Daria Butnaru: The secrets behind international interior design projects

Daria Butnaru, an interior designer from Bucharest, transforms spaces into unique experiences, blending elegance, functionality, and creativity in both local and international projects.

Daria Butnaru, an interior designer from Bucharest, is known for her innovative vision and attention to detail. With over 15 years of experience as an interior designer, Daria has executed and implemented a variety of projects both in Romania and internationally, creating unique spaces that blend aesthetics with functionality.

Among her notable projects are the design of restaurants, luxury private residences, commercial and office spaces, all reflecting her distinctive style and her ability to understand clients’ needs. Daria prides herself on her skill in transforming ideas into reality, using high-quality materials and cutting-edge technologies.

With an extensive network of collaborators and satisfied clients, Daria Butnaru continues to inspire and innovate in the world of interior design, bringing a touch of elegance and refinement to every project.

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career, what were the key moments that defined you?

Daria: I believe one of the most important moments in my career was the decision to work independently from the very beginning. I chose to follow my dream and build my own business, which allowed me to develop my style and select the projects that truly excite me.

Then, participating in professional courses, fairs, events, and conferences was essential for me. These experiences allowed me to connect with other professionals in the industry, learn about the latest trends and technologies, and expand my skills and perspective.

Another significant moment was when I decided to work on international projects. It was a huge challenge but also an incredible opportunity to collaborate with clients from different cultures and to reinvent myself with each new project.

All these experiences have helped shape me into the interior designer I am today and continue to inspire me to innovate and create unique, functional spaces for my clients.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?

Daria: The most difficult moment was the beginning of the pandemic, when I lost over 70% of my work in just one week. After the initial shock, I reinvented the entire work process and started working extensively remotely. I also chose to adapt to other types of projects, such as decorating private terraces and restaurants.

The most important lesson I learned from this experience was mastering remote work, which has helped me enormously in my career since then.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Daria: My motivation has always been a beautiful dream of working in the winter from an exotic beach! And starting this year, I fulfilled that dream. I’m conducting this interview while working on a wonderful residential project, enjoying a little tropical paradise.

C&B: How did you look at the start of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed up to now?

Daria: At the beginning of my career, I was a younger, more enthusiastic version of myself! Full of ideas and energy, but with much to learn. My style was more eclectic; I was experimenting and trying to discover what truly defined me.

Now, after years of experience and continuous learning, I have a much more refined style and approach everything with a certain confidence. I’ve discovered what truly excites me and developed a clear, personal vision of interior design. I’m calmer, more self-assured, and capable of expressing and bringing my ideas to life.

I believe that maturity and experience have brought a certain elegance and a personal style to my approach to projects. I’m more attentive to details, better at managing projects, and I understand my clients’ needs on a much deeper level than at the start of my career.

C&B: If we met with your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Daria: That’s a brilliant question! I’d also like to know in detail everything they think about me. Some frequent observations are that I have too many ideas, that I’m very critical, including with myself, that I have a vivid imagination but don’t let it run out of control, maybe too much!

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?

Daria: The decision to go beyond physical borders and work in other countries. I feel this will positively influence my career, even more so in the coming years.

C&B: How do you approach the creative process when you receive a client brief? Where do you start, and how do you arrive at a complete solution?

Daria: My work in this stage is similar to that of a journalist. First, I study the subject who will inhabit or use the space, then I create a set of questions for the client. Their answers help me understand their requirements and desires. I then immerse myself in the space and start shaping it until it aligns with these needs and wishes.

After this stage, the technical process begins, the actual design.

However, for me as a designer, the project remains flexible until completion. I would never abandon a better idea that arises along the way just because it wasn’t planned from the start. The project is alive, dynamic, limitless in imagination, and must perfectly satisfy the client, often exceeding their expectations.

C&B: What is the difference between traditional interior design and the holistic approach you promote for interiors, exteriors, and gardens?

Daria: The perfect question! For me, classic design often focuses only on aesthetics and creating a certain look. It’s about choosing beautiful furniture pieces, suitable colors, and textures that create a particular atmosphere. Nothing wrong with that, but…

The holistic approach I adopt brings additional value. I believe a space should be more than beautiful—it must be functional, sustainable, and reflect the personality and needs of those who inhabit it. I consider the entire ecosystem of the house and garden, from light and energy to materials and textures, colors, and forms, to create a space in harmony with nature and its inhabitants.

For me, holistic design means creating a space with an atmosphere that nourishes the soul, inspires, and supports well-being. It’s an integrated and more personalized approach that takes into account all aspects of the lives of those who will use the space.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most satisfaction?

Daria: I don’t have a typical day; all my time is unusual, each project is unique, and challenges me in a special way. I can describe, however, a few typical moments of my work. The first and most important is building the concept, which requires me to be in a beautiful, comfortable place that stimulates my creativity. Whether I’m at home listening to music while sketching, or at a chic café or botanical garden, I put my imagination to work and create the space in my mind.

Another typical moment is visiting partner showrooms to select materials, a very important activity, sometimes challenging, but one I enjoy immensely.

A less pleasant activity for me is visiting a construction site in winter at 8 a.m.! But with a coffee and a few jokes, I get through it.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in your work, and how do you apply them day by day?

Daria: My basic principle, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is essential in everything I do.

In my interior design career, I apply this principle by being very attentive to my clients’ needs and desires. I try to put myself in their shoes and understand what makes them happy and comfortable in their space. It’s about creating a space that truly belongs to them, not to me.

C&B: How was Greenwood-Team born, and what inspired you to dedicate yourself to interior and exterior design?

Daria: Greenwood Interiors was born from the desire of my partner and me to develop professionally in our own style and without relying on others.

We started with natural stone and ceramic tiles and quickly moved into interior design. The journey was often difficult but also full of rewards and beautiful moments. The Greenwood story continues, becoming increasingly known and fascinating.

C&B: Do you have a favorite project or one that challenged your creativity the most? Tell us about it.

Daria: Otherwise, I couldn’t call myself an interior designer and creator of atmosphere.

I will briefly tell you about a very unique project.

An authentic noble mansion, perfectly restored. We handled the furnishing, equipping, and decorating. The part that challenged me enormously was studying the era to which the building belonged. I studied archival photos and also read passages from various novels as well as contemporary publications of the time.

It was a journey into another time, which I particularly enjoyed.

With passion and dedication, Daria Butnaru continues to create spaces that inspire, provide comfort, and reflect each client’s personality, solidifying her position as one of the most respected interior designers.