- Interior
Ksenia Breivo does not allow her work to be characterised by a particular style, as it has less and less clearly defined boundaries. Rather, the interiors she designs with Studio Breivo always radiate a certain feeling, that of a casual elegance. In this way, she creates spaces in which you cannot help but feel good. This was also the case at Villa Kurkli.
Ksenia Breivo’s love for architecture and design is genuine and the designer is not overly ambitious, as long as she can keep doing what she does. This is also reflected in the way her projects are created by focusing primarily on the quality of her work. Architecture is often the foundation of her designs. Existing building forms and architectural volumes, together with the client’s wishes, play the most important role in developing a concept. Breivo’s design philosophy is also expressed in the use of natural materials, and she prefers to go for a limited number of items that are absolutely perfect rather than putting together exuberant interiors. Reusing pieces and breathing new life into old designs also gives her great satisfaction. Rather than fitting into a particular style these elements create a unique atmosphere and energy. 
This is also the case at Villa Kurkli, the residence of which we show some images here, located in a mountainous area some 200 kilometres from Mahachkala, the capital of Dagestan. The estate consists of three houses, two of which the client would like to rent out and the third of which he would like to furnish for himself and his family to use as a temporary retreat when in need of some relaxation. To achieve this, he called upon the talent and vision of Ksenia Breivo.
'The villas are quite cave-like and I wanted to ennoble that aesthetic'
Given the location and environment, it was not difficult for Breivo to work out the initial concept: ‘I wanted to make the exterior part of the interior and delicately blend everything in with the landscape. The villas are quite cave-like and I wanted to ennoble and refine that aesthetic.’ So, it comes as no surprise that for the colour palette, the designer took inspiration from the earth, the mountains, the sky and the different shades that nature displays throughout the day. ‘This is a space for retreat and solitude where nature prevails and man meditates. For him, the nature outside becomes more important than the nature of things. I wanted to create a space where nothing distracts this human. Only nature and the beauty of forms,’ she continues. 
In line with this concept, Ksenia Breivo wanted to use as many local materials as possible. She studied the characteristics of the environment and the raw materials that characterise it. Furniture for this project will therefore be specially made from local wood, for example from apricot trees for small items, and for the carpets Breivo will use sheep’s wool from farms in the region. These unique pieces are of course complemented by other interesting designs. The images she already shared with us show, for example, chairs by Axel Vervoordt in the master bedroom and some lamps and chairs by the Georgian design duo Rooms in the lounge.
Those who, like us, think that these interiors radiate a certain desolateness as well as an enormous tranquillity, are absolutely right. ‘Since it is a temporary residence, it gives a feeling of something that has been covered up on purpose, something that has to wait a while until people appear in this space again,’ Ksenia Breivo explains. This, too, is in line with her design philosophy of realising projects with a laid-back elegance. We are convinced that Breivo has succeeded in her goal and that the owner of Villa Kurkli will enjoy spending time here and will be able to recharge his batteries. 
If you want to learn more about Studio Breivo and Villa Kurkli, be sure to read the full article in Imagicasa Summer 2021.
Images courtesy of Studio Breivo
3D visuals by Daniil Arseev