Nataly Bolshakova, Founder of Bolshakova Interiors, has given her insights into the industry.
As the owner and team lead of our studio, I pursued a career in interior design because I am passionate about improving people's lives. From a young age, I was fascinated by art and how design elements like colour, lighting, and layout can influence emotions and functionality. Interior design allows me to blend creativity with problem-solving, continuously learn and innovate, and create environments that reflect our clients' personalities and needs. Seeing clients' joy in their newly designed spaces is incredibly rewarding and drives my passion for this profession.
As the owner and team lead of our studio, I enjoy the trust clients place in us to create unique interiors tailored to their needs. I love tackling challenging projects worldwide that push creative boundaries and help me grow. The satisfaction of transforming a client’s vision into reality and seeing their joy is incredibly rewarding. The blend of creativity, client trust, and continuous learning across diverse projects globally makes interior design fulfilling for me.
The most memorable career highlight from the past year has been starting a new major developer's project Belle Air in Soini, Cyprus. We are designing 24 niche villas, each with its own unique character and style, located in a tranquil oasis. These villas are designed in the Californian style, offering a perfect blend of luxury and serenity. This project has been incredibly exciting and rewarding, as it combines the challenge of large-scale development with the opportunity to create bespoke interiors that cater to individual tastes. It's a perfect example of our commitment to innovative and personalized design on a global scale.
While I find all types of projects exciting, I particularly enjoy working on residential projects. There's something incredibly fulfilling about creating personalised, comfortable, and beautiful living spaces. Each home tells a story, and I love being part of that narrative.
However, I'm always ready for new challenges and enjoy the diversity that comes with different types of projects. Whether it's a commercial space, a hospitality project, or a large-scale development, each one presents unique opportunities. This versatility keeps my work dynamic and continually pushes me to innovate and expand my skills.
One of the most challenging aspects of working in interior design is ensuring accurate timing and estimation for each project. It involves meticulous planning and coordination to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards. Balancing these factors requires strong project management skills and effective communication with clients, contractors, and suppliers. Despite these challenges, it's incredibly rewarding to see a project come together smoothly and to deliver results that exceed client expectations.
Looking back, one aspect I wish I had more knowledge of before entering the field is the importance of psychology, especially when working on private projects. Understanding clients' preferences, lifestyle, and how they interact with their space is crucial for creating designs that truly resonate with them.
Private projects, in particular, can be unpredictable in terms of timing, as they often involve more intricate customisation and client involvement. This is where good time management becomes paramount, as it can make up to 50% of the success of a project. Learning to navigate these dynamics effectively is essential for delivering exceptional results while maintaining client satisfaction.
If I could offer one tip to aspiring designers, it would be to believe in yourself and your abilities. Confidence in your skills and creativity is key to overcoming challenges and achieving success in this field. Additionally, learn how to use your 24 hours a day properly. Time management is crucial for balancing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By believing in yourself and mastering your time effectively, you'll be well-equipped to thrive as a designer.
In the year ahead, the interior design industry will see advancements in technology, particularly AI, revolutionising processes and enhancing client experiences. Sustainability will remain a priority, driving demand for eco-friendly materials and practices. Additionally, there will be a focus on wellness-oriented design to create spaces that promote health and productivity. Overall, the industry is moving towards creating functional, environmentally conscious, and people-centric spaces.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer holds personal significance for me beyond professional recognition. It symbolises the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and passion for my craft. It's a validation of my journey as a designer and a reminder of the values I hold dear in my practice: integrity, creativity, and a commitment to exceeding client expectations. This accreditation represents not only my achievements but also the relationships built, the lessons learned, and the dreams pursued in the pursuit of creating spaces that inspire and uplift.
About Bolshakova Interiors
Bolshakova Interiors is an international interior design studio that specializes in exclusive private residences worldwide. The team comprises experienced interior designers, architects, and project managers. Offering a bespoke service, it provides unparalleled expertise from the design concept to the selection of furniture, lighting, and accessories. The result is an exciting design journey that is fully customized to meet each client’s wishes, delivering exceptional results.
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The Bolshakova Interiors team drew inspiration from the boundless azure sea and the soothing touch of sunlight to craft their design concept for an opulent three-bedroom apartment nestled in a prestigious spot along Limassol's seafront promenade in Cyprus. This exceptional dwelling is located within 'The One,' Europe's tallest seafront tower. The tower, a stunning architectural achievement, was envisioned by the esteemed architect Hakim Khennouchi of WKK Architects and brought to life in 2021 by the renowned real estate developer Pafilia.
