This December, renowned Ukrainian designer and architect Victoria Yakusha will unveil her latest body of work, The Grun’ Collection, at Design Miami (December 3-8, 2024), within the Curio program. This is a new opportunity to showcase her distinctive approach to live minimalism, a design philosophy rooted in Ukraine’s organic beauty and cultural heritage.
Inspired by the mythical forest being Grun’, [pronounced: groon’] which is said to inhabit the ancient forests of Ukrainian Polesia, the collection embodies timelessness, wisdom, and a sense of peace.
The forests and swamps of Polesia preserve echoes of humanity’s early history. These environments are not only remnants of the past but also ever-changing ecosystems. They serve as reminders that while nature is in constant flux, it remains a source of renewal and wisdom.
The collection exemplifies Yakusha’s belief that objects should evoke emotions beyond function. Her animistic philosophy — where objects, places, and beings carry a living essence — is reflected throughout. Using natural materials and traditional craftsmanship, the collection includes an armchair, bench, tables, chairs, a bed, and floor lamps — all designed to evoke the spirit of the forest. The unique forms embody Yakusha’s vision, with wide, solid bases rooted in centuries of memory, drawing energy from the earth and marshes, channeling it upward through antennae-like shapes that reach toward the sky and the future
The collection also includes a limited-edition table (edition of 12 pieces). The table’s base, crafted from Yakusha’s signature eco-friendly ZTISTA material — an eco-conscious blend of clay, natural fibers, and organic biopolymer — is designed to resemble the rolling hills of Polissia. The hand-carved wooden tabletop captures the essence of a sunlit forest clearing, surrounded by hills and boulders — a mystical space where forest beings come together in harmony and contentment. Handcrafted with care, the pieces radiate the energy of the artisans, creating designs that feel alive and distinct. The textures evoke the forest’s natural details — from the surface of leaves and tree bark to the forms of mushrooms.
The Grun’ lamps combine Yakusha’s ZTISTA material with traditional Ukrainian blown glass, using the technique known as gutnitstvo, a practice that has been passed down through generations. When lit, the lamps cast a warm, soft glow, transforming the room into a serene and magical environment. Each lamp is handcrafted, with no two pieces exactly alike, reflecting the skill and artistry of its maker.
At the heart of Grun’, Yakusha weaves together a narrative of renewal, craftsmanship, and ancestral knowledge. Each piece is an expression of her connection to nature and her commitment to preserving traditional Ukrainian techniques. The use of natural materials, from the eco-conscious ZTISTA blend to hand-carved wood, bridges the past with the present, honoring the wisdom embedded in the earth while reimagining it for contemporary design. In Grun’, the forest comes alive — not just as inspiration, but as an active participant in shaping forms that carry the energy of the land.
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