Ksenia Breivo

Ksenia Breivo (b. 1978) is a successful Russian designer with an extensive international practice in interior design. After finishing her studies as an architect, she went on to complete a design course from the Details School Studio. Now she works on projects in Moscow, London, Vienna, Tbilisi, Sochi and other cities. 

“The whole process is important for me, from the idea to the implementation, and until the moment when everything becomes real, and later transforms as time passes. I am inspired by natural materials: stone, wood, glass, rock crystal, paper, metal, textiles, fireclay, gypsum, beeswax, felt. I love experimenting, combining various substances, as it is such an exciting process. Craft is incredibly important to me.  I work with craftsmen all over the world on my items and always look out for like–minded people who appreciate my ideas,” explains the designer. 

She feels a connection to the expressive language of French artisans and Italian design geniuses, Gio Ponti and Achille Castiglioni. Ksenia insists on the primary role of space planning and architecture, because for her, this is the basis for combining beauty and functionality. She creates subtle stylish interiors that are characterized by flowing shapes and soft curves.

Her style is unique and is born out of the diversity of artistic moods, inseparable from the spirit of innovation. Breivo is looking for new ways in design, both physical and ideological. “I may invent a special type of environment friendly material in time, and focus on it. Respect for the environment is not just a trend, but a deep need to be part of the planet and live in the beauty created by nature.” In each of her projects, she uses local materials as extensively as possible and applies the principles of sustainable development. 

About “Vake” bookcase

For Booroom Gallery in 2021, the designer created a Vake concept library shelving unit in two sections, complemented by a bench (limited edition of 8). 

The name is chosen after the Vake neighborhoods in Tbilisi, a favorite place for the city's creative intelligentsia. Tbilisi courtyards, full of life, served as an inspiration. The material was solid oak and zebrano veneer. The veneer was cut into fragments and reassembled in specific way. The finished product was brushed and waxed. “It's simple, but this is the power of truly elegant pieces: to make ordinary materials more elegant, interesting, to give them a new look,” says Ksenia. 

The shelves are made in the designer’s favorite aesthetics of rounded clear geometry, allowing them to fit perfectly into different interiors. The sections, if arranged in rows, look convincing and monumental and structure the space, setting the scale and rhythm.