15 Fast Questions to Katerina Lashmanova

As part of Salone del Mobile. Milano Moscow, we asked one of the speakers — a well-known Russian designer, Katerina Lashmanova. As part of the exhibition, Katerina will give a lecture titled "Beauty in the Eyes of the Viewer," focusing on interior design and her approach to the creative process. To get to know her better, we asked Katerina 15 fast questions about how to transform any interior, manage time effectively, and achieve success.

How do you get into a productive work rhythm?

Good sleep and morning exercise help me. If you want to be energetic and productive, you should sleep at least 8 hours a day. For example, to get up at 6 in the morning, I go to bed around 10 p.m.

Can you create a perfect interior?

Yes, but only for a specific time and for a particular person.

What event are you most looking forward to?

I love traveling to other countries, and I always look forward to the next one once the previous one ends.

Three main principles in working on any design project?

Love for the client, respect for their desires, and comfortable relationships.

What does your ideal client look like?

A person who can and wants to trust professionals, has a certain budget, and is open to new things.

Design trend that inspires you most?

Vintage — I love items created in the middle of the last century.

Share the simplest way to transform an interior?

Add flowers, music, scents, and accessories.

Your favorite project?

The one I haven't created yet. I look forward and only love future projects. As soon as they become reality, they stop being interesting to me.

Designer / Architect Hero?

I don't have heroes, but there are professionals whose work inspires me. Currently, these include several European architects and designers from the beginning and middle of the last century.

For example, the genius Joe Ponti — probably no designer hasn't been inspired by his work. I also like furniture and sculptures by Isamu Noguchi. Among modern designers, I find the works of Damien Languille-Merino particularly interesting.

Isamu Noguchi Table

Design: Damien Languille-Merino

Isamu Noguchi Chair

Book you'd like to reread?

"The Paths of Indian Yogis" by William Walker Atkinson. This book is about self-knowledge and self-improvement, about love for oneself, others, and the universe.

What can't you cut corners on during a renovation?

Quality! Starting from planning and ending with the approach to work — everything should be of high quality.

How to become a successful designer in Russia?

Become a professional in your field, love your work, and love those for whom you're doing it.

Best advice you’ve ever received?

If you’re going to do it, do it well, or don’t do it at all.

How do you manage to accomplish so much?

It's simple — planning, systematization, and discipline.

Important advice for someone who wants to do a renovation themselves?

Become a professional in this field, and everything will work out.

Design: Katerina Lashmanova