feeling, creating spaces that resonate on a deeper level. Materiality plays a significant role, with a focus on the richness of textures, natural elements, and refined finishes that add depth and character. Finally, storytelling is at the heart of every project, allowing spaces to reflect a unique narrative, capturing the essence of their inhabitants and the environment they exist within.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?
Design with intuition. Let a space speak to you and guide the creative process.

How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
These awards set a standard of excellence, celebrating the most refined and innovative designs in the industry. They provide a platform for designers to push creative boundaries and showcase the art of luxury interiors.

What projects are you currently working on?
Currently, we are working on luxury residence projects, a nightclub, a designer store, and a selection of bespoke yacht interiors, each reflecting a distinct aesthetic and lifestyle.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
A private yacht project that allowed for complete creative freedom. Every material, finish, and detail was curated to reflect the owner’s refined taste, resulting in a seamless blend of elegance and comfort.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
A historical residence that required preserving its original charm while seamlessly integrating modern elements. It was a delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the present, requiring meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Designing a space is about creating an experience, and certain elements are essential in achieving that. Exceptional lighting is indispensable, as it shapes the mood, highlights architectural details, and adds depth to a space. Bespoke furniture pieces bring individuality, ensuring that each design is unique and reflective of its owner’s personality. Fine textiles add warmth and dimension, enriching the sensory experience through texture and softness. Finally, skilled artisans are at the heart of craftsmanship, transforming raw materials into exquisite, one-of-a-kind details that elevate a project beyond the ordinary.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To continue refining my design language, take on projects that challenge convention, and create spaces that leave a lasting impression.

Your most treasured possession?
The most treasured artwork my family has acquired holds a special place in our collection. My deep appreciation for art began in childhood, shaping my eye for detail and passion for creativity. This is why I have developed a distinct taste over the years. However, the greatest treasure of all is being born into a family that is highly cultured and deeply passionate about art.

Your favourite holiday destination?
“Paris is always a good idea.” As common and cliché as this phrase may be, the city itself is full of hidden places and hidden gems. The architecture, the food, the people, the blend of art and design, and the city’s constant reinvention are my greatest sources of inspiration in life. No matter how many times I visit, I never get bored of traveling there.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel: Colombe D’or Hotel – Saint Paul De Vence
Restaurant: Le Voltaire – Paris
Bar: Bar Hemingway – Ritz Paris

Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: Hermann Hesse – Siddhartha
Film: Charles Dickens – Great Expectations
Song: Cher – Strong Enough

Your favourite food and drink?
Food: Definitely Italian style, particularly Cipriani style. Mediterranean cuisine, especially fresh seafood. I’m very Mediterranean and fish-oriented.
Drink: Cipriani Bellini

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Spending time with my favorite person in the world; my niece, Leyla. Visiting art galleries with her, playing together, and exploring together. Leyla is the center of my life, and I love spending time with her the most. We play with dogs, open maps to choose the places we want to visit the most, plan trips, and paint together. This is definitely my favorite activity.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?
I’m sure I would still be in an industry where I mix cultures and generations while discovering talent. My mission would be to bring talent into the spotlight and witness their success. I could take on this role as a philanthropic mission; supporting young artists, following their journeys from school, creating opportunities for them, or identifying talented interior designers and helping them showcase their skills.

Anything else interesting?
Design is about emotion. A truly remarkable space is not just visually stunning, it resonates, leaving a lasting impression long after you’ve left.

Interior Designer: Rezzan Benardete

Exterior Designer: Can Yalman

Naval Architect: Umberto Tagliavini

Shipyard: Numarine Yachts

Photography: Emre Önemci, Kerem Sanlıman