Founded in 2023 by Defne Arıkoğlu and Yasmin Karamolla, Deya is an exciting lifestyle brand based between Istanbul and London. Roddy Clarke unearths the passion behind the brand that is turning heads around the globe
Photography by Deya featuring designs from the studio which is based between Istanbul and London, celebrating the heritage and artistry of Turkish craft through a contemporary lens
Words by Roddy Clarke
When speaking of the design philosophy behind the lifestyle brand she co-founded with her business partner Yasmin Karamolla, Defne Arıkoğlu says it is ‘timeless yet playful’. Launching in 2023, Deya is a contemporary homeware brand celebrating the magical heritage of Turkish craft through a modern, artistic lens. Working closely with makers across the country, its collection includes bold and sculptural mouth-blown glassware alongside a selection of avant-garde furniture pieces, each boasting the brand’s unique, yet refined, unconventionality. ‘Each piece is designed to feel like a character in your home,’ says Defne, ‘combining joyful energy and artisanal quality to create expressive objects that feeling personal, surprising and full of life and colour.’
Photography by Deya featuring Yasmin Karamolla and Defne Arıkoğlu, the co-founders of Deya
Designed between London and Istanbul, the cross-cultural exchange plays heavily into the brand’s design language. ‘The two cities have very different energies,’ comments Yasmin. ‘Istanbul is known for a deep-rooted sense of craft and history, especially with glassmaking, which is where we started. There is also a quiet elegance to interiors in Turkey, more muted, natural and refined. London on the other hand, is bold, eccentric, and full of colour, much like Deya itself.’ Growing up between the two cities, Yasmin moved to London full-time at the age of sixteen to study fashion at Central Saint Martins and Regent’s University. ‘It’s fair to say that both cites feel like home to me, which makes it incredibly special to see them come together through Deya,’ she says. ‘It’s where we feel free to push boundaries and be creative, play with form and be a little louder. By blending these two worlds, we create designs that are expressive yet thoughtful and playful yet grounded.’
Photography by Deya showing the studio’s colourful creations and how they exude a playful joy, with each piece handcrafted by Turkish artisans
In taking the creative identities of both places and fusing them together, Deya’s vivacious design aesthetic has already caught the attention of design lovers across the world. And, through partnering with global platforms such as Adorno and 1st Dibs and institutions such as Istanbul Modern Museum, the brand is inviting its audience to experience the joy found through its playful approach to design. ‘We aim to bring personality and joy into people’s lives,’ states Defne. “Each piece is crafted to be more than just an object. It is a conversation starter, designed to spark curiosity and connection.’ With the Poppy Armchair being one of the brand’s first furniture designs, she reveals how it has become a favourite for many of Deya’s clients. ‘We have had lots of lovely feedback saying it’s the perfect icebreaker for any dinner party,’ she continues. ‘Our goals is for every item to feel special and be admired. At the heart of Deya is a sense of playfulness and delight, woven into everyday moments.’
Photography by Deya showcasing The Heels High Armchair – a great example of its playful and unconventional design aesthetic
Working with skilled workshops in and around Istanbul, the duo is helping to sustain local craft that has been passed down through generations. From traditional Turkish glassmaking ateliers to family-run furniture workshops, they are committed to building collaborative relationships that help to preserve valuable artistry while sharing its magic with the world. With this intrinsic respect for local craft underpinning their approach to design, Defne says how it requires a certain mindset. ‘We believe things should be made with care and are built to last. It is a mindset rooted in respect: for the craft, the makers and the homes our pieces become part of. Everything is designed to endure to be used every day and then passed down through generations. We’re creating future heirlooms.’
Photography by Deya showcasing The Poppy Chair which has become a favourite with Deya’s audience of design lovers
Looking ahead, the duo’s vision is to evolve into a lifestyle brand that goes beyond design while staying rooted in craft. ‘We’d love to do more in-person events and pop-up shops,’ explains Yasmin. ‘We really enjoy taking part in shows such as Maison&Objet. Last year, our Hell-High Armchair got a lot of attention which was fantastic.’ And, with the brand exhibiting at Collectibles NY this September, its international presence is expanding. ‘The US is a huge potential market for us,’ she continues. ‘We’d also love to continue collaborating and partnering with like-minded brands, interior designers and businesses. We’re a young brand with a big imagination, and there’s so much we can’t wait to do!’
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