When I walk into a venue, I like to take a moment before I start thinking about what I can add. I notice the light, the architecture, the textures, the proportions and, most importantly, how the space feels. I believe every room has its own character and energy, and good design should work with that rather than try to change it.

I have always been drawn to natural materials, flowers, beautiful fabrics and candlelight because they bring a sense of warmth and calm. I love how the simplest details can change the feeling of a space. The scent of flowers, the softness of linen, the flicker of candlelight or even the way a room sounds once guests arrive can all create a feeling without us really noticing.

For me, there is something quite instinctive about designing an event. It is about noticing how everything sits together and trusting that feeling. Sometimes the most beautiful spaces are the ones where you haven’t tried to do too much, where the architecture, the flowers and the people are allowed to breathe and become part of the experience.

I also think about how people will move through the space and what they will experience as the day unfolds. A beautifully dressed table should invite people to sit a little longer, a candlelit corner should make you want to pause, flowers should feel as though they naturally belong where they have been placed. These small moments are what make an event feel personal rather than simply styled. I want every element to have a purpose, even when it appears effortless, creating a sense of intimacy and ease that allows guests to feel comfortable, present and connected.

Ultimately, I don’t want to create something that simply looks beautiful in a photograph. I want to create an atmosphere that feels natural, warm and connected to the people and the place. Something that becomes part of the memory. Not necessarily something you remember seeing, but something you remember feeling.

Written by Necla Ates, Founder of Loving Events – Luxury Event Styling & Event Design in London.