Trickster

Veera Gonchugova is the author of the freshly opened Sanga bar interior, boss of barbed studio, and a very talented spatial designer. Here, Veera speaks about her approach to current design trends, shuffling between aesthetics and functionality, sewing bohemian dresses, and creating Instagrammable cakes.

I tend to focus more on material applications and (relatively) modern technologies rather than just the materials themselves. My designs incorporate digital prints on textiles, vinyl, or paper, bringing a sense of digitality into both objects and interiors. The same applies to laser cutting and three-dimensional CNC carving. Conceptually, my work is often closely connected to the digital realm. I’m particularly interested in translating elements from the virtual world into physical spaces, which naturally calls for digital methods. That said, I wouldn’t define my work as being limited to modern materials. I primarily work with traditional ones like timber, plywood, natural stone, and metal, but my focus is on rethinking their application and discovering more unconventional—or even forgotten—ways to use them.

Materials play a huge role in how a space feels emotionally, much like colors. Some materials feel cold—both literally and perceptually—while others are warm and soft. They can evoke associations with certain spaces, which, in turn, shape our emotions. Maybe not in a literal sense, but in some way, materials have a soul. I think of it more as an atmosphere—a candlelit room has a different energy than a sunlit one. And I’d still burn palo santo, believing it adds to the room’s energy by engaging more of the senses in the experience.

When working on a room or space, I start with a plan. For me, it’s always easier to work with dimensions “on paper.” If it’s a commission, the client’s input is crucial and should come as early as possible—I prefer gathering more information upfront rather than making changes later. In any case, I begin my visual research on the internet. While I don’t usually create a mood board for my independent projects, I do for commissions, as I need to translate my ideas visually. Most of my work is digital: sketches might start on paper, but I eventually create a 3D model. If the project allows, I may add materials in Photoshop for a quick visual.

Creating technical drawings is the most time-consuming process for me, but I find the most satisfaction once it's done. I rarely prototype myself when it’s an object meant to last (as opposed to just a prop). I choose the materials and finalize the drawings, then meet with a maker or contractor. There needs to be a lot of communication, as many "surprises" can arise on a construction or project site. It’s better to prevent these issues from occurring than to deal with them later.

Interior design trends often stem from broader trends that we, as humans, are currently pursuing. These larger ideas then influence specific interests among designers. As I mentioned earlier, much of my work is rooted in the digital realm. Even if my designs don’t seem inspired by something new in terms of function or ideology, the materials I use might reflect that. For example, I use a lot of metal, which is also a major trend right now. If you ask me why, I think it might be inspired by our fascination with gadgets. Speculatively speaking, we first noticed this trend on Pinterest—sleek grey metal MacBooks or Macs appearing in almost every interior picture—and from there, we started incorporating metal into our interiors. See what I mean? Inspiration often comes from hidden influences around us that subtly make their way into the spaces we inhabit.

The most obvious current trend is sustainability and the global effort to save the planet. Many trends related to materials and architectural design are closely tied to this cause. This will definitely shape the future by introducing new materials and innovative techniques for using them. If you want to dive deeper into the subject, I’d recommend checking out my colleagues (and teachers) at LLRRLLRR, Kuidas.works, or MYCEEN, as they have extensive expertise in this field.

Transformism, a design philosophy by Harry Nuriev, which focuses on creating new and exciting designs from what we already have rather than producing entirely new items, is one concept I’m particularly excited about.

Alternatively, I also see a trend in the pursuit of trends themselves. I believe this is tied to digitalization: nowadays, everything changes so quickly, and as a result, we overconsume. We've already recognized this as a major problem in fashion—the internet fuels our craving for newness in clothing, while fast fashion creates waste. But have you noticed how almost all major mass-market brands now have a home department (think Zara Home, H&M Home, etc.)? The same story applies to home goods.

I’ve been through pretty much every fashion era that’s out there. I’m definitely proud of my emo/scene phase and Tumblr girl phase, but there were plenty of others too: heroin chic, swag, a mix between goth and female rapper, and even rasta dreadlocks... When these fashion trends circle back around, it feels good to say, "I’ve been there, I know what it is," and share my old photos.

I still routinely change my fashion preferences as I go through different periods of life. I don’t like it when people comment on something: “This is so you!” because I’ve usually already moved on and don’t want to be associated with that previous thing. ッ

Ten years ago, while working as an event decorator and generally being crafty, I was making all kinds of things by hand—everything from sewing lacey bohemian dresses to creating cake toppers and Instagrammable desserts.

I wouldn’t say I’m a minimalist now, but I’ve been working my way toward owning and using fewer things. Considering that I also work as a scenographer/decorator, that’s basically impossible. Nowadays, my "decorations" still have a certain cuteness level, but I always try to tone it down, if that makes sense. I aim to balance them out. Take my "Heart-shaped table," for example.

The people around me (EKA, collaborators, brands I've worked with) have obviously influenced my design style. In recent years, I became obsessed with digital concepts, and everything felt so colorful all the time because, well, the internet is colorful. By the time I wrote my Master’s thesis on this, I’d had enough of that topic. Now, I’m striving for a different stylistic direction, but I’d say I’m still heavily influenced by internet culture and fashion.

super snowy forest, arching trees above Tehnika driveway, Golden House in Pärnu KEK, Ghan’s staircase in Narva, Narva-Jõesuu beach, entrance to the Estonian National Museum, Loodi Põrguorg, all medieval castles, Three Dragons place by Raekoja plats, bar rara, Maidla Resort’s Poku villa, Ida Spa in Narva, Sanga Bar, Logi Saun, Pirita Convent, our apartment