The private house YASNA project by Yakusha Studio
Crafting personality: interior design that captures clients’ essence
The private house YASNA project by Yakusha Studio
In the vibrant world of interior design, the spaces we create are far more than just visually appealing rooms; they are deeply personal environments that mirror the identity and essence of the individuals who inhabit them. For interior designers, the challenge lies not only in achieving aesthetic beauty but in capturing the true essence of their clients through personalised design. It’s about more than just picking out furniture or colours—it’s about bespoke interior design that tells the story of the person living within those walls. In this context, the most compelling approaches involve client-centred design, where every decision is made with the individual in mind. A shining example of this approach is the philosophy of “live minimalism,” championed by the renowned designer and architect Victoria Yakusha.
The philosophy of live minimalism
Victoria Yakusha, a visionary in the field of bespoke interior design, has gained international acclaim for her unique and holistic approach, known as “live minimalism.” Unlike traditional minimalism, which often emphasises simplicity and functionality, live minimalism goes much deeper, introducing a more emotional and personalised design approach. This philosophy transcends conventional boundaries by focusing on creating personalised interiors that resonate with the client’s personality, values, and history.
At the core of live minimalism is the belief that a person’s environment profoundly influences their experience of life. Yakusha advocates for client-focused design, where spaces are not merely blank slates waiting to be filled but rather canvases that tell the story of the individual who occupies them. This client-centred approach to design seeks to create interiors that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also deeply personalised. By designing with personality, Yakusha ensures that the spaces she creates are true reflections of the people who live in them, offering a sense of belonging, comfort, and authenticity.
The role of natural materials in custom interior design
A cornerstone of Yakusha’s live minimalism is the use of natural materials in custom interior design. These materials—such as wood, stone, clay, and linen—play a crucial role in creating spaces that feel both warm and connected to nature. Unlike synthetic or highly processed materials, natural elements bring a sense of organic beauty and tranquillity into a space. They are not only sustainable and environmentally friendly but also imbued with textures and imperfections that add depth, character, and a sense of life to the environment.
The inclusion of natural materials is more than just an aesthetic choice; it is a deliberate strategy to evoke certain emotions and create a specific atmosphere. For instance, the grain of wood, the rough texture of stone, or the softness of linen can evoke feelings of calmness, grounding, and warmth. These tactile elements engage the senses and help to establish a connection between the individual and their surroundings, making the space feel more alive and authentic. By carefully selecting materials that align with the client’s preferences and personality, Yakusha ensures that every aspect of the space contributes to the overall experience of feeling truly at home.
Moreover, the emphasis on natural materials aligns with the broader principles of sustainable interior design. By choosing materials that are sustainably sourced and resource-efficient, Yakusha’s approach supports a low-impact lifestyle and mindful consumption. This is a critical aspect of her philosophy, as it ties into the growing movement toward eco-conscious simplicity and minimalist home design. By promoting sustainable living tips through her design choices, Yakusha not only creates beautiful spaces but also encourages clients to adopt a more sustainable and responsible way of living.
The private house YASNA project by Yakusha Studio
The private house YASNA project by Yakusha Studio
The art of storytelling through personalised interiors
One of the most distinctive aspects of live minimalism is its emphasis on storytelling through personalised interiors. In this philosophy, minimalism is not equated with sterility or coldness; rather, it is about curating a space that holds only what is meaningful and significant to the individual. This could include cherished family heirlooms, treasured artworks, or personal artefacts that carry deep sentimental value. These objects are thoughtfully integrated into the minimalist framework, not merely as decorative items but as carriers of personal stories and memories.
For example, consider a simple ceramic vase placed on a minimalist mantelpiece. In the context of live minimalism, this vase might hold more than just flowers; it could symbolise a family tradition, evoke memories of a loved one, or serve as a reminder of a significant life event. The vase’s placement and presence in the room tell a story about the person who owns it, adding layers of meaning and depth to the space. In this way, each item within the room is chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for the narrative it contributes to the overall design. The space itself becomes a living, breathing storybook, reflecting the client’s identity, experiences, and values.
