Esra Tanju

About

Bio

I'm Esra Tanju, a multidisciplinary designer working across interiors, art direction, branding, and visual storytelling. With a foundation in art history, I approach every project through research, observation, and an understanding of how architecture, materials, and culture influence the way people experience space.

My practice bridges interior environments with editorial thinking, creating work that is thoughtful, timeless, and emotionally resonant.

Restored entry hallway with original wood door

Attic transformation — restored hallway, railing, and wood floor

Attic transformation — bright finished room with window

Attic before — exposed insulation and framing

Attic before — original brick and doorway

Renovation Case Study

Attic Transformation

A neglected attic transformed into a bright, functional living space. This attic was a complete renovation — from removing worn carpeting and restoring the original wood floors to coordinating new safety railings and a full repaint.

Careful planning and contractor coordination allowed for a quick turnaround. Soft off-white walls were selected to maximize light and create an open, airy feel within the naturally dark space.

Colonial façade restoration — front porch, columns, and entry door

Finished living room with pendant light and ceiling fan

Colonial restoration — column and entry in progress

Colonial restoration — hallway and door detail

Renovation Case Study

Colonial Façade Restoration

Honoring original architecture through thoughtful restoration. Preserved the home's colonial character by restoring the original columns, refinishing historic details, and maintaining the original divided-light front door and exterior lighting. A carefully selected color palette brightened the façade while respecting the home's architectural heritage.

Front Porch Restoration — stripped deteriorated paint, repaired and prepared existing surfaces, then sanded, primed, and refinished with a fresh architectural-grade paint system.
Historic Entry Preservation — restored the original divided-light front door through careful preparation, priming, repainting, updated hardware, and refinishing of the original exterior light fixture.
Adaptive Architectural Restoration — reintroduced the home's original porch columns, thoughtfully divided into two symmetrical halves to recreate the appearance of paired flanking columns while preserving authentic historic material.
Material & Color Strategy — a light, timeless palette to emphasize the home's colonial proportions and create a brighter, more welcoming entrance.

Foundational Interior Refinement

Four projects rooted in careful craftsmanship — restoring architectural detail, refining materials, and establishing the essential framework for each space.

01 · 2024

Architectural Foundation

Surface preparation, refinished window trim, updated baseboards, and modern molding established the essential framework for a bright, timeless children's room.