With its underlying effortless, minimalist-chic approach, the design style of the apartment can be described as modern Mediterranean, characterised by the dominance of beige shades — pearl, creamy, cotton, and seashell. “This concept originates in the aesthetics of Cyprus's distinct culture and design traditions, as well as the island's natural beauty, featuring rocky cliffs, tree-covered mountains, and pebble beaches,” shares her inspiration Nataly Bolshakova.
The primary obstacle the design team encountered during this project revolved around reconfiguring the space's layout. Nataly Bolshakova proposed the creation of a distinct laundry room and wardrobe to address this challenge. Furthermore, Bolshakova's studio enlarged the kitchen area by rearranging the layout and relocating a kitchen island nearer to the expansive terrace. Consequently, the apartment now boasts a thoughtfully organised space that effortlessly blends functionality with aesthetics.
The 127 square metre apartment encompasses a master bedroom, a son's room, a guest room, an open-plan kitchen and living area, and a generous terrace. Within the living space, there's an ample dining area, an open-concept kitchen, and a cosy social zone furnished with a plush milky-hued sofa and a book collection. The use of marble and glossy surfaces throughout echoes the serene environment of Limassol.
The kitchen showcases a sleek minimalist aesthetic, characterised by pristine white surfaces and generous hidden storage solutions. Overcoming an extra hurdle, the studio took on the task of revamping certain furniture pieces, as the apartment was initially furnished with conventional items. Bolshakova Interiors chose to upgrade these with bespoke furniture pieces, following a specific colour scheme to enhance the overall design cohesion.
The stylistic direction, colour palette, and material selection for this interior were driven by the desire to streamline the spatial layout. In the master bedroom, we incorporated textile panels in a calming caramel brown hue and installed warm walnut parquet flooring to introduce a sense of softness and intimacy. These panels were intricately tailored and crafted by hand in Italy, providing not just a decorative touch but also practicality, as they can be conveniently replaced or cleaned when needed.
In the guest bedroom, designers upheld the consistent colour scheme and material selection. Here, an exquisite dressing table from Poliform harmonises with floral patterns adorning the Glamora wallpaper, enhancing the room's refined and understated elegance.
For the children's bedroom, the design studio opted for a dynamic design strategy: rich dark wood furniture juxtaposed with white bookshelves set against beige fabric wall panels, accentuated by burgundy armchairs.
Both the master and guest bathrooms are adorned with luxurious marble tiles, showcasing impeccable restroom design elements in sandy and dark chocolate colour palettes.
A standout feature of the interior design is an elegant bespoke wall lamp crafted by the renowned French design brand Art et Floritude. Its organic leaf-inspired design exudes a warm and inviting ambiance in the entrance hall.
A beloved highlight of the apartment is undoubtedly its expansive terrace boasting uninterrupted views of the sea. Adorned with sophisticated outdoor seating from Kettal and a snug hanging armchair by Dedon, this space offers the ideal setting to admire the picturesque horizon in serene comfort.
Location: Limassol, Cyprus Area: 127 sq m Design Team: Nataly Bolshakova, Iryna Kalinyna, Anna Denisenko, Alyona Grigorenko Design Brands featured: Poliform, Flos, Rimadesio, Arclinia Dedar, etc.
The client envisioned various future uses for the apartment, be it for potential sale or lease. With this in mind, the team crafted a versatile and timeless interior design. They curated a selection of art pieces meticulously, aiming to infuse the space with both visual charm and individuality, ensuring its appeal in the real estate market.
Balancing an attractive design with the need for comfort in a diverse living environment presented a significant challenge. Designing a rental apartment project to suit various tenants' needs demands careful attention to detail and foresight for future adaptability.
The core idea behind this design approach was to combine the simplicity of minimalism with the allure of vibrant elements seamlessly. The aim was to strike a delicate balance where clean lines, spaciousness, and neutral colours peacefully complemented bold and captivating decorative features.
The lively and understated interior features eye-catching Mad burgundy chairs and highlights a Poliform carpet with a deep blue gradient. Meghan floor lamps, designed by Nataly Bolshakova and strategically placed near the chest of drawers, create mesmerising patterns of light. Chic Poliform sofas are complemented by decorative pillows from Hermes, while indoor sculptures by Nazar Bilyk add to the ambiance, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
The Poliform kitchen features beige and glossy surfaces, complemented by grey Sitland bar stools. Above the Poliform dining table hangs a pendant lamp with a sleek design from Artemide. Adding to the interior's charm is an impressive painting by Anatoly Krivolap.
