This Moscow-Based Studio is the Only Place Not Under Russian Influence

When you think of Moscow and its corresponding decor schemes, Scandinavian minimalism isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But take a look at the interiors in this post — with their exposed-bulb lamps, gridded pillowcases, herringbone floors, moody palettes, and splashes of pink, they’d be right at home in a Stockholm flat. In fact, they’re the work of Crosby Studios, the Moscow- and New York–based furniture and interiors studio that debuted its first collection with us at last year’s Sight Unseen OFFSITE (now available at Patrick Parrish).

Founded by Dmitry Vorontsov and designer and architect Harry Nuriev, Crosby Studios seems to look to anywhere but Russia for inspiration — Collection 1, the studio’s first, sculptural furniture range (made in Brooklyn), was inspired by classical Roman architecture and modern Japanese masters like Shiro Kuramata. Japan pops up again when you ask Nuriev how he begins to reimagine a space. Nuriev believes in a kind of aesthetic healing — that a well-designed and orderly space can somehow free you. He cites the Japanese architecture firm SANAA as a particular influence: “When I’m inside their spaces, I start to think about things that don’t usually come to my mind. When architecture starts influencing your way of thinking — that’s when you can become calm.” We recently spoke to Nuriev to find out more about his ascetic philosophy as well as what’s next for this emerging talent from the other side of the world.

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Describe your most recent project and how it was made.

The Crosby Loft project. This space (my own) was created as an example of Crosby Studio’s aesthetic. Inside this Moscow loft, we revealed the design and quality of Crosby’s furniture. When I was working in this project, I tried to show my attitude, not just create an unusual interior. The kitchen, dining zone, screen, and lighting were especially created by me for this apartment. I wanted those regular household items to look different but to stay functional. The color palette is combined from black, white, beige and pale pink.

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Describe your next project and how you’re currently making it. 

Our next project is a restaurant in Tribeca in downtown New York (images from Nuriev’s moodboard above). It’s a place with a Danish chef and a perfect understanding of everything that I love about architecture. I’m using custom materials to create an uncommon and cozy atmosphere. Tribeca is a place where it’s hard to surprise the local public with something new, so it’s an interesting case for us.

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Tell us one thing that’s been inspiring you lately and why. 

Besides architecture, I’m really inspired by fashion and movies. The last Raf Simons’ collection for Dior was something that made me think, try new approaches, and look at materials and color differently.

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Show us your studio and tell us what you like about it.

I adore this concrete wall; it was the first one that stayed uncovered in all of our projects. Later we decided to maintain the spirit of the natural construction in every project. This five-meter long bookshelf emphasizes the horizontal axis. The large lamp gives too much light, so we’ve just put it there for the shoot. But the main object here is this huge wooden table.

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