L’OFFICIEL: Interior design has largely been a classist interest for those that can pay to decorate, but never before than now have young people from all walks of life taken such ownership in it. Why do you think that is?
HARRY NURIEV: In the past I think many people believed all the home was for was taking showers and sleeping. Last year we spent more time at home than ever before, so we started to pay attention to the details. The relationship between the person and the space changed. There was this thinking that, Why would I buy this expensive handbag when this chair I’m sitting on all day is so uncomfortable and ugly? Even for small things, too, like candles. Ultimately, we all want beauty and nice things, so I think people finally realized that that applies to the home, too.
L’O: With the decline of Tumblr over the past year, we’ve seen many return to Pinterest or create Instagram accounts solely for aesthetic reasons. What sort of digital platforms are shaping interior creativity for you?
HN: My inspirations are based mostly on my childhood experience and fashion and art. There are, however, so many good resources and accounts to discover creativity and creatives now, though. For people looking to find their own aesthetic, I would suggest they step away from the things we conventionally think or see on the Internet as “cool” and think about what works for them. Mainstream style usually falls in two or three style camps, but that doesn’t work for everyone. It’s almost like trying on a piece of clothing. I actually never say I’ve “finished” interior design. I dress spaces. It’s important to find your identity not just for your outfits, but for your spaces, too.