Balenciaga Sofa-Designer Harry Nuriev on the What Interior Trends To Expect in 2021

Harry Nuriev designs interiors for Instagram—even if he isn't obsessed with the social media application as much as its users are with his work. Born in Moscow but based in Brooklyn, New York, the interior designer is responsible for some of the most Internet-breaking furniture objects to be seen in recent years, including the "Balenciaga Sofa," in which he filled a see-through vinyl couch with discarded clothing from the French fashion house, and a neon-green virtual couch inspired by the Nike Air Max. Now Nuriev's design outpost Crosby Studios is bringing its founder's ten years' experience of designing interiors to the consumer space with its new home collection. "I'm really excited because now people can dress their interiors without having me involved," he says of the occasion. "They can combine things and blend them with their existing goods." To mark the launch Nuriev speaks with L'OFFICIEL here about his design process and trends others can expect to see in this year's interior design space. 

L’OFFICIEL: Interior design has largely been a classist interest for those that can pay to decorate, but never before than now have young people from all walks of life taken such ownership in it. Why do you think that is?

HARRY NURIEV: In the past I think many people believed all the home was for was taking showers and sleeping. Last year we spent more time at home than ever before, so we started to pay attention to the details. The relationship between the person and the space changed. There was this thinking that, Why would I buy this expensive handbag when this chair I’m sitting on all day is so uncomfortable and ugly? Even for small things, too, like candles. Ultimately, we all want beauty and nice things, so I think people finally realized that that applies to the home, too. 

L’O: With the decline of Tumblr over the past year, we’ve seen many return to Pinterest or create Instagram accounts solely for aesthetic reasons. What sort of digital platforms are shaping interior creativity for you?

HN: My inspirations are based mostly on my childhood experience and fashion and art. There are, however, so many good resources and accounts to discover creativity and creatives now, though. For people looking to find their own aesthetic, I would suggest they step away from the things we conventionally think or see on the Internet as “cool” and think about what works for them. Mainstream style usually falls in two or three style camps, but that doesn’t work for everyone. It’s almost like trying on a piece of clothing. I actually never say I’ve “finished” interior design. I dress spaces. It’s important to find your identity not just for your outfits, but for your spaces, too. 

L’O: What do you make of fashion's renewed interest in Marcel Breur, Mies van der rohe, and Bauhaus designers?

HN: I don't really think that the interiors world has explored itself. I think if a photographer or creative director had different choices to pull from, we’d be surprised with how cool and crazy their design-related ideas would be. But for now, we have very limited choices of proven “hits.” This is what I’m trying to do in my work with Crosby Studios—bring a completely different feeling to surfaces, color, and design experience. 

L’O: Which interior trends of the last few years do you hope not continue and what do you predict will pop up this year? 

HN: For one of my first projects for Crosby Studios seven years ago I used baby pink for the flooring of an office space, and it turned into a huge trend. It took years, but suddenly it was everywhere. It made me feel like I shouldn’t use it anymore, but then I realized it really was a significant thing that resonated with many people, so maybe I could still use baby pink but in new, different ways. For this year, one thing I hope to see more of is the use of materials in unconventional ways for living—such as aluminum or clothing fabric for walling. It’s something I’ve been playing with since last fall and something that I think will be really big in the future.

L’O: For those that cannot afford vintage or custom furniture, what do you recommend to people who want to change their interiors? 

HN: Since we have our production and our own designs for everything from door hands to chairs, it’s hard for me to suggest a store, but I would recommend moving into the upcycling area. Try to think about how you can use what you already have to create a new life. Something can be repainted or deconstructed. Every single piece in our home has a second chance. Even if it looks, I don't know, outdated or even ugly. I think shape could be upcycled to not just a second material.

L’O: What is the biggest mistake people make when redecorating? 

HN: When people are buying or changing new furniture they usually start with bigger pieces like a sofa or dining table, but it’s actually the smaller, supporting details that can create an impact. Wallpaper or even wall posters can breathe new life into a space. Once you feel comfortable with that go further, so that it feels organic. Any renovation is stressful so don’t push yourself. Take it easy and once you get a sense of the direction you want to go, go wild.