Today we’d like to introduce you to ILHAN CAYLAK.
Hi ILHAN, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Istanbul and studied Architecture at Yeditepe University, where I developed a strong interest in how spaces influence emotion, lifestyle, and everyday experience. While studying architecture gave me a technical foundation, I found myself becoming more interested in the atmosphere of spaces — the details, materials, lighting, and objects that shape how people actually feel inside an environment.
Over time, that interest evolved into Tonn Design, an interior design studio focused on residential, hospitality, and lifestyle-oriented projects. As the studio grew, I also started developing custom accessories and textile pieces as a natural extension of the interiors I was designing. I’ve always believed that a space feels most complete when the architecture, furniture, materials, and objects all speak the same language.
One of the biggest turning points in my life was moving to Miami and starting over in a completely new environment. Like many people building something from scratch, the beginning came with uncertainty and challenges, but it also pushed me to grow creatively and professionally in ways I never expected. Miami’s energy, diversity, architecture, and lifestyle culture felt inspiring to me from the beginning, and over time I started building both my network and my design practice here.
Today, my work is heavily influenced by the balance between European simplicity and the relaxed but refined lifestyle associated with South Florida. I’m especially drawn to creating spaces that feel warm, layered, and emotionally connected rather than overly formal or temporary.
Beyond interior projects themselves, I enjoy thinking about the full experience of a space — from materials and textures to custom details and accessories. For me, good design is not only about aesthetics; it’s about creating environments that people genuinely enjoy living in every day.
As both a designer and entrepreneur, one of the most meaningful parts of the journey has been building Tonn Design organically while adapting to a new country, a new market, and a completely new chapter of life. It’s still evolving, and that process itself continues to inspire me creatively.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. One of the biggest challenges was moving to a new country and rebuilding both my personal and professional life from the ground up. When you relocate, especially in a creative industry like design, you’re not only adapting to a new culture and market — you’re also rebuilding your network, learning how people work, understanding client expectations, and proving yourself again in a completely different environment.
There were definitely moments of uncertainty in the beginning. Building a business takes time, and creative work is very relationship-driven, so establishing trust and visibility in a new city was a gradual process. At the same time, balancing the creative side of design with the realities of running a business was another important learning experience for me.
I also think one of the challenges in design today is staying authentic while everything moves so quickly and trends constantly change. I’ve always tried to focus on creating spaces that feel personal, timeless, and emotionally connected rather than simply following trends.
Looking back, though, many of those challenges became the most valuable parts of the journey. They forced me to adapt, become more resilient, and develop a much clearer understanding of the kind of work and creative identity I wanted to build through Tonn Design.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Tonn Design is a Miami-based interior design studio focused on residential, hospitality, and lifestyle-driven spaces. In addition to interior design projects, the studio also develops custom accessories and textile collections, allowing us to approach spaces in a more complete and layered way.
One of the things that defines Tonn Design is the balance between architecture, atmosphere, and lifestyle. We pay close attention not only to the overall space, but also to the materials, textures, lighting, and smaller details that shape how people emotionally experience an environment.
Our work is influenced by both European design sensibilities and the contemporary lifestyle associated with South Florida. Rather than following short-term trends, we aim to create spaces that feel timeless, warm, refined, and highly personal to each client.
Over the years, I’ve become especially interested in creating environments that feel curated rather than overly designed — spaces that are elegant and functional, but still comfortable and natural to live in. That same philosophy also extends into our accessories and textile collections, which are designed to complement and complete the atmosphere of a space.
In addition to private residential projects, Tonn Design has also been involved in hospitality-oriented collaborations and lifestyle-focused projects, which have further shaped the studio’s approach to atmosphere, comfort, and spatial experience. I have also been invited to participate in jury panels and design reviews within interior architecture and design education environments, which has been especially meaningful to me as someone who values creative dialogue, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas within the industry.
What I’m most proud of is building Tonn Design organically while developing a clear creative identity across different markets and collaborations. As both a designer and entrepreneur, I value long-term relationships, thoughtful design, and creating work that feels authentic rather than formulaic.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is creating spaces that people can genuinely connect with and enjoy living in over time. I’ve never been very interested in designing spaces just to follow trends or create something that looks good only for a short moment. I care much more about atmosphere, comfort, materials, proportions, and the overall feeling a space creates.
I also value building things slowly and authentically. Moving to Miami and rebuilding my life and career in a new country taught me patience and resilience. It made me appreciate long-term growth much more, both personally and professionally.
Another thing that matters to me is keeping a clear identity in my work. I think in creative industries it’s easy to get lost trying to follow what everyone else is doing, especially with social media constantly changing people’s expectations. I’ve always tried to create work that feels natural, timeless, and emotionally connected rather than overly designed or temporary.
At the end of the day, I want the projects I work on to feel real and livable — spaces that people remember because of how they felt in them, not just because they looked impressive in photos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tonndesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonn.interiors
