Luxury travel offers unforgettable experiences. But what if your home could rival the elegance of the finest hotels, becoming not just a residence but a masterpiece?
In this interview, we speak with Tetiana Oliinyk, founder and leading architect of OLT DESIGN – a company with bespoke projects in Dubai, Kyiv, London, and beyond – about creating homes that make you feel like you’re on a permanent vacation.
ARWAY Magazine
Autumn 2024/Winter 2025
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– Tetiana, OLT DESIGN is renowned for its diverse portfolio of architectural and design projects. Could you tell us more about the different areas of your work?
– OLT DESIGN is dedicated to creating bespoke residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. We started with a strong foundation in architecture, and over time expanded to interior design, which allows us to craft harmonious spaces that reflect the unique lifestyles and desires of our clients.
Recently, we’ve ventured into the world of yacht interior design, transforming these luxury vessels into floating homes, ensuring they offer the same comfort, elegance, and refined living as our top-tier villas.
– What’s the secret to designing a home that you long to return to, even after the most exquisite vacation?
– The truth is, there isn’t a single formula. It’s a delicate balance of various aspects, but one thing is certain: a home’s interior should never be boring.
Our clients are seasoned travelers, often seeking out the world’s most captivating destinations with five-star hotels, luxurious spa resorts, and Michelin-starred restaurants. They are surrounded by innovative, extraordinary design and are constantly absorbing new experiences. Their inspiration is deeply rooted in these journeys. So, when they return home, they crave the same level of aesthetics and comfort that they encountered during their travels.
We transform your home into a personal theater, where your life’s most beautiful stories unfold, and you are the star. It’s a place you’ll always want to come back to, time and time again.
Yet, while a five-star hotel may inspire, it can never truly replicate the atmosphere of a home crafted just for you. A home where every detail has been thoughtfully considered, where countless nuances have been meticulously coordinated with architects and designers, and where the journey from concept to creation is as rich and rewarding as the final result. Returning to such a space is a joy – an opportunity to rediscover the sanctuary you’ve created, where every corner is infused with memories and meaning.
At OLT DESIGN, our mission is to create homes that offer our clients a seamless transition from the thrill of travel back to the comfort of their personal haven. We design spaces that deliver the same sense of luxury that one experiences at a world-class resort, yet tailored specifically to the individual’s lifestyle. Our architects and designers dive deep into understanding each client’s needs and aspirations, crafting homes with versatile spaces for family relaxation, entertainment, and other moments of joy. These spaces are designed to be easily transformed, allowing the owner to adapt them as their desires evolve.
The essence of luxury is in the details – high-quality materials, carefully curated colors and textures, thoughtfully planned lighting, bespoke furniture, and art pieces that tell a story. We bring all these elements together to create an atmosphere that is uniquely yours, a space that is as comforting as it is inspiring.
Our commitment is to design homes to the highest standards, with cutting-edge engineering and technology as the backbone. But beyond that, we’re constantly on the pulse of the latest design trends, innovative materials, and emerging global projects, ensuring that our clients always feel connected to the very best the world has to offer. We transform your home into a personal theater, where your life’s most beautiful stories unfold, and you are the star. It’s a place you’ll always want to come back to, time and time again.
– What factors do you believe are crucial for a flawless home construction process?
– In the world of bespoke design, trust and synergy between the client and the architect-designer are paramount. Building a home is not just about reaching the final destination – it’s about savoring every moment of the journey and the creative process you embark on together.
A client should see their architect as more than just an expert, but as a true partner – a confidant who listens to their dreams and crafts the perfect solutions to bring those visions to life.
Architects, for their part, must remain open to learning. My team and I are constantly inspired and educated by our clients. If someone were to claim otherwise, I simply wouldn’t believe it.
Every client brings a unique perspective, shaped by their individual experiences, professions, and life philosophies. Each one has their own distinct vision of a dream home, and it’s our privilege to translate that vision into reality.
Listening to a client describe their lifestyle, how they spend their time, and what truly brings them joy is a fascinating experience. It’s an invitation to see the world through their eyes. That’s why my first and foremost task is to dive deep into the client’s background, to understand their desires, and to fully grasp their vision. To create a home that is not just a space, but a reflection of their soul, you must consider every detail – their preferences, tastes, aspirations.
This partnership is something to be cherished. It doesn’t just produce a stunning final product; it enriches both the journey and the emotional experience for everyone involved.
– What do your clients envision as their dream home?
– Operating within the premium segment, our clients expect nothing less than excellence – functionality and quality are simply non-negotiable. To quote Frank Sinatra, “Nothing but the best is good enough for me.” This sentiment perfectly captures the mindset of those we work with. When we design, it’s not just about creating a home; it’s about crafting a lifestyle, fulfilling dreams, and enabling personal self-expression.
A dream home is a deeply personal concept, varying greatly depending on individual desires, values, and the specific needs the space must meet. However, based on our extensive experience, we’ve observed that dream homes typically fall into three distinct categories:
Ultra Hi-Tech House: These homes belong to technology aficionados who are passionate about automation. They seek out modern, highly functional living spaces where everything, from cutting-edge technology to innovative engineering solutions, is tailored to simplify and enhance daily life. Every detail is meticulously planned to ensure maximum comfort and convenience.
