The creative tandem of designers – Ekaterina Tishchenko and Svetlana Shervarli – develops functional, timeless and elegant projects with elements of Russian style.
The name of E.S.S.E. Design & Decoration includes encrypted initials of Ekaterina and Svetlana, and it is also consonant with the Latin word ‘esse’, which means ‘to be, to exist, to happen’. The bureau has implemented many projects for various purposes in Russia and the UK: restaurants, clubs, fitness centers, beauty salons, country houses, apartments. Almost every project features elements of Russian style in order to emphasize the individuality and taste of each client.
Owners of E.S.S.E. Design & Decoration told BATIMAT RUSSIA, how their studio appeared, what their style is made of and how the perfect interior is performed.
How come you decided to work together?
We met in 2009 when we studied together at the International School of Design in speciality ‘Designer of Residential and Public Premises’ with the wonderful teacher Olga Rozet. While we were still studying there, we had the opportunity to work together on a real project, and it turned out that we complemented each other perfectly. As a result, we decided to join forces and opened the E.S.S.E. studio. It became clear that together we are stronger than separately.
Please describe the design style of your studio. What is it built on?
We create discreet and elegant interiors, combining international experience, current trends, high quality, exquisite details with the history, traditions and individuality of a person and place. Our interiors express the personality of our customers and perfectly match their character and way of life, so that they don’t have to change anything in the environment we have created even after many years. We always adhere to the approach – architecture is the basis of the interior.
You work in Russian style. How often do your customers show interest in this trend?
Almost all of our customers support us and agree with our proposal to use elements of Russian style in the interior. After all, we show that there is nothing to be worried about: your home will not turn into a souvenir shop, the interior will be modern and dynamic, but full of meaning, intellectual, emphasizing your individuality through one of the Russian style themes, for example: Russian avant-garde, Russian ballet, Russian manor, Russian nature, Russian music, Russian fairy tales, Russian cosmonautics or Russian military glory.
Do you have cult figures that influenced your style?
Yes, definitely. This is John Fowler, the prince of decorators with his flawless English interiors; Mario Buatta, the unrivaled prince of calico; Paola Navone with her skill of melting together traditions and fashionable design. Among Russian decorators we admire works of Kirill Istomin.
What are the main conceptual changes affecting interior design in recent years?
In the past few years, a steady trend has emerged in interior design – the Mid-century. This elegant, recognizable style was formed in the 50s of the last century at the junction of bauhaus, constructivism, American and other styles based on the principles of simplicity and functionality. In the era of economic crisis, people need not so much luxury as comfort and security – just like in the post-war years. In Mid-century interiors, functionality and beauty make up a harmonious unity. Today the active interest and fascination with this style is explained by its lightness, purity and moderateness in details. Such interiors are great for dynamic modern life.
Clients’ preferences related to lifestyle, values are changing, that is, visually loaded interiors become a thing of the past, people begin to appreciate their freedom.
The new interior trend gains pace – high technology combined with crafts and manual work. The most complex engineering solutions in design and high-tech materials coexist with hand-made objects: furniture, decor, art objects.
How does the perfect project look like – from your point of view?
Each interior project is a search, a dialogue, it is something intuitive. We form the space for a happy life. The more individual the project is, the more comfortable it is for living. For us, an ideal project should first of all be comfortable for a person. Functionality of the interior, integration of modern technology in harmony with ergonomics and style is the basic formula for a successful project.
