Sculptural Candle Designer Daria Bambalina on Unique Home Accents
The Taith Candles founder discusses the art of a collected space through her curation of home accents and go-to design studios—plus a look inside her personal edit from Arket denim to a Cartier Tank.
In a market saturated with candles known for alluring scents and clean ingredients, Daria Bambalina’s candles exist in a category entirely their own: sculptural works of art finished in unexpected textures, from velvet to softly mottled wax, that bring immediate depth and presence to a space.
Bambalina’s eye for design has always extended far beyond the wax pillar. As TAITH evolves into a complete lifestyle universe, marked by sculptural ceramics, apothecary essentials, and a new London storefront, we caught up with the founder to discuss her approach to ‘collected’ interiors and her personal edit of wardrobe staples and uncommon finds she considers non-negotiable.
SHOP DARIA’S EDIT »
DARIA ON UNIQUE HOME ACCENTS
Before we dive into the topic of bringing unique accents into a space, tell us a little bit about the story behind TAITH. What makes TAITH candles uncommon?
TAITH was born from the idea of travel as transformation. The name itself means “journey,” and each candle is conceived as a sensory destination. I didn’t want to create just another candle for ambience — I wanted to create an object that feels collected, almost discovered, like something you find in a small gallery abroad.
What makes TAITH candles uncommon is their sculptural presence and tactile quality. With velvet texture, architectural silhouettes, and intentional color palettes, TAITH candles are designed to exist as objects even before they’re lit. I think of each candle as a piece of contemporary art that just happens to carry scent.
While most candles simply add ambience to a space, your candles are sculptural works of art. When styling a coffee table, shelf, or console, what type of unique accent pieces and objects do you recommend to bring interest and depth to the space?
I always approach styling the way I approach dressing — it’s about proportion, texture, and restraint.
A sculptural candle already carries visual weight, so the surrounding objects should create dialogue, not competition. When styling a coffee table or console, I think in layers. Depth comes from contrast: matte against gloss, soft velvet against cool stone, curved forms against sharp lines. Home accents like a stone vase alongside a glossy picture frame, or a ceramic bowl or marble tray complemented by modern sculpture creates interest and depth.
I also pay close attention to height variation and negative space. Leaving breathing room is what makes a space feel curated rather than crowded.
Ultimately, a well-styled surface should feel collected over time — like each object has a story and a reason to be there.
Scent is an unseen but important design element in any space. What type of scents do you integrate into your candles?
Scent is architecture you cannot see.
With TAITH, I gravitate toward layered compositions — woody bases, mineral notes, subtle florals, sometimes something atmospheric like sea salt or soft smoke. I avoid overly sweet or synthetic-forward fragrances; I prefer scents that feel textural and emotional.
How do you recommend using scent as a design element in a room, and what should people consider when selecting scents for different spaces?
Scent should support the emotional intention of the room. Before selecting a fragrance, always ask yourself: How do I want to feel here?
When it comes to home accessories and design objects, what brands, designers and accent pieces are you loving right now and recommend for our readers?
I’m especially inspired by Polish brands that elevate everyday living through craftsmanship and thoughtful form. Some design studios I’m loving right now are The Good Living & Co., Bimer Studio, and Nodi Studio.
Nodi Studio: I love how this studio works with porcelain in unexpected ways. Nodi creates handmade ceramics, lighting, and furniture that are minimalist but rich in material identity. Their porcelain vessels and lamps bring warmth and tactility to interiors.
The Good Living & Co: I love this small, family-run design studio rooted in craftsmanship and material exploration. Their pieces range from sculptural furniture to limited-edition works of art with a tactile presence that feels both modern and deeply human.
Bimer Studio: This studio’s work plays beautifully with form and texture, creating objects that feel sculptural yet approachable. Their pieces make the perfect companions to other handmade elements in a space.
Home Accents She’s Currently Loving:
For specific home accents, I love the playfulness of this Oko vase and how it experiments with shape and color.
I’m also loving these wave candlestick holders. When styled with more traditional and organic accents, the contemporary shape will add contrast and interest to any shelf, console, or tablescape.
Exploring my own collection, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I love the moodiness of our wine velvet Ninu candle.
Do you have any exciting news or interesting projects coming up for TAITH? Where can our readers find and shop TAITH candles?
This year marks an exciting evolution for TAITH.
We’re expanding internationally, with upcoming activations and retail presence in London, a city whose appreciation for design, art, and nuanced interiors feels very aligned with our aesthetic. We’re also growing our footprint in the United States, building partnerships that position TAITH within curated design environments rather than traditional candle retail spaces. Aside from our website, you can shop TAITH candles at FWRD, Printemps, and Violet Gray.
Beyond geographic expansion, we’re developing our first ceramic collection and tableware line, an extension that feels like a natural progression of the brand. TAITH has always been about sculptural presence and tactile experience, so moving into ceramics allows us to explore form, materiality, and ritual in a deeper way. These pieces will carry the same architectural language and textural sensitivity as our candles, designed to live beautifully on a table, console, or shelf, with or without flame.
It’s less about adding categories and more about building a cohesive design universe.
DARIA’S PERSONAL STYLE
How would you describe your style and go-to outfits?
