Simay Demirel

The SEEN series highlights various guests, diving into the ways they have discovered themselves through reading. What stories shaped them? Helped them define their own? These intimate interviews seek to celebrate their discoveries, hear what they’ve learned from their favorite works, and uncover a glimpse of their interior world through the books that have changed them.

Originally from Istanbul and now living in Paris, Simay Demirel is much more interested in your passion projects than your actual job. Except her job, doing wholesale for Jacquemus, is quite cool. Yet, her own passion project, the Instagram account @whereiwouldliketoread, might be even cooler. Dedicated to “inspiring locations to read books and fine interiors,” the page combines her deep love for architecture, design, and the escape of reading.

Her personal Instagram feed is a garden of gorgeous interiors, effortless fashion, and delicious food. A true Parisienne, she knows all the best places to go. When meeting her for the first time, she had us meet at Clamato and took us on a tour of architect Le Corbusier’s studio apartment, but not before grabbing a pastry from Tapisserie.

Here, Simay tells us how she nurtures the real connections in her life, why she started @whereiwouldliketoread, and the old thrift shop/bar/library hybrid she discovered last year in Paris.

What is your name?

My name is Simay Demirel. My mom told me that when she was pregnant, she heard a reporter on TV with a lovely voice and noted the name to name me after her. Simay is a Turkish and Farsi originated name, meaning radiant as silver, bright night. I quite like it.

Where are you from?

I’m born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey.

What’s on your nightstand?

The Early Years by Matthias Koddenberg, an interview with Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

How is your time spent offline?

I like to see exhibitions in town or discover new galleries and design spaces. I also love eating out with my boyfriend or friends, testing restaurants I have discovered or been recommended.

What helps you stay present?

Prioritizing what I find matters the most and listening to my body, I guess. If I feel I need to skip doing or attending something, I don’t hesitate saying no to others, or overthink things in general. I like to make time to appreciate and nurture feelings and real connections. Have long chats with my loved ones, try getting some reading done, and spend time around nature as much as I can.

What’s your favorite way to connect with others?

Hugs for my close circle! I love a good hug. On a more conversational level, I like connecting through cultural topics, or hearing about people’s passion projects rather than their job descriptions. 

Your Instagram account @whereiwouldliketoread is a beautiful curation of idyllic locations to read books and fine interiors – when did you start this page and what made you create it?

Thank you! I get deeply inspired by architectural and interior design. I was saving loads of inspirational content on Instagram during the first confinement in 2020, which led me to create this community of books and interior lovers. Through the WIWLTR Escapes series on the account, I share images from places where people can imagine themselves reading, and/or get inspired to decorate their own reading corners in their homes.

As an interior aficionado, do you have any book recommendations that highlight design or decor?

I have three! Here are some of my favorites in no particular order: The International Book of Lofts by Suzanne Slesin, Stafford Cliff and Daniel Rozensztroch; French Style again by Suzanne Slesin and Stafford Cliff; and a recent favorite, The Monocle Book of Homes by Monocle.

Favorite place to curl up with a book?

Last month I was staying at an Airbnb in the south of France with friends for a couple of nights. It’s got these large glass windows all over the living room space and roof. I absolutely loved reading there, feeling observed by nature. In my daily life, I like to read in my armchair at home or during travels.

Is there a topic you’d like to explore deeper through reading?

I don’t have a preferred topic in mind, but I find myself often reading fiction and I would like to start reading more factual essays and books.

Share a few of your favorite books.

Some of my favorite books in different categories:

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

La Livre de Salades by Fernand Lequenne

Botero, Monograph & Catalogue Raisonné Paintings 1975 - 1990 by Edward J. Sullivan and Jean-Marie Tasset

A must visit in Paris for book lovers and readers?

Last year I came across an old thrift shop and bar called Eva Pritsky, turnt into a library in the 20th arrondissement in Paris. There were old issues of AD Magazine and the books were placed in a disorganized way – which I love! A unique ambiance, worth seeing.

What was the last book you gifted? To whom?

I gifted my boyfriend Folding Faces by Eric Kenneway. It’s about making portraits using paper.

Favorite independent bookstore?

For online, I love Pestil Books and Common Use Books. In Paris, Ofr, Yvon Lambert, and Librarie Vendredi.

Where can people find you?

As social as I may seem, often at home! Or at Folderol, having some orange wine and olive oil ice cream. :)

Photos by Jordan Santos at Le Corbusier’s studio apartment / Intro by Halleta Alemu