Inside the Contemporary & Organic Aesthetic of Helena Brana
Join us as we take a peek inside the creative mind of Helena Brana, founder of Brana Designs, in this edition of Love Happens’ Design Questionnaire. An acclaimed European interior designer, Helena hails from the beautiful city of Prague. Currently based in Corona del Mar, California, Helena opened her atelier in 2018 and has since crafted some of the most extraordinary homes across Europe and the West Coast, each with its own unique story.
Meet Helena Brana of Brana Designs in the Lh Design Questionnaire
Helena’s passion for design stems from her love of creating spatial experiences that challenge conventional boundaries while seamlessly blending creativity and functionality. Drawing inspiration from her worldwide travels, observations of nature, and architecture, she has developed a signature elevated contemporary aesthetic that imbues her projects with more of a global perspective.
Her keen eye for detail is evident in her use of innovative technologies, unique pieces, and custom creations, as well as her collaborations with artisans she has discovered around the world. By combining her clients’ dreams with unparalleled solutions, Helena’s approach results in emotive, functional, and beautifully designed interiors that are both human-conscious and stunningly crafted. With her extraordinary talent and commitment to excellence, Helena brings her clients’ visions to life, creating living spaces that are as exceptional as they are inspiring.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To me, perfect happiness means living in a serene and joyful environment, surrounded by my loved ones, enjoying the beauty and tranquility of nature, and being part of a supportive community. This includes having a sense of purpose and meaning in life, pursuing my passions, and feeling fulfilled in my personal and professional endeavors. It also means having the freedom to do absolutely nothing if I choose to. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between inner peace and outer harmony and cultivating a sense of gratitude and contentment in every moment.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I consider my personal relationships my greatest achievement. Professionally, I am extremely proud of my professional accomplishments. Since moving to the United States in 2019, I have been able to create a portfolio of beautiful and successful projects for my clients in a relatively short amount of time. I take pride in my unique aesthetic, which sets me apart from others in the OC area. Being able to establish myself as a respected and sought-after designer in a new country has been a significant achievement and one that I am proud of.
What profession does your alter ego have?
If I were to have an alter ego, it would be someone who is passionate about environmental conservation and animal welfare by protecting endangered species, preventing deforestation & oil drilling in protected areas, an alter ego who is ready to deal with the red tape.
The project you will never forget.
One of my most unforgettable projects was an ocean-view project in Del Mar, where our client purchased a vacation home. The client had a sophisticated style and a deep interest in art and modern European aesthetics. From the beginning, we were on the same page, and the project went smoothly with a high level of trust. The end result was a stunning home that perfectly captured the client’s unique style and showcased the beautiful ocean views. This project stands out to me as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision.
Your favorite business tool or resource.
One of my favorite business tools that I cannot do without is Ivy. As an interior designer, Ivy has become an essential tool for managing all our projects. Additionally, Google Suite has been an invaluable resource for communication and organization. We also utilize a variety of architectural software tools to bring our design concepts to life.
The most timeless design.
As humans, we tend to naturally gravitate towards organic and natural shapes, finding them both soothing and comforting. Organic shapes have a timeless quality to them and can be incorporated into a variety of design styles, from modern to traditional, to create a sense of harmony and balance in any space.
The biggest design faux pas.
For me, the biggest design faux pas is placing windows behind the bed instead of having a beautiful accent wall. It can be challenging to create a focal point in a bedroom when the view outside is competing for attention with the bed, and it can also impact the privacy of the space. Another faux pas I see quite often is using rugs that are too small for the room, which can make the space feel disjointed and visually unbalanced. It’s essential to choose rugs that are appropriately sized for the room and furniture to create a cohesive look and define different areas within the space.
Your design motto.
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.
Our publisher, KOKET, makes statement décor. If you were to design a room around one of their pieces, which would it be, and why?
If I were to design a room around one KOKET piece, it would undoubtedly be the Cuff Chair. I have a deep appreciation for accent chairs that balance sleek curves with modern design, and the Cuff Chair perfectly captures that essence. Its unique, balanced scale and intrigue make it a statement piece that effortlessly draws the eye, adding a touch of glamour to any space.
Explore more from Helena Brana and Brana Designs at BranaDesigns.com
Feature Image: Del Mar | Photo by Josh Bustos
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