Yakusha’s approach to storytelling through design is a powerful reminder that our living spaces are extensions of ourselves. By curating a collection of meaningful objects within a minimalist framework, she helps clients to express their identity and create a home that is truly reflective of who they are. This process of selection and curation encourages individuals to focus on what is truly important to them, leading to a more intentional and fulfilling way of living. This form of personalised design is where interior designers can shine, as it requires a deep understanding of the client and the ability to translate their essence into physical space.
Discovering the true self through client-centred design
The ultimate goal of live minimalism is to create spaces where nothing is superfluous and where everything has a purpose and meaning. This approach goes beyond mere decoration and touches on the deeper aspects of personal growth and self-discovery. By encouraging clients to surround themselves only with the things that truly matter to them, Yakusha’s philosophy helps individuals to strip away the unnecessary and connect more deeply with their environment—and by extension, with themselves.
In a world that is often cluttered with distractions and superficiality, the practice of live minimalism offers a refreshing and transformative way of living. By focusing on what is truly important, clients are guided toward a more intentional and mindful lifestyle. This process of simplification and curation can lead to profound insights about one’s values, priorities, and true self.
The private house HMARA project by Yakusha Studio
The private house HMARA project by Yakusha Studio
For many clients, the journey of creating a space through live minimalism becomes a journey of self-discovery. As they engage in the process of selecting meaningful objects and designing their space, they are also engaging in a process of reflection and introspection. They begin to ask themselves questions about what truly matters to them, what they want to keep in their lives, and what they are ready to let go of. This process can be deeply therapeutic, as it allows individuals to clarify their values, express their identity, and create a living environment that supports their personal growth and well-being.
Moreover, the spaces created through live minimalism often have a lasting impact on the clients who inhabit them. These spaces are not just beautiful to look at; they are designed to be lived in, experienced, and enjoyed on a daily basis. The sense of calm, order, and purpose that these spaces evoke can contribute to a greater sense of well-being, happiness, and fulfilment in the client’s life. In this way, live minimalism is not just a design philosophy; it is a way of life that encourages individuals to live more authentically, more intentionally, and more connectedly.
Private apartments' interior design by Yakusha Studio
Private apartments' interior design by Yakusha Studio
The broader implications of sustainable interior design
While Victoria Yakusha’s live minimalism is deeply personal and tailored to the individual, it also has broader implications for the field of interior design and for society as a whole. In a world that is increasingly focused on consumerism and the accumulation of material goods, live minimalism offers a counter-narrative that emphasises quality over quantity, meaning over superficiality, and sustainability over wastefulness.
By advocating for the use of natural materials and the careful curation of meaningful objects, live minimalism promotes a more sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to design. It encourages individuals to be mindful of their consumption, to appreciate the beauty of natural and handmade objects, and to create spaces that are built to last. This approach aligns with the growing movement toward sustainability and ethical living, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of our lifestyles and create a more balanced and harmonious relationship with the planet.
Furthermore, the principles of live minimalism can be applied not only to interior design but also to other areas of life. The focus on simplicity, intentionality, and authenticity can inspire individuals to rethink their approach to work, relationships, and personal development. By prioritising what is truly important and letting go of what is not, live minimalism offers a pathway to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. This minimalist architecture and resource-efficient design philosophy encourage a low-impact lifestyle, emphasising zero waste simplicity and mindful consumption as part of a broader movement toward eco-conscious simplicity.
The private apartment LUNA project by Yakusha Studio
The private apartment LUNA project by Yakusha Studio
Designing for individual clients
In conclusion, crafting personality in interior design is about much more than creating aesthetically pleasing spaces; it is about capturing the essence of the individual who inhabits them. Victoria Yakusha’s philosophy of live minimalism offers a powerful and transformative approach to achieving this goal. By emphasising the use of natural materials, the art of storytelling, and the discovery of the true self, live minimalism creates spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful and reflective of the client’s identity.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, the principles of live minimalism offer a valuable reminder of the importance of simplicity, authenticity, and intentionality. By focusing on what truly matters, we can create living spaces—and lives—that are more aligned with our true selves, more connected to the world around us, and more fulfilling in every way. In the end, the essence of great interior design lies not just in what we see but in how we feel, how we live, and how we express who we are. Through live minimalism and the broader principles of sustainable living, interior designers can create bespoke interiors that are not just homes but true reflections of our deepest selves.