Welcome to the latest edition of Laskasas' Not-So-Secret Diary, where we bring you inspiring stories of the interior design industry's brightest stars. This month, we are thrilled to feature Camilla Bellini, a rising star within the interior design industry.
Camilla's journey follows two different but complementary paths interior and product design, as well as design blogging.
All began at the Art Institute in Siena, where her fascination with sketching and proportions took root. She further pursued her love for design by studying Industrial Design at the Faculty of Architecture in Florence. Over the years, Camilla's devotion to creating exquisite interiors and lighting designs has become the essence of her daily life.
As an interior and product designer, she infuses elegance, functionality, and her personal style into every project. On other hand, her blog captures her authentic taste and showcases high-quality designs that truly inspire. With positivity and transparency, Camilla has gained a devoted following that appreciates her genuine storytelling and unwavering commitment to design. This particularly happens through Instagram, where Camilla connects with a wider audience and creates meaningful interactions. By sharing her experiences, inspirations, and insights, she fosters a sense of community and inspires others in their design journeys.
Camilla seamlessly balances her roles as an Interior/Product Designer and a Design Blogger. Her experiences as a designer nourish her blog content, while her blog enhances her recognition in the design industry. She offers valuable advice to aspiring designers, encouraging them to find their unique style and stand out from the crowd.
As we delve into Camilla's story, we invite you to explore her world of design, where elegance and creativity intertwine to develop beautiful creations and build strong connections.
"IF YOU WANT ME AS AN INFLUENCER, YOU HAVE TO ALLOW ME TO EXPRESS MYSELF AS A CREATOR."
Camilla Bellini
Source: Camilla Bellini | Camilla Bellini at Laskasas' stand in Milan's Salone del Mobile
Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in interior design? Also, what do you hope to achieve through your work?
I attended the Art Institute in Siena and it's there that all began. My very first approach to design was in high school when I studied sketching and proportions. Then I decided to enroll at the Faculty of Architecture in Florence to study Industrial Design, and this is how I became an interior and product designer.
Since when I was a child I've always been attracted to design, especially lamps. Now, thanks to my job, I can take my personal style in every home or project that asks for my intervention. It's my passion that has become my daily life at work.
In today's digital age, there is an abundance of design blogs and online resources available. How do you differentiate your blog and provide unique value to your readers? What do you think sets your content apart from others in the industry?
As a digital creator, I decided to open my social media presence first and then my blog in 2016. In an organic way, a little community came closer to my communication.
Over the years people chose me for my approach to design and my way of seeing work and daily life. I put on my blog only products, projects, and experiences that really impressed me. Basically, my tastes are my way to differentiate my content, no matter if it's a free blog post or a paid one. I only express my point of view on things.
Source: Camilla Bellini | Camilla Bellini
"THE HIGH-QUALITY DESIGN IS MY NICHE, AND THIS, MORE THAN A LIMIT, IS A COMPASS."
Your blog covers various aspects of interior design. How do you decide on the topics and content you share with your audience? Do you have a particular niche or style that you focus on?
As I mentioned before, I have no secret editorial plan for my blog. I decide to tell my opinion about something and I just do it.
The high-quality design is my niche, and this, more than a limit, is a compass. It makes me focus on my aim: make design closer to people.
Your blog likely has a dedicated following of design enthusiasts. How do you engage with your readers and foster a sense of community? Are there any strategies or initiatives you implement to encourage interaction and feedback from your audience?
Being clear and transparent is a good way to start a relation with people. I gained the trust of my community thanks to positive storytelling fully dedicated to design and my life as a designer.
Day by day, this idea of "the designer next door" has been appreciated, not only in Tuscany, not only in Italy, but basically in many countries in the world. Made in Italy and the Italian dream of the dolce vita concept helped me in my mission of increasing high-quality design awareness.
"I ACCEPT A COLLABORATION ONLY WHEN I'M SURE TO BE EXPOSED AS I AM."
Collaborations are an important aspect of a bloggers work, as demonstrated in your blog and Instagram. How do these collaborations enhance your content and contribute to the success of your platforms by expanding your audience, for example?
I work exclusively with brands and companies that are accomplished to my standards of quality and design.
