INTERVIEW: Interior Designer Sasha Bikoff On Her Design Inspirations, The Hamptons And Summer Events

On Friday, June 17th, interior designer Sasha Bikoff hosted a dinner party in celebration of this year’s Holiday House Hamptons, presented by Hamptons Cottages and Garden. The evening’s “Majestic Midnight Swim” theme honored the designers and contributors of the House, which includes Bikoff who used the Hamptons as her inspiration. Hamptons Holiday House is open through Labor Day weekend and proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Bikoff will be back on the East End for a pop-up sale on Saturday, July 23rd at The Surf Lodge in Montauk from 12 to 8 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception.

The room in the Holiday House Hamptons designed by Sasha Bikoff. (Courtesy Photo)

Sasha Bikoff grew up in New York City. She studied art history and later interior design in Paris at The American University, where she held internships at the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. Her passion and knowledge of interior design and design periods was born out of her exploration of the City and its antique furniture shops. This gave her the confidence to work with Chelsea Gagosian at her gallery for three years before finally establishing her own firm, Sasha Bikoff New York. She was largely responsible for picking out artwork that matched clients’ homes.

“My style is a combination of 18th century French Rococo, 1960’s Space Age modern, 1970’s Studio 54, and 1980’s Memphis Milano – a combination that highlights the best of the best from the coveted aesthetics of New York, the Hamptons, Miami, Palm Beach and Palm Springs,” explained Bikoff. Much of her work is funky, feminine, and worldly, displaying vibrant colors and personal touches that relate back to her own travels and experiences.

Paintings by Louis XIV and Salvador Dali serve as her main inspiration. “Art and design hold a special place in history and those places sit right next to each other,” she said. “Once you have a knowledge of both, you can create a mental database of all of these colors, textures, patterns, and subject matter and then apply it to interiors. The end result lends to an eclectic, effervescent, and worldly space.” As an interior designer, Bikoff believes the art she creates is functional and can be enjoyed not only aesthetically, but physically too.

An Deco Chinese Rug overdyed in pink by Sasha Bikoff that will be on sale. (Courtesy Photo)

Largely connected to the world of design, Bikoff shares a passion for fashion as well. Her use of couture fabrics by Pucci, Dolce and Gabbana, and Oscar de la Renta to reupholster antique furniture finds is inspired by her love of fashion. “Personally, I love anything French – Givenchy, Hermes, Alaia, and Chanel,” the interior designer shared. “I have built a closet of archives and collect pieces whenever I can.”

As an escape from her busy life in New York City, the Hamptons has always been a special getaway for her. “The beach, the farms and the woodlands inspire my creativity and keep me grounded. I spend my mornings fishing in Montauk on my grandfather’s boat, The Billybob, and my afternoons surfing at Ditch Plains with my family,” Bikoff said. “Being out on the water is my favorite aspect of the Hamptons. There is something about the salty air and crisp ocean breeze that always makes me feel alive.”

The pop-up sale at The Surf Lodge will feature vintage antiques from around the globe that will be discounted at twenty percent off. The sale will include a vintage Murano glass parrot, Mid Century Owl vases, a Missoni lamp, and a Hermes throw pillow. Glassware and rugs will also be available for purchase.

The Surf Lodge is located at 183 Edgemere Street in Montauk. For more information about Sasha Bikoff, visit sashabikoff.com. For more information about Holiday House Hamptons, visit www.holidayhousehamptons.com.