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

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.

I am an independent designer, and my work has been featured in renowned publications such as 25 Beautiful Homes, Tatler, and Interior + Design.

Design is a blend of intellect and emotion, stimulating the mind and senses while maintaining a balance between function and practicality.

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.

My design style is functional and intentional, drawing inspiration from art and architecture. I incorporate history, storytelling, and vibrant colors into my interiors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The most challenging aspect of this project was identifying a sturdy and dependable mechanism to secure the folding top of the console.

The evolution of materials and artificial intelligence will significantly reshape the design industry in the coming years.

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.

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.

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.

Focus on what you can control, and let everything else take its course.

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.