This time I am pleased to introduce you fantastic interview with Russian designer Maria Katkova. I must admit that I didn’t know much about her work, but I can promise you, that if you read this interview and check some of her commercial interior designs, you will become an admirer.  Her designs are full of creativity and originality. It is impossible not to be inspired by Maria Katkova’s projects.

Maria Katkova is a Russian top interior designer and part of our inspirational world because of her ability to unite different arts in an almost magical way, always with a driving mysterious force of creative improvisation guiding her every move, which follows a style of abstract expressionism. In this exclusive interview, she talked about her work in commercial interior and product design, art and photography, and unveiled some key trends in interior design for 2014. Take a look! You can’t miss it!

What is your philosophy in the field of creation?

Improvisation.

As you work, can you tell the boundaries between design and art? Or is one thing inseparable from the other?

For me, art and design seems like a couple of indecisive elements in the strong magnetic field of contemporary reality. They are touching each other for the nano moments only just to jump off at the opposite direction. But the truth is, they are all at the same space, driven by the same mysterious force of creative improvisation.

Is photography a passion?
Yes, it has been a long time passion of mine. A sort of voyeuristic pleasure of freezing some small moments of life. And I am always trying to find something attractively irregular in the surrounding situations.

Maria Katkova interior design with the Eden center table by Boca do Lobo

How about product design? Tell us a bit about your collection of jewelry and the objects you design?
I do like beautiful things in my life, so I am the dedicated shopper in the search of unusual… So, at the certain moment, then I cannot find a pair of earrings to complete the look, I designed it and my brother produced them (he is the professional jeweler). Since then, I have done some jewelry for my clients and myself. I have to admit this is very addictive to design and produce your own things. Now in my very private portfolio are jewelry, three handbags, leather jacket and some fur coats (we, moscovites, need furs:)

As for the objects for my interior design projects, all of them were born of necessity. Limited space, technical issues at the site, time and inner voice constantly telling you “Improvise!”
I have to confess, I am one of those (probably, rare) designers who cannot do nothing with their hands. I can only produce ideas and sketches…, but I am very good in finding top professionals who can deliver and I am very happy about it.

In interior design , how would you describe your style?

I don’t think I have my own distinctive style, but sometimes, I am thinking about my works as a form of abstract expressionism.

What inspires you? How do you create an interior design project, whether it is a commercial one or a home?

The endless variety of human beings is my mood board. Starting a project, I am studying the client attentively and I write (in my mind) the story, script of his future life in this particular space, where, later, will be the stage of his real life drama. It could be a private housing, commercial space and even an office – the only important thing – the client has to be the interesting person.

In your opinion, which will be the top trends in interior design for 2014?

Seems like the next new thing will be the hipster glam, oversize objects, shapeless, cozy and, I really hope, comfortable furniture for informal setting.

And in retail design?
I think, and I am really hoping, the next trend is transforming the convenient shopping into something more adventurous, hunting-like experience, when people escape the monstrosity of shopping malls and will happily shop at the small, individually designed, retail space.
Which essential tips can you give to a person who is redecorating his/her house this winter? Depend of the country, but I am always advising my clients don’t forget to do the seasonal changes in your interior. As well as you do it with your clothes…

What seduces you about Boca do Lobo?
Desperate audacity in design and extreme quality in production.

To see more creative and original projects by Maria Katkova, ”Design Contract” recommends you to visit herwebsit: www.mariakatkova.com