Simay Demirel
Creator of Where I Would Like To Read
Sales at Jacquemus / Paris, France
It is always a pleasure to meet and hear the stories of other interior design lovers and curators like myself. I have been following Where I Would Like To Read for over a year now, it has always differed for me as it brings together a community of book lovers, people searching for happiness, peace and serenity in their spaces. When I learned that there was another Turkish living abroad behind the scenes, I immediately wanted to hear more about her story. Simay lives in Paris, works at one of my favorite brands, Jacquemus and shares her interior curation with her community. She took her platform to another level by creating her own content by visiting newly opened hotels with unique concepts, or undiscovered B&Bs, Her “Where I Would Like To Read Escapes” series is one of my favorites to read to learn about the stories beyond photos. In our interview, she also shared some details about her Parisian apartment as well. Enjoy :)
You can find her @simotto and WIWLTR @whereiwouldliketoread :)
You created an incredible platform of interior lovers; Where I Would Like To Read. Your community is one of my favorites on Instagram, showing a peaceful combination of interiors where people take that time in the day to be with themselves, read, enjoy, be present… Can you share with us the journey of creating your account and the idea behind it?
Thank you so much! The idea came in during the first lockdown we had in France. It was a period where I started to read more, but also the time I noticed just how much interior design related content I had saved on Instagram! I wanted to create an inspiration account, to bring people who enjoy reading and design together. I started by introducing iconic houses designed by famous architects — as well as private spaces. I love how people from all over the world now send me images from where they like to disconnect, their favorite books and dream design objects.
You are my first interview from Paris. I need to ask you about your favorite places in your city to shop vintage and find inspiration :)
Seeing how city is rich with important architectural buildings and galeries open for public, on my free times I try to organize visits in and around Paris. Loved Galerie 54 for example, it’s a Modernist gem close to my place in the 16th arrondissement.
Without a doubt Marche aux Puces is one of the greatest sources for inspiration and vintage shopping. But I think I enjoy it most when I hear of a brocante happening somewhere in town and find a good set of cutlery, or just something unexpected. At these flea markets I often find myself looking for old issues of AD and Maison Française.
You usually don’t share your own home but for this interview I would love to get some exclusive look into your own findings, furniture, decor (of course if you are comfortable sharing). What’s your inspiration for your own space? I also wonder if you incorporate Turkish culture into your life in a foreign country?
When I first moved at this studio 6 years ago, it was already fully furnished and I sort of respected the general outline of the space. My landlord is a retired antique dealer, so he left for me a couple of cute impressionist paintings and a gorgeous white kitchen table that I love! Recently I started to add more things that reflect my personal taste: I have a beautiful checkered Moroccan rug, a dark brown leather reading armchair that I got hand delivered from « Studio3000 » in Amsterdam, a large arched lamp and some design vases. A pair of mini portable Panthella lamps by Louis Poulsen just joined the crew as well. :) I don’t own many traditional things, but I did bring along two handmade ceramic bowls purchased from Grand Bazaar on my last trip. I think the culture I grew up in gets more reflected in my ways of showing emotions towards people — also in my cooking.
Do you have some dream pieces of furniture or decor for your own home?
Tough question but first ones that popped into my head are Chandigarh chairs by Pierre Jeanneret, Akari 10a floor lamp by Isamu Noguchi and bookends by Shane Gabier.