My personal style lives somewhere between classic restraint and subtle rebellion. I’m drawn to timeless silhouettes: think silk slip dresses, tailored trousers, and structured blazers, but I rarely wear them in a purely polished way. I like tension. A silk dress feels more interesting with a heavy leather jacket thrown over it. A sharply tailored blazer works better slightly undone, paired with boots that feel almost masculine.
There’s always a balance of softness and strength.
What are three fashion brands you consistently return to and why?
I tend to return to brands and pieces that feel authored rather than trend-driven.
Balenciaga By Demna: I’m drawn to the architectural silhouettes of Balenciaga, especially anything designed by creative director Demna. Even a simple coat or jacket carries a strong point of view. There’s a certain intellectual edge that I appreciate, it never feels decorative for the sake of it.
Ether: This knitwear brand created by my friend represents something much more personal. The pieces are tactile, intimate, and beautifully constructed. I love supporting independent design, especially when there is real care in the material and fit. Knitwear, when done well, feels like emotional armor.
Vintage Celine: I love shopping vintage and always look for Celine pieces from the 1990s and early 2000s (pre-Phoebe Philo era). I’m drawn to the clean lines, quiet minimalism, and beautifully structured knitwear and tailored trousers from that period.
What are your top three wardrobe essentials?
Phoebe Philo Sunglasses: Sunglasses are essential for me, they instantly frame the face and define the attitude of a look. I love Phoebe Philo’s designs for their intellectual minimalism and sculptural clarity.
Denim Jeans from Arket: I love Arket jeans for their clean cuts and reliable fit, they balance my more elevated pieces and make everything feel grounded.
Libra Sweater from Ether: The soft wool blend of this sweater feels incredibly luxurious, but the relaxed silhouette makes it something I reach for constantly, whether I’m layering it over denim or pairing it with tailored pieces.
What investment piece in your wardrobe was worth the splurge?
My Hermès Kelly bag.
It’s one of those rare pieces where the value is immediately tangible. The structure is architectural and it holds its silhouette flawlessly over time. The leather develops character rather than wear, and the stitching is so precise it feels almost invisible. Even the hardware has a weight and finish that doesn’t fade or scratch easily; it ages gracefully instead of deteriorating.
What’s an investment piece you’re waiting to commit to?
A fashion investment piece currently on my wishlist is the The Row Margaux Bag. It feels like a future classic with an understated, architectural design that’s built to endure. Beyond fashion, a Porsche 911 is on my dream wishlist.
What meaningful heirloom have you inherited and what piece in your wardrobe warrants modern-heirloom status?
The most precious heirlooms I inherited are my brother’s paintings. When it comes to fashion pieces, I inherited a Cartier Tank watch from my mother. The clean geometry of the Tank has survived decades without losing relevance.
A relatively new piece I’ve added to my wardrobe that I consider worthy of being passed on is my Bottega Veneta Sardine Earrings. They are bold yet timeless, modern in spirit but crafted with the kind of quality that will last decades.
DARIA’S FAVORITE FINDS
What are some of your favorite items you’d recommend to our readers and why?
I love anything from my friend’s skincare line PostPerfect. I use their body milk after a shower, and it’s so nourishing and moisturizing. The body oil is my go-to for my nighttime routine as a way to relax and unwind.
When it comes to skincare, the Medicube Booster Pro is a staple in my routine because it helps my serums absorb better and leaves my skin looking noticeably glowing and more radiant.
Other fun finds include this incense holder for its fluid, sculptural silhouette and I love the drama of this faux fur coat.
DARIA’S UNCOMMON FINDS
What are some under-the-radar labels you are loving right now?
I love Source Unknown for its contemporary, architectural silhouettes with strong tailoring at an affordable price point, and anything from designer Diana Milkanova is worth the investment for its elevated minimalism crafted in quality, natural fabrics.
Is there a creative right now you think is doing exceptional work?
One creative whose work I deeply admire is my brother, Ivan Bambalin — an artist and director whose vision feels both cinematic and deeply human. His drawings have a quiet intensity with compositions that feel like visual poetry. As a director, he brings the same sensitivity to narrative and atmosphere to every frame he creates, which feels intentional, thoughtful, and layered. He’s directed features for Vogue Polska, Rat & Boa, as well as Piaget, Dior, and Chaumet in partnership with Mixte Magazine.
What travel destination feels like an “uncommon gem” and where do you recommend people stay?
Aza Cave Suites in Cappadocia, Turkey
What struck me most about Cappadocia wasn’t the balloons; it was the landscape itself. The terrain feels almost sculpted by hand with volcanic stone shaped by time into architectural formations.
Beyond the landscape, one of the most unique and beautiful experiences is the Aza Cave Suites Hotel. It feels completely immersive in the landscape of Cappadocia. The cave rooms carved into the natural rock give it a sense of history and intimacy, while the terraces overlook the valleys where hot air balloons rise at sunrise. It’s one of those rare places where the architecture, the view, and the atmosphere all feel deeply connected to the location.
DARIA’S SMALL PLEASURES
FAVORITE BOOK:
“Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Ruben
SONG ON REPEAT:
Sade – Cherish the Day
RELAXATION RITUAL:
Face massage with meditation at G. Bar in Warsaw
WORDS TO LIVE BY:
Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May (my tattoo)