In this edition of Design Dialogues, Fublis is proud to feature Diff.Studio, a Kyiv-based design firm renowned for its refined aesthetic and commitment to crafting distinctive interiors. With an international portfolio that seamlessly merges timeless elegance with contemporary innovation, Diff.Studio has garnered recognition for its meticulous attention to detail and ability to balance luxury with functionality.

In our conversation, the founder of Diff.Studio share their insights into creating interiors that reflect both individuality and cohesion. They discuss the challenges and creative strategies behind blending modern art with classical architecture, the role of bespoke furnishings in defining a space, and the thoughtful integration of materials that ensure long-lasting appeal in dynamic urban environments.

From the grandeur of Parisian elegance to the practicality of high-rise living in Beijing, Diff.Studio exemplifies how cultural influences shape their design philosophy. Their ability to harmonize modernity with timeless design principles has positioned them as trailblazers in the industry. Through this interview, we explore their creative journey, the principles that guide their work, and their aspirations for leaving a lasting impact on the global design landscape.

Join us as we delve into the world of Diff.Studio, where design is not just about aesthetics but about creating meaningful, enduring spaces that inspire.

Diff Studio emphasizes creating spaces with distinctive character and flawless execution. How do you ensure that each project maintains its individuality while adhering to your studio’s signature aesthetic?

Vitaliy Yurov: At Diff Studio, we believe that creating spaces with distinctive character and flawless execution is a combination of understanding our client’s unique vision and staying true to our studio’s signature aesthetic. To ensure that each project maintains its individuality while adhering to our aesthetic, we start by deeply understanding the client’s preferences, lifestyle, and needs. We then incorporate our design expertise and creativity to bring their vision to life while infusing our distinctive style into the project. This approach allows us to create spaces that reflect the client’s personality while carrying the hallmark of Diff Studio’s design philosophy. Constant communication with the client, attention to detail, and meticulous planning are key elements that help us maintain both individuality and our studio’s aesthetic in every project we undertake.

How did you approach blending the client’s modern art collection with the classic elements of the apartment while maintaining harmony and balance in the overall design in Parisian Elegance?

Vitaliy Yurov: As a design studio, our approach to blending the client’s modern art collection with the classic elements of the apartment while maintaining harmony and balance in the overall design in Parisian Elegance project was to carefully curate and select pieces that complemented each other. We focused on creating a cohesive narrative by incorporating modern art pieces that seamlessly integrated with the classic architecture of the apartment. Additionally, we paid close attention to color palettes, textures, and placement to ensure that each element added to the overall sense of harmony and balance in the space. Our goal was to create a timeless and elegant design that honored both the client’s modern aesthetic and the classic charm of the Parisian setting.

The layout preserves the classic wall decorations. Could you elaborate on how this influenced your design decisions, particularly in maintaining the apartment’s French charm?

Vitaliy Yurov: Preserving the classic wall decorations was a key factor in maintaining the apartment’s French charm. We made sure to carefully integrate these elements into our design decisions, such as selecting furniture pieces and decorative accents that complemented the traditional wall decorations. By doing so, we were able to create a cohesive and harmonious living space that exuded the elegance and sophistication reminiscent of French interiors. This attention to detail helped us in capturing the essence of French design while also infusing our own modern touch to the overall aesthetic of the apartment.

The use of bespoke furniture and lighting is prominent in this project. What challenges did you face in sourcing or designing these unique pieces, and how did they contribute to the apartment’s aesthetic?

Vitaliy Yurov: These unique bespoke pieces contributed significantly to the apartment’s aesthetic by adding a sense of exclusivity and luxury. They served as focal points that enhanced the overall design, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating them. Additionally, the bespoke furniture and lighting helped to create a cohesive and personalized interior that reflected the client’s individual style and personality, setting the apartment apart from others.

As a studio based in Kyiv, with an international presence, how do cultural influences shape your design process across different project locations?

