Where practicality goes, good design follows, remarks designer Kriszta Gabor who grew up in Budapest amongst the architectural gems of the Ottoman Empire and the city’s wholehearted embrace of modernity. Exploring the Buda Hills district with her mother as a child was a "favourite pastime" that developed her passion for art and design. Today that fascination with design's storied histories draws Kriszta to furniture by Piero Lissoni and Studio Pepe, and the Italian architect Mario Bellini whose now iconic Camaleonda, first released in 1970, would herald a more relaxed way of lounging. Here, More Space meets up wth Kriszta for Design Insiders, a series that introduces the creative thinkers behind the Space brand.
More Space: You joined the Space team in 2014, can you tell us about your design path?
Kriszta Gabor: My passion for design and architecture started at a young age in my home town of Budapest, Hungary. When I was growing up, my favourite pastime was going for long walks with my mother in ‘Rózsadomb’ [Rose Hill], part of the Buda Hills district, to look at the amazing local architecture. However, it wasn’t until I moved to Australia that I become an interior designer. I first studied interior decoration before going on to study interior design at the Design Centre Enmore. I then ran my own interior design business working in residential, commercial and hospitality design before I joined Space.
What have been your biggest design influences?
I have a soft spot for modernism across design and architecture and my long list of influences includes the architects Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer, Ray and Charles Eames, Alvar Aalto, and Oscar Niemeyer. I am also inspired on a daily basis by current designers and architects whose designs can be found in the Space collection, from Piero Lissoni to Fernando and Humberto Campana and Studio Pepe.
"One of my favourite parts of the job is telling clients about the history and the stories behind our furniture pieces. I love seeing the reactions when I tell a client, for example, that the Camaleonda was designed in 1970! It’s always a great conversation starter."
Kriszta Gabor
Designer Kriszta Gabor's Hungarian roots have influenced her love for design and architecture and the stories behind the objects around us. Portrait © Tim Ashton.
The many faces of the Camaleonda first designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini and re-released in 2020. Photo c/o B&B Italia.
Designed by József Fischer and built for his family in 1934, the Bauhaus inspired Villa Zentai in Budapest's Buda Hills district is one of the best examples of Hungarian modernism. Photo c/o Creative Commons.
The portico of the Villa Zentai designed by József Fischer in 1934. Photo c/o Creative Commons.
Portrait of Kriszta Gabor © Tim Ashton.
The Camaleonda's tie-rods and rings allow modules to be unhooked and recombined for "the dynamic needs of those using it". Photo c/o B&B Italia.
“Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom", remarked Mario Bellini at the sofa's re-release in 2020. Photo c/o B&B Italia.
Drawings of the Camaleonda highlighting its flexibility and modularity were released for its launch in 1970. Drawings c/o B&B Italia.
Portrait of Kriszta Gabor on the Camaleonda sofa © Tim Ashton.
"Practicality and good design go hand-in-hand so every project I work on I apply that measure. Trends will come and go (even faster nowadays) so it’s best to try to not get too caught up in them. I always say, buy what’s really necessary, what works for you and the way you live."
Kriszta Gabor
The Camaleonda and its "unlimited modularity" by Mario Bellini. Photo c/o B&B Italia.
What do you enjoy most about sharing your knowledge?
One of my favourite parts of the job is telling clients about the history and the stories behind our furniture pieces. I love seeing the reactions when I tell a client, for example, that the Camaleonda was designed in 1970! It’s always a great conversation starter.
Do you have a favourite piece in the Space collection?
Yes it's the Camaleonda sofa designed by Mario Bellini.
What is it about the design of the Camaleonda that caught your eye?
I love its versatility, the endless configurations, and I love it that it was designed 'in the future'. It’s now 50 years old but it still has a youthful versatility and design modularity. Like all of Bellini's pieces, it is very sculptural and I do love the sculptural form. You can shake up a space with a new sofa, it's the best way of injecting personality. I also love this sofa because it can grow and change with you. I am sure the kids would be happy to take a couple of modules with them when they move out too!
Design is an extension of who we are, it’s very personal. What advice do you give your clients when choosing a piece?
Practicality and good design go hand-in-hand so every project I work on I apply that measure. Trends will come and go (even faster nowadays) so it’s best to try and not get too caught up in them. I always say, buy what’s really necessary, and what works for you and the way you live.
Finally, is there a project that stands out in terms of expanding your design know-how and experience?
My husband is an architect and sometimes we get to work on projects together. So when he designs a house and I then furnish it, that is something truly special to me.
Thanks Kriszta.
