Design has no boundaries! See what solutions can make your interior more functional and cozy.

The practice of foreign designers sometimes inspires or suggests spectacular solutions in the design of Russian interiors. We asked 5 professionals to share the best techniques they learned from Western projects.

Ulyana Stepanishcheva: «First of all, this is the absence of a chandelier on the ceiling»

Designer Ulyana Stepanishcheva.

«I like the different lighting techniques and scenarios that are used in many Western interiors. First of all, this is the absence of a chandelier on the ceiling. Usually in the bedroom I replace the chandelier hanging directly over the bed with built-in or overhead tracks: they are invisible on the ceiling, but if necessary, they illuminate the room qualitatively.

I also like to select different lamps with the same function (as in the photo). For example, a pendant hangs over one bedside table near the bed, and a table lamp stands on the other, which brings a slight asymmetry to the interior and makes it more lively.

A fragment of the interior. The author of the project: Ulyana Stepanishcheva.

And to create a festive atmosphere, I always add sockets behind the cornice near the ceiling, so that you can easily hang garlands of light bulbs without entangling everything around with extension cords. And, of course, I plan in advance the switches for these outlets at a convenient height so that the backlight can be turned off at night.»

A fragment of the interior.

The author of the project: Ulyana Stepanishcheva.

Olga Chernenko: «I saw a reception with a bed pushed up to the windowsill in one of the Western projects»

Designer Olga Chernenko.

«In one of my projects, I used an unusual technique in the layout of the bedroom, when the bed was pushed close to the windowsill. This solution was applied because of the low window sills in the apartment. The project was published on the cover of SALON-Interior magazine in September 2018 and caused a mixed reaction from readers.

A fragment of the interior. The author of the project: Olga Chernenko. Photo: Sergey Ananyev.

The high headboard of the bed acted as a partition, separating the bed from the wardrobe. A glass partition with a curtain separated the bedroom area from the living room area. During the day, when we open the curtains, we see a large, open space, and during the day we get two zones of a bedroom and a living room. I also saw this technique in one of the Western projects.»

A fragment of the interior. The author of the project: Olga Chernenko. Photo: Sergey Ananyev.

Tatiana Brimmer: «On one of my objects I used shutters — a combination of shutters and blinds»

Designer Tatiana Brimmer.

«I think that Western trends have always inspired Russian interior designers — of course, the vast majority of styles were formed outside of our country.

At one of my facilities, I used shutters — hinged structures on windows, which are a combination of shutters and blinds. The shatters gained their popularity in the USA, and later they were appreciated by Europeans. In addition to its direct function — protection from sunlight and overheating — indoor shutters can set the tone for the entire interior. At the same time, the structures in the classic version made of natural wood look much more solid than blinds with horizontal slats.»

A fragment of the interior. The author of the project: Tatiana Brimmer.

Olga Shapovalova: «The pantry will be increasingly found in Russian interiors, and my customers have long appreciated it»

Designer Olga Shapovalova.

«Not only shelves can be located behind the door of the built-in kitchen cabinet. Often in Western interiors, the pantry is masked in this way.

This design has a huge plus — products and kitchen utensils are always in sight. The solution also corresponds to the spirit of the times, when we try to consume more responsibly, buying products in bulk, cooking independently and sorting garbage.

Thanks to the pantry, the contents can be captured at a glance: you immediately see what you have left, what you need to buy, what to eat quickly. It is convenient that each item has its own place in the pantry, each product is visible. And finally, fruits and vegetables stored in the pantry retain their flavor much longer than in the refrigerator, plus it does not require electricity.

Considering all the advantages of the pantry, this room will be increasingly found in Russian interiors, and my customers have long appreciated it!»

A fragment of the interior. Design and photo: kevindakanarchitect.com

Tatiana Pirozhkova: «Designers in the West begin their work on the interior with the selection of art and fabrics»

Designer Tatiana Pirozhkova.

«In my opinion, there are differences between Western interiors — European and American. In my projects, I have always tried to focus more on the European style, even though I have been living and working in California for several years.

The first thing that comes to mind is a thrifty attitude to one’s culture and traditions, not only within one nation (it is difficult to find a Frenchman or an Italian who does not consider his cuisine or design the best), but also within one family — «grandmother’s» things are valued, while in America and in Russia, most of them have a very ambiguous attitude towards vintage items and antiques.

A fragment of the interior. The author of the project: Tatiana Pirozhkova.

Western interiors are distinguished from Russian ones by multilayering. In Russia, they like to stick to a specific style and most often try not to mix them, but I suggest trying a more eclectic approach. The layering of the interior also consists of a difference in textures — a mixture of different fabrics, carpets or unusual finishing materials.

It is difficult to find art in the middle price segment in Russia — it is clearly undervalued and it is believed that if you decorate the walls, then something is not lower than the museum level. While in European interiors you can find something from the flea market, and a children’s drawing, and a find from an online auction. Many interesting galleries with accessible art have now appeared in Moscow, and many designers in the West generally begin their work on the interior with the selection of art and fabrics — I advise you to try this method!»

A fragment of the interior.

The author of the project: Tatiana Pirozhkova.

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