A Day of Design in Turkey: Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu on Crafting Timeless Spaces
people • DESIGNERS
A Day of Design is a multidisciplinary studio shaping high-end interiors across Istanbul and Paris. Known for its refined approach, the studio has delivered standout projects, including private residences in Kandilli, Gümüşsuyu, Maçka, and Teşvikiye, alongside commercial designs like the Hermès store. Balancing contemporary elegance with cultural depth, their work seamlessly integrates architecture, bespoke craftsmanship, and a keen eye for detail, earning them recognition as innovators in luxury design.
WEBSITE: mehmetyucebasoglu.com INSTAGRAM: @adayofdesign.com & @mehmetsezai
Words: designeers
MARCH 2025
DESIGNEERS
You founded your studio after graduating from Yeditepe University. What inspired you to take this leap so early in your career?
Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu
It was clear since my childhood that my profession would be deeply intertwined with art and design. During my university years, I spent a lot of time at the home and office of furniture designer Aziz Sarıyer, the founder of Derin Design. At that time, Mr. Aziz was collaborating with global brands such as Moroso and Cappellini. This period profoundly impacted me, and right after graduation—without even doing an internship—I decided to establish my own studio. I believe it was the right decision. I have always had great love and respect for Aziz Sarıyer for his support and inspiration.
DESIGNEERS
How would you describe your design philosophy, and how has it evolved?
Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu
I am someone who doesn’t dwell in the past but follows its traces as I move forward. To me, the past is not a burden but a guide. This philosophy shapes the music I listen to, the spaces I inhabit, and the projects I create—ultimately defining my lifestyle. My ability to bridge the past with the present is at the core of my aesthetic and creative approach.
DESIGNEERS
Your projects exude both contemporary sophistication and lasting appeal. What elements are essential in achieving this balance?
Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu
I believe that designed spaces should stand the test of time. In my work, I strive to create environments that are not fleeting or easily consumed but enduring, timeless, and always relevant. A design rooted in the essence of the space, the individual, and the atmosphere naturally finds its way to longevity. I draw inspiration from the past, reinterpreting and updating it to serve as a guide for my work. This approach allows my designs to seamlessly blend the contemporary with the classic, ensuring they remain both meaningful and lasting.
DESIGNEERS
Is there a hotel you consider a benchmark for exceptional design? What makes it stand out to you?
Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu
Honestly, I have four or five answers to this question, but if I had to choose one, I would say Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. For me, places with history, comfort, and a story are just as important and captivating as their design.
“Pierre Paulin was a true visionary, with a forward-thinking approach that was far ahead of his time. His iconic space and furniture designs for French President Georges Pompidou at the Élysée Palace in 1972 remain a source of inspiration even today. ”
Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu
DESIGNEERS
If you could have a conversation with any designer, past or present, who would it be and why?
Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu
Pierre Paulin was a true visionary, with a forward-thinking approach that was far ahead of his time. His iconic space and furniture designs for French President Georges Pompidou at the Élysée Palace in 1972 remain a source of inspiration even today. His legacy continues through his son, Benjamin Paulin, and the work of Paulin Paulin Paulin, whose designs I love integrating into my projects.
DESIGNEERS
How do you approach material selection, and are there specific textures or finishes you find yourself drawn to repeatedly?
Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu
As a steadfast Taurus, of course, I have materials I’m obsessed with. Stainless steel, marble, various types of wood, and high-quality fabrics are very important to me. I love the interplay between warm and cool materials. I experiment with different techniques to adapt these materials to my perspective and design approach.
DESIGNEERS
Top suppliers–Which three suppliers or brands do you rely on most for your projects, and what do you love about them?
Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu
The brand A Day of Design, of which I am a partner, is my biggest supplier. Working with high-end brands like Pierre Frey, Dedar, and De Gournay elevates the designs I create. The Istanbul-based furniture company Mozaik houses a variety of furniture brands, allowing me to access a wide range of designs from past to present. Since I have a deep appreciation for vintage lighting, the Istanbul-based 1930s and antique dealer Hikmet Mizanoğlu are invaluable in helping me find the right lighting and furniture pieces for my projects
DESIGNEERS
If you could design a space without limitations—budget, location, or scope—what would it be?
Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu
I would love to design the interior of a historic palace. My approach would be to bring the space into the present with contemporary decor while preserving its historical essence
DESIGNEERS
What city or place has influenced your design perspective the most, and why?
Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu
Even though it is the complete opposite of my calm world in every way, Marrakech is a city that deeply inspires me. In fact, I can say it’s where I have learned about colours. I think the chaos and the vibrant and dynamic spaces appeal to me precisely because they contrast with my own aesthetic. It’s a culture full of surprises—unexpected streets lead to hidden gems, and you truly experience the essence of maximalism. For someone like me, who enjoys serene design and a quiet lifestyle, it’s a completely different and exciting place.
DESIGNEERS
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that excite you at the moment?
Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu
I’m starting a project for a historic waterfront Bosphorus mansion in Istanbul. What I plan to do and the dreams I have for it truly excite me.
