This week we caught up with Nevena Angelova – one of Arcbazar’s top 50 designers, based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Nevena has been an architect and interior designer for the last 15 years, having completed more than a hundred projects all over the world. “I truly love what I do and even perceive it as a hobby,” shares Nevena during our chat.

She was introduced to our platform over three years ago by a colleague.

I find Arcbazar really useful and especially appreciate the competitive way of working. I always recommend it to young architects as it provide opportunities to gain useful experience and skills.

Nevena took part in 78 competitions on Arcbazar. From living room remodeling to new residentials to commercial designs – it’s safe to say she is one of our most experienced designers. The one competition that stands out for Nevena personally is a remodel of a house in France built in 1850, which also happens to be the birthplace of Jean Cocteau – French poet, novelist, dramatist, designer, playwright, artist and filmmaker. “It was a challenge,” admits Nevena. “But it was in one of my personal favorite styles.”

If you take a closer look at Nevena’s profile, you’ll notice numerous submissions for kitchen remodels. “I enjoy designing kitchens as it requires considering not only good looks but also functionality of the space. I personally prefer simple, minimalistic designs, combinations of glass and wood, and making use of contemporary materials and amenities,” explains Nevena.

Kitchen remodel: Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Remodeling a kitchen (or any space for that matter) can often times feel overwhelming. So we asked Nevena to share her expert opinion on the do’s and don’ts.

• DO make a list of everything you would need in the kitchen: appliances, tech, a breakfast spot, etc.
• DO go through various designs and select a couple of “inspiration pictures.”
• DON’T try to copy nice-looking pictures, but rather use them as an inspiration. Each space has its own set of requirements, from technical to architectural. Trying to replicate something you find on Instagram or Pinterest can result in a disappointment.
• DON’T do any preparatory work – purchasing tiles and cabinets or adjusting plumbing/electrical installations if you are hiring an architect for the job. “Often times owners are impatient to start repairing without a sound action plan and end up making the designer’s job harder, the repairs more expensive and sometimes get a worse final product.”

In case you are thinking of remodeling your kitchen and following Nevena’s advice, we decided to pull some style inspirations. See if anything catches your eye and, if so, think how you can customize this design to your personal unique needs and preferences.