12 Fast Questions with Maxim Languev

Maxim Languev graduated as an agronomist, but later realized that plants interest him more from an aesthetic than a scientific point of view. In 1999, he founded the flower and gift studio "Atmosphere." When orders started coming in for window displays, Maxim learned the profession of decorator.

His first major project was the apartment of entrepreneur Mikhail Belenitsky — Maxim's debut in the competition "Best Designers and Interiors" in 2006. Ultimate recognition came when the designer was entrusted with decorating the W Hotel St. Petersburg.

We asked Maxim 12 questions — and received unexpected answers: all of them were about freedom — in creativity and life.

Does a recipe for the perfect interior exist? If so, what is it according to you?

No, it doesn't exist — at least not for me. I can forget about any ingredient of this recipe during work, because I come across something better and completely different.

Trends that particularly inspire you?

I'm always looking for inspiration and I approach trends in one way or another — although I may not even know that the technique I like is a trend. I take what I like! So, I can't give a clear answer, because everything depends on the recipes I'm currently working on. These are what shape the direction of my thoughts toward objects, items, and trends.

Designer / architect / decorator / florist?

The range is very broad. I can't say that there's one thing I like or name a dozen names — there are far more! Though if speaking of specific individuals, I am especially inspired by Alvar Aalto, as well as Eero Saarinen and his contemporaries. Further in my endless list — Xavier Lalan, Zaha Hadid, Paola Navone, Gaetano Pesce.

An approach in design that you say a firm 'no' to?

I find it quite hard to give a categorical ‘no’ — because in different stories, approaches, and design solutions, there are various aspects. An approach might be unexpected, but if executed so skillfully and effectively, it instantly changes your attitude towards something you once considered unacceptable.

The opposite is also true — an ill-fitting or poorly executed idea can unfairly label a technique that was not properly realized.

What approach do you use most often?

Undoubtedly, I love large and bold items — those that help make the interior expressive. However, 'bold' does not necessarily mean 'colorful'.

3 items that must be in any interior?

Why only three? Then I’ll give a shorter answer — art! It can be either art for your walls or a chandelier drawn by a genius of its time — that’s also art. You can collect as many such items as you like!

What role do flowers play in interior design?

The role of a good mood.

Primary principle for creating a successful floral composition?

We start from the color palette.

Which flowers look best in bouquets?

Any beloved flower will look great! I prefer seasonal flowers, although there are exceptions. Still, right now the peony season — definitely a dominant in the current moment. Parallelly, we're seeing the hydrangea season, soon will come gladioli and chrysanthemums. Each season has its own beauties — and you should use them to diversify your bouquets.

Does the recipient of a bouquet — age, gender, occasion — affect how it's made?

Often we ask these questions to keep the dialogue going and help choose ingredients. But personally, it doesn’t matter to me — stamping flowers is foolish.

Your main principle in work?

To do what I like — and for it to be mutual!

What inspires you?

One of the main sources of inspiration is travel.