English Summary
Editor’s letter
When we speak about traditional, conservative interiors we usually describe them as “classical”. Yet “classical style” is widely diverse. Greek and Roman antique, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Empire, Rococo, Biedermeier, Eclecticism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco — all these styles look completely different and each has a different philosophy. Just because they all are historical we call them all “classical”, as if they are essentially the same. Well it is true that they all are connected, they influenced and sometimes opposed each other, and most traditional interiors present us with a mix of several styles. But we need to know the difference well if we want to do our own mixing smartly. To clarify things at least a little bit in this issue of AD we have prepared a “classical list”. It features some of the most important historical classical styles, such as architecture of Andrea Palladio; there are also designers that work with historical styles and major brands that produce traditional furniture. This list is far from being complete — one cannot tackle such an extensive subject in one issue of a glossy magazine. But we had to try. Everyone likes classical interiors, but one needs to know how to live in them. And one shouldn’t be afraid of classical style — it is by no means for palaces only. Classic is fl exible: one of the interiors in this issue is a 45square meter apartment decorated in... well in, a classical style. I have yet to come up with amore suitable name for it. Eugenia Mikulina
Choose wisely
Text Pavel Goliashkin
Architect Alexander Glikman’s project was published in the very fi rst issue of AD Russia in 2002— it was a rather grand classical house decorated with huge statues and trompe l’oeil paintings. Yet it did not look pompous, as many “new rich Russian’s” houses at the time did. It looked light and inventive and almost tongueincheek. Since then, Glikman has proved that his approach to classical architecture is individual and exciting. When we talked to him, he constantly used the word “Eclecticism” — it is an important term for him and looking at his projects one remembers that in the XIX century Eclecticism became popular because it spelled “freedom of expression”. Freedom is impossible to fake, while austerity is easily manufactured, Glikman says: “A concrete box is not ahouse — it is a sketch of a future life, it needs details to come alive”. Details, sometimes contrasting ones, are multiple in his projects. The problem is that classical detailing and stylistic games could become a commercial cliché — but Glikman knows how to avoid that. For him, classical elements are not just decorative details that could be made from plaster and resin. “If you do things properly from marble and precious wood it is never vulgar”, he says. Of course his interiors are theatrical, but it is a solid classical theatre — Bolshoi rather that some off-Broadway studio. And though the whole body of Glikman’s work reminds one of Italy, he says that he by no means limits his choice to this glorious country’s heritage. “I love Egyptian art, and French, and German. Sticking to just one favorite style is like coming to a great restaurant and instead of tasting eight dishes eat just one. It is a bit silly”.
Get some sleep
Editors Anastasia Romashkevich and Olga Sorokina
The Special Section in this issue of AD is dedicated to bedrooms. Our editors selected examples of different design solutions of this room, from cozy and traditional to minimalistic — anything that would make one comfortable. We also prepared a selection of furniture pieces and accessories one would need in a bedroom: beds and mattresses, chests and bedside tables, mirrors and vanity tables, and bedlinen.
Detailed approach
Text Olga Sorokina
Photos Vasily Bulanov
Russian decorator Alexander Yakimov has a knack for creating classical interiors that look fresh and exciting instead of dusty and boring. We asked him to visit several showrooms in Moscow and pick up classical pieces that he fi nds appealing. “Details are very important — they are the most important aspect of the interior”, designer says. “You cannot overestimate details”. Having stated that he proceeded to choose pieces in which fi ne details attracted his attention. At “Interiery Extra Klassa” showroom, which sells furniture from American brand Baker, Yakimov admired “Moderne” ceiling light designed by Thomas Pheasant and a chest designed by Laura Kirar. At “Aurrum” gallery Alexander was captivated by designer rugs and carpets from Sahrai — their new collection “Noor” has some striking pieces. At a showroom that presents Gianfranco Ferré and Roberto Cavalli home collections Yakimov liked “Stephany” sofa from Gianfranco Ferré Home and “Drama” chandelier from Roberto Cavalli