The luxurious style of the Delavega light bed is elevated by the Contardi curved lamps. A Lora Piano terracotta blanket adds a striking accent beside the Poliform Sara mirror, while the soft carpet's edging from Lora Piano brings cohesion to the space. The bedroom's symmetry and volume are accentuated by a mirrored chest of drawers with distinct features and dark Poliform sideboards.
The bathroom presents a striking contrast with its black and white colour scheme, featuring distinctive marble-textured tiles sourced from Atlas Concorde. Modern lamps from SLV and fixtures from Paffoni further enhance the space.
For this space, Bolshakova Interiors has incorporated Poliform furniture in dark wood and leather. Poliform armchairs, upholstered in Lora Piano fabric, are positioned near the window. The Meghan table lamp, designed by Nataly Bolshakova, provides subtle lighting for the desk area. The office is designed with a minimalist ethos, removing unnecessary distractions to cultivate a focused environment for work and reading.
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine Total Area: 285.5 sq.m Team: Nataly Bolshakova, Anna Denisenko, Alyona Grigorenko, Julia Artyukh, Marina Senko
Design studio, Bolshakova Interiors, looked to a world of famous legends and iconic book characters when designing the new office for the international gamedev (game development) company AB Games.
“We wanted to break the stereotype of a teenage style office design in the gaming industry and show how a creative spirit can reside in a sophisticated grown-up design”, - said Nataly Bolshakova, founder and lead designer at Bolshakova Interiors.
The primary objective of the studio's project for designers was to craft a vibrant space conducive to the creation of virtual worlds, ensuring utmost comfort for the workers. The client sought a contemporary interior with a restrained yet playful and imaginative essence, reflecting the creative DNA of the AB Games team throughout every corner.
“Our solution was to pick a dark colour theme as a canvas on which some interior areas are highlighted with the help of deep blue, red, or yellow. We also left tones of space and white walls for AB Games workers so they would inhabit and fulfil it with their own creativity,” – comments Nataly Bolshakova.
AB Games advocates for a flexible work environment, empowering employees to choose when and where they work. In alignment with this ethos, architects allocated a significant portion of the 2,800 square metre space to social interaction areas, including a canteen, library, bar, kitchen, several spacious terraces, and communal rooms. These social spaces, designed with an open layout, are interspersed with secluded areas dedicated to focused and uninterrupted work. A distinctive red corridor, illuminated with LED backlighting, serves as a transition zone between the formal work areas and informal communal spaces, symbolising a shift between relaxation and productivity.
A beloved feature of the office is the "DoubleWin" built-in bar, where a skilled barista brews fresh coffee each morning, transitioning to offering homemade cocktails for late-night workers. The "Katleta" kitchen, named after traditional Ukrainian meat patties, is strategically separated from the canteen to prevent mingling food aromas. The library, housing a diverse array of comics and fantasy books, serves as a serene haven for employees seeking inspiration for new games. Restrooms feature inventive door indicators inspired by Star Wars characters, conceived and developed by AB Games' award-winning in-house design team.
The CEO's office exudes a distinctive style compared to the rest of the office interior, characterised by a neutral beige color scheme, refined solid wood accents, and a minimalist atmosphere. Notable design elements include a bespoke table crafted by Bertolotto from solid walnut with a unique pattern, a sleek suspension lamp by Flos, luxurious armchairs by Poltrona Frau, and a special edition wallpaper by Hermes featuring a city silhouette.
AB Games office is located on the 10th floor of a newly constructed building, overlooking the historical hills. According to the legend, the city of Kyiv was established on this place in the 5th century by three brothers, Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv, and their sister Lybid. They were so fascinated with the natural beauty of the hilly green shores of the Dnipro river that they immediately decided to found there a great city for Slavic tribes. The name Kyiv was given after Kyi, the eldest of the brothers.
“It is a place where the story of Ukraine’s capital begins, the origin of all great legends we have in our history. Therefore, we feel that it is really inspiring to be here and spread our passion for beautiful virtual places around the world” – Anton Bolshakov, founder of the AB Games.
The Bolshakova Interiors team meticulously addressed the specific technical requirements and intricate details for each department. For instance, every meeting room features a sound isolation system for both the floor and walls, while the open space area is equipped with transparent shelf partitions. In the designer's room, blackout curtains and a diffuse reflection lighting system were installed to prevent any shadows that might distort the colours of drawings.