Art Gallery House: These residences are artistic sanctuaries, where the essence of comfort is deeply rooted in family history, art, and cherished rituals. The owners are true aesthetes who prioritize tradition, beauty, and an unparalleled home atmosphere. As discerning collectors, they curate paintings, sculptures, and antiques for their spaces – each piece selected for its unique story and significance. While they appreciate modern technology, it never overshadows the art and traditions that define their home.
WOW-House: As the name suggests, these homes are designed to impress. The owners are individuals who see their home as a reflection of their status and a showcase of their individuality. The «wow» factor can be achieved through various means – be it technological marvels, aesthetic grandeur, or a fusion of both. Whether it’s a club in a basement, a rooftop greenhouse, or an avant-garde art installation that spans multiple floors, there are no limits. Every element is curated to leave a lasting impression, making the home as unforgettable as its owner.
– How do you design a comfortable home for Dubai’s hot, dry climate?
– Creating a home in Dubai’s intense, sun-drenched environment requires a specialized approach. While it’s a common belief that wearing white and painting everything white is the solution for heat, in reality, when walls are painted white and light-colored stone or tiles are used in the exterior, the sun’s intense rays reflect off these surfaces, causing glare and fatigue rather than relief.
That’s why I recommend softening the white palette and employing other design strategies to combat the climate. For instance, incorporating lush green spaces on the property can significantly reduce the heat effect while providing soothing shade. Water features – like pools, fountains, waterfalls, or even misting systems on terraces – infuse the surroundings with a refreshing coolness that’s much needed.
From the architectural perspective, it’s essential to consider the sun’s trajectory throughout the day. This means strategically positioning windows and overhangs, and creatively designing the geometry of the rooms to ensure that sunlight enters in just the right amount. Effective insulation, energy-efficient solutions, and meticulous attention to ventilation systems are essential for maintaining cool interiors.
When it comes to interior design, white walls are not the answer. After stepping in from the glaring sunlight, bright white walls offer little comfort, and over time, they can lose their appeal, turning dull and grey. Instead, we often introduce texture and depth to the walls, giving them volume, expression, and character. This can be achieved through a sophisticated mix of materials like wood, stone, and metal, as well as relief panels, decorative elements, and well-placed niches. The goal is to create a dynamic interplay of colors, textures, and materials that bring a sense of rhythm and movement to the space. Lighting, both general and localized, plays a pivotal role in enhancing this effect, ensuring the interior glows beautifully as evening falls. Ultimately, when you transition from the harsh, bright outdoors into an interior imbued with calming hues and rich textures, your eyes – and your soul – feel real relief.
– Trends come and go. How do you ensure the timelessness of your design solutions in such a rapidly changing world?
– It’s not only trends that come and go; our moods, feelings, and tastes do too. There’s a risk that your interior could quickly feel outdated or tiresome if it relies on just one style. Take minimalism, for example – it can be strikingly modern, but without a careful balance, it might eventually lose its allure. Clients often fill their homes with treasures from their travels, yet even the most exquisite pieces can seem out of place in a space that adheres too strictly to a single design language.
Our design approach embraces diversity. Whether we start with minimalism, modernity, or an ethnic aesthetic, we blend in other styles and leave room for the client’s personal touch. It’s essential that the home reflects the client’s personality, as these unique elements infuse the space with character. After all, it’s their life story, and it deserves more than a single narrative.
Working in the premium segment, we’re committed to using only the highest quality, most durable materials – materials that, much like a fine wine, only get better with age. Natural marble, for instance, may develop a patina or subtle imperfections over time, but these ‘flaws’ add depth and charm, creating a story that is uniquely yours. Designers around the world, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, are increasingly recognizing the value of these original materials, not just for their beauty, but for their ability to give a sense of timelessness to a space.
And let’s not forget color. While we certainly appreciate the power of a bold hue, we believe in building our interiors on a foundation of neutral, classic tones. These serve as a canvas, allowing us to introduce pops of color that can be easily updated to reflect the latest trends, or even just a shift in mood, without compromising the integrity of the overall design.
– Which project holds a special place in your heart?
– For me, the greater the challenge, the more exciting the result. One project that stands out is a villa on Palm Jumeirah. Our client had purchased one of those standard-designed homes by Italian architects, but after moving in with his family, he wanted to transform it – inside and out – into something far more captivating and light, without making it look minimalist. He wanted to surprise his family with a complete transformation while they were away on their summer holiday.
This project truly put us to the test. We had only 2.5 months to work on-site during the hottest part of the year, with a massive scope that covered both the exterior and interior. We reimagined the facade with stone-like tiles, created shaded areas, barbecue zones, and relaxation spaces in the garden. Inside, we overhauled everything except the layout. The project’s intrigue grew as we had to tailor the design changes to match the impeccable taste of the client’s wife, who works in fashion, while keeping it all a surprise for her.
Few believed we could achieve so much in such a short time, but we did. From the moment we began preparing remotely in the spring, we were fully dedicated to this project.
When the client’s wife walked into the newly transformed home in September, she was astonished by the dramatic changes. The new interior truly resonated with her, especially the thoughtful details like the use of her favorite colors. She and her children immediately felt connected to their new home.
The alchemy between a client and an architect is incredibly important. It’s what pushes you to put in your absolute best. For me, the most rewarding part is not just seeing the work accepted, but seeing it loved. When I witness how our designs touch our clients, exceeding their expectations and evoking strong emotions, that’s when I know we’ve succeeded.