I accept a collaboration only when I'm sure to be exposed as I am. If you want me as an influencer, you have to allow me to express myself as a creator. Otherwise, you can ask for a testimonial who plays a part.
Social media plays a significant role in promoting and growing a blog. How do you leverage social media platforms to expand your reach and connect with a wider audience? Are there any specific strategies or best practices that you follow when it comes to social media marketing?
Sharing is caring, someone said. What you share is the key. Besides the technical tips, you have to stay focused on your mission and understand what is the best way to keep your communication transparent and your storytelling effective.
I talk a lot with people, in DM, and via email, I care about them and their projects. This gives me more opportunities of having good word of mouth. The networks are also important, human to human.
How do you effectively balance your roles as an Interior/Product Designer and a Design Blogger? Do you find that each occupation complements and strengthens the other in any way?
Being a design blogger gave me the opportunity of being more recognisable as an interior and product designer. For example, thanks to my activity and my storytelling on Instagram, I met a company that asked me to design a lamp.
Vertical communication in design (both for interiors and products) are two different but very close aspects of my job.
Source: Camilla Bellini | Camilla Bellini as an interior/product designer
"FIND YOUR STYLE, FIND YOUR WAY OF LOOKING AT THINGS, OF EXPRESS YOURSELF. THERES NO OTHER WAY TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD."
Many aspiring interior designers look to blogs for guidance and inspiration. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in interior design? Are there any key lessons or experiences from your own journey that you would like to share?
Im sure that starting is the most difficult part. There are a lot of sources on inspirations online and on social media. Competitors are everywhere, and so are copycats.
Find your style, find your way of looking at things, of express yourself. Theres no other way to stand out from the crowd.
The design process can be challenging and filled with creative obstacles. Can you share a memorable design project or experience that you encountered during your journey? How did you overcome any difficulties and what did you learn from that particular situation?
This question drives me back to the pandemic period. I managed an entire design project in Toronto from my home studio in Siena. We were in lockdown, but instead of being lazy in that situation, I asked myself a sign to turn that period into something good. I personalised a product for the Italian company LINVISIBILE and designed a private home where this product was in. It was challenging, but now Im so proud of it.
"EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS ARE ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY TO STAY MENTALLY YOUNG AND FOCUSED ON THE MARKET AND PEOPLE."
Source: Camilla Bellini | Camilla Bellini at a trade show
Your blog interviews often delve into specific design topics and trends. How do you stay up to date with the latest design trends, and how do you balance incorporating trends with maintaining a timeless approach in your work?
My eyes are always open to novelties, news, trends, and the next big thing. Its my approach to the future. Events and exhibitions are also an opportunity to stay mentally young and focused on the market and people.
Again, if something is worth my attention, Ill find a way to tell people on social media or the blog. Having a passion also for art keeps me updated and always inspired.
Beauty is timeless, no matter when and where it comes out. "Beautiful Matters" is one of my mottos.
Lastly, what exciting plans or goals do you have for your blog and career in the future? Are there any new features or areas of focus that you are considering exploring?
I recently opened a TikTok profile, to explore new ways of communication and stay in touch with the youngest followers of my community. I know that they read my blog and I want to provide them an updated storytelling dedicated to that platform.
My goal for the future is to stay curious and travel a lot, to have always more experiences and inspirations to share with people thanks to my storytelling and my projects.
Picture a project where you had the challenge to choose only one furniture piece - which one would it be and why?
Thats a hard question. Lets say the Arco lamp by Castiglioni brothers for Flos. Its the product that made me fall in love with design, and its the first thing that comes to my mind when I close my eyes and I think about design.
Source: Flos | Arco Led by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 1962 for Flos
To close, what about Laskasas which piece do you love the most and why?
From Laskasas, I love mostly its total look approach for spaces. Sofas and armchairs are internationally designed to be in projects in Italy, France, the USA, the Emirates, or everywhere. Laskasas' design has no boundaries.
From the last collection I love the Decker sofa and Alvar bar cabinet. Generally speaking, I also like Mercy, Jack, and Montreal.
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Source: Laskasas | Alvar bar cabinet and Decker sofa
