Dubbed “the go-to decorator for Manhattan’s well-heeled millennial set”, Sasha Bikoff is known for her unapologetically maximal interiors and bold use of color and pattern. Her kaleidoscopic staircase for the 2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House became a viral moment, earning descriptors like “eye-popping” and “psychedelic” while cementing her reputation as a designer whose work pairs visual exuberance with a deep understanding of design history.
(Image above: Sasha Bikoff | Image courtesy of Sasha Bikoff)
Connecticut Guest Cottage by Sasha Bikoff | Image courtesy of Sasha Bikoff
When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming? Did any of those childhood ambitions lead you to where you are today?
A pop star, I used to sing and dance. I gave up on that dream and started painting and doing ceramics, for a moment I wanted to be an artist. I ended up as a decorator. I always say that my journey as a creative person has always existed but my path along the way changed across various mediums.
Where and what did you study?
I studied art history and fine arts at the george washington university and then at the american university in paris.
Residence in Brooklyn Heights by Sasha Bikoff | Image courtesy by Sasha Bikoff
Was there a specific turning point or experience when you realized that design was your true calling?
The time I lived in paris really made me fall in love with design, it became my passion, I taught myself everything while I lived there. I frequented all of the design galleries, museums, and flea markets.
Is there a particular designer, artwork, or design movement that deeply inspires you? How has it influenced your own style or philosophy?
I am really inspired by the history of design and in my own work I love to combine various movements together. I particularly love 1980’s memphis milano, 1960’s french space age, art deco, rococo, and art nouveau. I love sculptural forms, colors, the mixing of materials, and statement pieces. All of these movements in design history share that as a common theme.
West Village Townhouse by Sasha Bikoff | Image courtesy of Sasha Bikoff
How would you describe your design philosophy? Has it evolved over time, and if so, how?
My philosophy is that your home is the most important place in your life and its important to invest in it physically and emotionally. Surround yourself with the things you love. Have your own share the story of your life in order to create a completely unique experience. Dont be afraid to be eclectic and mix things around and do not feel the need to follow trends.
Springs, East Hampton by Sasha Bikoff | Image courtesy of Sasha Bikoff
Tell us a bit about where you live: How long have you been there, and how does your environment shape your creative process?
I live between two places. Both completely opposing which corresponds to me being a gemini rising. I live on the upper east side of manhattan in a very old building and traditional apartment that is pretty classic in its architecture and floorplan. It is also what I like to call fancy with a lot of collectible design pieces. I also live in east hampton which was a home I built from the ground up. It is somewhat of a modern japanese barn and is very minimal and texture rich with with a more neutral palette. Both are meant to relate to my opposing lifestyles and bring me such joy that I get to have such differentiation in style.
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