Vitaliy Yurov: We believe that understanding and respecting the cultural context of each project location is crucial in creating meaningful and impactful designs. By incorporating cultural elements, traditions, and aesthetics into our work, we are able to create designs that resonate with the local community and reflect the unique identity of each place. This approach not only enriches our design process but also helps us create designs that are more inclusive and engaging for our clients and their audience.

In your design of this Parisian apartment Rue De Rivoli, the use of natural stone and brass creates a very luxurious and timeless atmosphere. How do you ensure that these materials remain relevant and functional over time, especially in a dynamic urban environment like Paris?

Vitaliy Yurov: At our design studio, we pay careful attention to the quality and durability of materials like natural stone and brass. We select materials that not only exude luxury but also have proven longevity. Additionally, we consider the maintenance requirements of these materials, ensuring that they can withstand the wear and tear of a dynamic urban environment like Paris. By combining timeless materials with thoughtful design choices, we create spaces that remain relevant and functional for years to come.

The concept of the mirror wall in the living room is fascinating. Could you elaborate on the role of reflective elements in your design philosophy, particularly how they enhance spatial perception in smaller or more traditional spaces?

Vitaliy Yurov: The concept of using mirror walls in interior design is indeed fascinating. Reflective elements such as mirrors can play a crucial role in creating the illusion of a larger space, especially in smaller or more traditional spaces. Mirrors have the ability to visually expand a room by bouncing light around and creating a sense of depth. In our design philosophy, we often incorporate reflective elements strategically to enhance spatial perception and make rooms feel more open and airy. By cleverly placing mirrors, we can make even the smallest rooms appear bigger and brighter, creating a more visually pleasing and functional space for our clients.

You mention your projects reflect both modernity and timelessness. How do you balance this duality, especially when considering the evolving needs of your clients and their changing tastes over time?

Vitaliy Yurov: As a design studio, we believe in creating projects that blend modernity with timelessness. This balance is achieved by constantly staying updated on the latest design trends and technologies while also drawing inspiration from classical and timeless designs.

To address the evolving needs and changing tastes of our clients over time, we prioritize open communication and collaboration. By understanding our clients’ preferences, goals, and vision, we are able to tailor our designs to meet their specific requirements while also ensuring that the final product stands the test of time.

Ultimately, our approach involves embracing innovation and creativity while respecting traditional design principles, allowing us to create projects that are both contemporary and enduring.

When designing spaces in an urban environment like Beijing, how do you balance contemporary, luxurious elements with the need for practicality, especially when working with limited space or in high-rise settings in the Dual Floor Space project?

Vitaliy Yurov: To achieve this balance, we focus on maximizing functionality and efficiency by utilizing smart storage solutions, multifunctional furniture, and innovative design techniques to make the most of the limited space available. We also incorporate luxurious elements through the use of high-quality materials, sleek finishes, and modern aesthetics to create a sense of sophistication and elegance in the design.

By carefully considering both practicality and luxury in our design approach, we aim to create spaces that not only meet the needs of our clients but also enhance their overall living experience in urban environments like Beijing.

To conclude, what motivates you personally as designers to continually push boundaries in your work, and how do you hope Diff Studio’s legacy will influence the global design landscape?

Vitaliy Yurov: As architects at Diff Studio, our personal motivation stems from a passion for creativity and innovation. We are driven to continually push boundaries in our work because we believe that true growth and progress come from exploring the unknown and challenging the status quo. By pushing ourselves to think outside the box, we are able to create unique and impactful designs that resonate with people on a deeper level.

In terms of Diff Studio’s legacy, we hope to influence the global design landscape by setting a new standard for excellence and originality. Through our commitment to pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes, we aim to inspire other designers to think boldly and fearlessly in their own work. Ultimately, we aspire for Diff Studio to be recognized as a trailblazer in the design world, leaving a lasting impact that shapes the future of design for generations to come.