The Kandinsky Sofa: Oksana Butman’s Smart Design for Flexible Spaces

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Oksana Butman

Oksana Butman, an award-winning designer and conceptual artist, is known for her bold use of color and striking balance between brightness and harmony. Her work, driven by deep, unconventional thinking, thrives on the fast-paced transformation of ideas into tangible creations.

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.

I am an award-winning designer and conceptual artist. My background in both mathematical and creative education gives me a unique perspective in my design work.

With degrees from the University for the Creative Arts and Moscow Aviation Institute, my work is driven by deep, unusual conceptual thinking. My bold use of color and ability to balance brightness with harmony are defining elements of my style.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a product designer?
I chose furniture design because I’m driven by the excitement of crafting unique, innovative pieces and bringing unconventional ideas to life. I enjoy the fast-paced process of turning concepts into tangible creations.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
I am an independent designer, and my work has been featured in renowned publications such as 25 Beautiful Homes, Tatler, and Interior + Design.
4What does “design” mean to you?
Design is a blend of intellect and emotion, stimulating the mind and senses while maintaining a balance between function and practicality.
5To you, what makes a “good” design?

Dieter Rams' 10 Principles of Good Design are at the core of my creative philosophy. While studying at the University for the Creative Arts, I built upon his ideas and crafted my own manifesto, 11 Principles of Home Paradise, drawing inspiration from both his work and Henri Matisse’s The Pink Studio.

These principles continue to shape my approach to interior and furniture design, merging function with artistic expression.

1. Home Paradise is visually inviting, comfortable, and welcoming.

2. Home Paradise embraces natural light.

3. Home Paradise is rich in color and harmony.

4. Home Paradise balances order with varying scales.

5. Home Paradise blends curved and straight lines.

6. Home Paradise is tactile and textured.

7. Home Paradise plays with glossy and matte, glass and mirrors, wood and brass.

8. Home Paradise incorporates patterns.

9. Home Paradise brings nature indoors.

10. Home Paradise is adorned with art.

11. Home Paradise is timeless.

6Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
My design style is functional and intentional, drawing inspiration from art and architecture. I incorporate history, storytelling, and vibrant colors into my interiors.
7Tell us about your design process.

I've noticed that many of my ideas and problem-solving insights emerge during hypnagogia—the state between wakefulness and sleep. This technique, famously used by Salvador Dalí and Thomas Edison, allows consciousness to loosen, often sparking bursts of creativity and unexpected revelations.

I typically begin by sketching or modeling the concept in SketchUp, then explore similar ideas or primary sources. By carefully analyzing and synthesizing the information, I refine my design into a cohesive vision.

8Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
Yes, definitely! Recently, my designs have been deeply inspired by my exploration of Ancient Egypt. My diploma project, Egyptian Narrative, completed at the University for the Creative Arts, was a finalist in an international competition in 2021.
9Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 NY Product Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
I hope this award will help me connect with a furniture company to produce and market the Kandinsky Sofa, enabling me to meet customers' needs for diverse functionality in this unique piece of furniture.
10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 NY Product Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

I submitted The Kandinsky Sofa because it offers more than just seating—it’s an innovative, multifunctional piece unlike anything else. Designed with versatility in mind, it includes a built-in console that transforms into a table, making it perfect for work, study, or dining.

This compact "3-in-1" solution suits a variety of users—remote workers gain extra workspace, children have a dedicated homework spot, and wheelchair users benefit from its accessible design. Ideal for small spaces, it also doubles as an extra sleeping area, making it a great fit for rented apartments and hotels.

11What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The most challenging aspect of this project was identifying a sturdy and dependable mechanism to secure the folding top of the console.
12Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
The evolution of materials and artificial intelligence will significantly reshape the design industry in the coming years.
13If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring NY Product Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
My advice is to always maintain curiosity and be brave in challenging traditional design thinking. Keep a close eye on user needs, and blend creativity with practicality.
14Tell us something you have never told anyone else.

Sometimes, I use Colorstrology in my interior designs, selecting colors based on my clients' birthdays. Inspired by the Pantone system, Colorstrology combines astrology, numerology, and color theory to assign a unique "birthday color" to each day of the year, along with a personality profile.

This method allows me to create more personalized and meaningful designs.

15Who has inspired you in your life and why?

Andrey Bartenev, the visionary artist, sculptor, and experimentalist, has influenced me not only through his bold self-expression and limitless creativity in interactive installations and performances but also through his exceptional character.

His support and guidance have been invaluable to my growth as both a conceptual artist and designer.

16What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Focus on what you can control, and let everything else take its course.
17Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?

After completing my diploma project, Egyptian Narrative, at the University for the Creative Arts, I traveled to Cairo to witness the pyramids and sail along the Nile, immersing myself in the ancient architecture and artifacts that had long captivated me.

To my surprise, I was the only passenger aboard The Oberoi, attended by 70 staff members—a surreal experience that felt like a reward for my dedication to Ancient Egypt. This journey ultimately inspired me to bring my Nefertiti mirror design to life, turning it from concept to reality.


The Kandinsky Sofa | 2024


Oksana Butman

Oksana Butman, an award-winning designer and conceptual artist, is known for her bold use of color and striking balance between brightness and harmony. Her work, driven by deep, unconventional thinking, thrives on the fast-paced transformation of ideas into tangible creations.


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