An interview with the Founder of Rene Homes, Rana Gork.
This year, on my trip back to Turkey from the States I stayed at an Airbnb that I fell in love with. I ended up having lunch with the owner, Rana, and we began working together on a collective project of telling the stories of creative businesses in Turkey. In this article, I ask Rana about her own business journey. Make sure you head over to her website and social.
When did you begin your business?
I began in 2019.
Did you ever consider owning your own business before? Why or why not?
I actually didn’t. First I had started working as a chef at restaurants and hotels, right after I have graduated from college. Working for 5 years in kitchen, I left being exhausted due to lack of a social life. And then I started working as a white collar employee, and travelled the world during weekends and holidays for 4 years. So, I was occupied with that life. When I met Cem, my husband, he has pushed and inspired me to own my business. He gave me the nickname Rene when we met, hence the name of my enterprise, he even created my first logo!
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Istanbul. Lived at Kadikoy and Bagdat Caddesi for most of my life, then moved to Cihangir at 2014.
How many apartments do you own currently?
All the apartments I am running are owned by my father, there are 7.
Tell me a little bit about your design process? How do you choose a theme? Do you have a set budget for each project?
Once I enter the house, I start to have a picture of what house will turn out to be. I measure, and draw a layout of the apartment first. I must admit that I draw everything on paper, even the furnitures that will be manufactured.
I always work with the same team of handymen, they are all professionals at what they are do. We visit the empty house together, and see what can be and cannot be done. They also pitch some ideas too!
I am a Cancer, being at home and creating a home are my favorite things! I already scroll through home design blogs everyday and buy magazines and save cut outs of my favorite rooms and furnitures. I create a moodboard with color palettes, patterns and textures, then work accordingly.
Of course I set a budget for each project, here in Turkey always something unpredictable happens! I am always ready to spend 10-15% more than I foresee at the beginning.
Which apartment was your first design? What have you learned about renovations between then and your latest project in Bodrum?
The apartment I used to live in, at Rana Hanım Apartmani, Home No.1 was the first apartment I have designed.
Can you share a little bit about where you buy / source your materials? The tiles, the furniture, the art, the wallpaper, etc.
I love shopping from antique shops and bazaars! So almost all the furnitures are renovated/ upcycled. I do not get the same warmth from one of the many IKEA couches. Thats why I prefer pre-loved and used furniture and them a twist, either with color, polish, tassel or paint. And I am really happy with the artisans that help me create those furniture, they are also happy with how they renovate and mend the furnitures and give them life again. The tiles are from my good friend’s factory, Yildiz Karo. He even produces special order tiles for my houses. Art is from our travels, flea markets, galleries and antique shops again. Wallpapers are from 3rd Culture.
Which apartment do you feel more reflects your own personal style?
I think although they seem different from one another, in a sense it can all be seen that I am the one designing them. I believe I have a particular taste and way, and more or less each house reflect it. I would say all of them :)
What do you love about living in Istanbul?
The history, culture, customs, old buildings, the sea, museums, art, food, the city. Istanbul has it downsides for sure, overall its my city and I love it here!
What do you love most about visiting Bodrum?
First of all our house! Then the sea and the delicious fresh fish.
When you travel, do you stay in hotels or Airbnb’s?
I always check airbnbs first. At some cities almost all airbnb’s are tailored for business, it doesn’t feel like home at those apartments. In that case, I would go with a good hotel at a nice location.
What is your favorite part of the renovation process? What’s the hardest part?
I enjoy the entire process. The hardest part is when something unexpected happens, like a broken pipe or a very bad infrastructure. It means more labor and expense.
How long does a renovation project typically take you?
Around 3-4 weeks. Everything is usually ready in 1.5 months.