The interior style is characterised by sophisticated minimalism, prioritising both comfort and functionality. Among the notable design brands featured in the project are upholstery furniture from B&B and Poltrona Frau, wallpapers by Hermes, suspension lighting from Luce&Light and Flos, the Mesh lamp designed by Francisco Gomez Paz for Luceplan, and the iconic Magic Spun chair by Thomas Heatherwick for Herman Miller, among others.
Project name – AB Games Kyiv studio Location – historical center of Kyiv, Ukraine Project space – 2800 sq. m. Design studio - Bolshakova Interiors Team members: Nataly Bolshakova, Julia Artyh, Nataliia Pavlova, Olga Boiko Photographer - Andrey Avdeenko Project completion date - December 2021
A modernised country house, embracing integrity and harmony with its surroundings as core design principles. The client's foremost requirement was ample space, a contrast to the confined living spaces of their city apartments. As this was the family's inaugural country residence, the client was brimming with ideas, making the project both emotionally charged and thrilling.
In order to maintain tranquility and blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, architects ingeniously integrated the house into the existing terrain.
Upon entering through the main door, one is greeted by the first floor, housing four bedrooms. The ground floor encompasses a shared space comprising the kitchen, dining area, and living room. At the core of this level lies the "heart of the house" – a welcoming fireplace that encapsulates the dreams of all family members. "I always wanted to have a large living room so that we could gather together in the evenings by the fireplace," – admits a client. However, the central feature on the ground floor is the staircase, boasting wooden steps, transparent glass railings, and handrails clad in leather. Every space is meticulously arranged with discreet elegance, tailored to its specific function.
The house's design carefully considers the movement patterns of its occupants, eliminating unnecessary elements like corridors and cramped passages. Its architecture features clean lines complemented by the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. With windows oriented towards the garden, each room offers picturesque views of the verdant surroundings. To preserve a tree on the porch, architects ingeniously integrated it into the roof structure, creating a unique opening to accommodate its crown.
In this house, the interior design revolves around the use of natural, tactile materials such as marble, quartzite, wood, textiles, glass, and leather. With a focus on simplicity and minimalism, dark finishes were predominantly chosen to create a space devoid of unnecessary clutter. "I really like contrasting solutions, especially if the light interior is diluted with opposite shades," - says Nataly Bolshakova, founder and head of the studio Bolshakova Interiors.
At the heart of the living room stands a spacious modular U-shaped sofa, serving as the focal point of the space. Flanking the fireplace are two exquisite floor lamps, custom-designed by Natalya Bolshakova for this project. The milky-wood hue dominates the living room, complemented by a smoky blue carpet. In the guest bathroom, a palette of black and white marble sets the tone, while teak accents are incorporated to add warmth and soften the contrast.
The dining area is elegantly minimalist, centered around a large table accompanied by chairs, comfortably seating eight individuals. Warm diffused light emanates from a horizontal lamp overhead. Setting the tone for the dining room is an abstract urbanist panel titled "Day," a component of the triptych "A Walk in the City," envisioned by Northern Irish illustrator Nigel Peek for the House of Hermès. The vibrant colours and geometric shapes of the panels extend their influence into the living room, expertly transformed by the designer into a focal point of the entire interior.
Situated within the interior, the kitchen area is visually distinguished from the dining room by employing different flooring materials. To prevent the sense of confinement, glass panels were seamlessly integrated into the storage system facades, enveloping one entire wall. Through clever use of reflections, the illusion of additional windows was ingeniously created. The kitchen island, adorned with quartzite and seemingly floating above the floor, stands as the centrepiece and the most formidable challenge of the project. Achieving the illusion of absolute weightlessness demanded exceptional expertise and close collaboration between the designer and construction teams.
Design brands included: furniture – Poliform, chandelier – Flos, bathroom unit – Gessi, wallpaper - GLAMORA S.r.l, lighting – Penta, Lladró, S.A., Santa & Cole, lounge furniture – Röshults, flooring - Atlas Concorde, tiles – Margres, rug - Designers Guild.
Total Area — 350m2 m2 Team — Nataly Bolshakova, Anna Denisenko, Alena Grigorenko Photo — Andrey Avdeenko
Awards and Prize: The DNA Paris Design Awards 2022 — Winner The DNA Paris Design Awards 2022 — Honorable Mention The International Design Awards 2022 — Honorable Mention SBID International Design Awards 2021 — shortlisted London International Creative Competition – Official Selection
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