Inspiring Homes #2 | Öykü Şah @oykubilgin
In our Inspiring Homes series, we explore the unique living spaces of creators who inspire us, sharing their stories and creative journeys. This January, we’re stepping into the beautifully curated home of @oykubilgin, Öykü Şah. A space filled with color, pattern, and personality. Enjoy the read!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi, I’m Öykü, 29 years old. I’m a photographer. A year ago, I moved from Istanbul to Lüleburgaz. I work full-time in my profession and also create small bits of content from home.
Was there a special moment, person, or reason that inspired you to choose photography as a profession?
The idea of doing something that could reflect people’s emotions has always fascinated me. I can’t say there was a specific moment, but I’ll never forget the excitement I felt when I held my first camera. At the time, we were living in Antalya, and I was in my first year of high school. My cousin, who was a photographer, invited me to go take photos. That day, I realized how different the places I passed every day could look. With a camera in my hand, I noticed details I had never seen before. That feeling still excites me immensely.
What do you enjoy photographing the most, or which types of scenes do you prefer?
I think what I love most is photographing “those magical moments when I step into a place I’m seeing for the first time.” In that moment, everything feels brand new, like a frame waiting to be discovered. It could be someone walking, a dog, or even a car standing still—it’s always something unique.
How do you think your profession influences your social media accounts and the content you create?
My interest in social media is largely related to my profession. The most satisfying part is the power to convey that moment to others through a visual world.
What are the most important factors you consider when composing a shot for interior photography?
The most important thing is definitely light—its direction and intensity directly affect the emotional impact of the photograph. The rest is the most enjoyable part for me. Based on how I feel in that moment, I choose which objects or corners I want to focus on. Sometimes an item in the house screams, “Photograph me!” and sometimes a reflection becomes the star of the day.
What advice would you give to someone who hesitates to use colors?
When I was in middle school (and even part of high school), I always wore colorful hair clips. I even remember people telling me, “You’re grown up now; don’t wear those.” But why should we use fewer colors as we grow older? Perhaps using colors boldly in my home now reminds me of the childlike excitement I felt back then. My advice is: just do what feels right to you!
What detail in a space has the biggest impact on you? (Lighting, furniture layout, natural materials, etc.)
The answer is, in all caps, LIGHTING! How natural light enters a space, the angle it hits at, and even how artificial lighting transforms the atmosphere in the evenings.
What tips do you have for making a space look more inviting in photos?
I prefer using lighting from the floor or walls instead of overhead. In fact, the switch for the ceiling light in our home is still untouched since day one. Once you position the lights correctly, the entire atmosphere of the space changes.
Finally, are there any special sources or routines you turn to for inspiration? (Books, magazines, places, social media accounts, etc.)
I love flipping through interior design magazines and books. The streets and people of cities I visit for the first time also inspire me greatly. And of course, I use social media extensively for this purpose. My TikTok algorithm is my heart in digital form.
Explore Öykü's captivating photography and thoughtfully crafted moments on Instagram: @oykubilgin!