When we were scouting locations for our next Home Tour, stumbling upon interior designer Sasha Bikoff’s New York City apartment felt like a breath of fresh air. The color and texture that makes up her signature style tell a fascinating story and keep the eye constantly moving, curious to take in more. With strong influences from fashion and European fine art, Sasha’s style is a unique mix of 18th century French Rococo, 1960’s Space Age Modern, 1970’s French Modernism and 1980’s Italian Memphis Milano. Yeah, our mind was blown, too. Keep reading for the inside scoop on her design process and the interiors style that’s all her own.
photography by genevieve garruppo
Sasha, tell us about your home!
I’ve lived in my current home in Greenwich Village for about a year. I grew up and spent a lot of time on the Upper East Side, so I wanted to live somewhere that felt very different. Greenwich village has always had such an appeal for me, so it was only a matter of time before I moved to that area. This apartment acts as my live-work space, so the furnishings are constantly changing and moving around.
How about that butterfly wallpaper?
The entryway is one of the most important spaces, as it introduces guests to the aesthetic of the rest of the home. This entryway is very me: pink and patterned. The walls are dressed in Farrow & Ball’s “Calamine Pink” with splashes of Venson’s Voutsa Butterfly wallpaper. This juxtaposition was a fun way to play with a subtle hue and a bold pattern.
What was the design inspiration for your home?
My general design aesthetic is 18th century French Rococo mixed with 1960s Space Age Modern, 1970s French Modernism and 1980s Italian Memphis Milano.
What colors are you drawn to most?
Pink and canary yellow.
How do you approach buying art?
I really enjoy impressionism and abstract expressionism. I think art has a way of tying everything together in a space, so I look for pieces that have a sense of balance in color, texture and light.
Who are your dream house guests?
I studied art history and fine arts, which have a huge influence in my design. I would love to host some of the world-famous artists, such as Edouard Manet, whose works I’ve studied. I would also love to have Coco Chanel over, as she is such an icon for me.
Describe your home in 5 words or less.
Lavish, maximal, colorful.
Favorite design resources?
I like mixing old and new pieces. Antiques are a design element I use heavily in all of my projects, especially my home. Each antique has such a unique and specific look that somehow perfectly complements the newer pieces in a space. One of my favorite pieces is the antique carousel pony in my dining room.
What is your biggest design challenge for the space?
I haven’t had many challenges. I like to change things up a lot, so I never feel bogged down or over-committed.
Favorite spot in the house?
My bedroom. It has such a mixture of cultures that has a heavy influence in my design, especially French. The Louis XV fauteuil has such detailed needlepoint upholstery and it pairs so well with the Chinese black Deco rug.
Fill in the blank: A well-designed home should _______.
Reflect the homeowners’ style. Sometimes people get too caught up in being trendy that it isn’t fitting for the people living there.
What’s your building like?
My apartment is a rental duplex in a prewar townhouse off of lower Fifth Avenue. There’s a beautiful garden just outside my living room as well.
What’s your favorite way to relax at home?
I really like spending time in my closet and dressing room. There’s a Vladimir Kagan chaise covered in silver velvet where I like to relax before getting ready for the day.
How does fashion influence your design process?
Fashion is a huge influence for me. A lot of my furniture is reupholstered in vintage fabrics from fashion designers. One of my favorite pieces, a Gucci silk scarf, is framed in my living room.
What’s your number one interior design tip?
Don’t be afraid of color.
