Both natives of Tbilisi, Georgia, Keti Toloraia and Nata Janberidze became fast friends while studying interior design in their home city. Five years after graduating, they launched their joint venture—interior and product design studio Rooms. Today, their practice focuses on creating distinct spaces and collectible pieces that are rich in storytelling.
Why did you decide to start your design practice?
Keti Toloraia: After graduating from the Interior Design at the Academy of Arts in Georgia, Nata and I started to design our own products. We made an exhibition of our works, and as a result, got our first interior design commission. It was a chain reaction, and we knew it was time to open our own studio [in 2007].
Lessons Learned?
KT: Trust my instincts.
Nata Janberidze: I realized how important it is to pay attention to the details and to give a lot of energy to get exactly what you want. [I want to] continue to relate to my work with the same love and appreciation.
What was it like growing up in post-Soviet Georgia?
KT: The mix of Asian and European traditions in our country [inform] my ideas. By unfolding hidden treasures of our historic roots, we try to convey Georgian design language in our work.
NJ: Growing up in the Soviet vacuum resulted in greater self-reflection and the desire to break free.
How would you describe your working relationship?
KT: We complement each other and often finish each other’s sentences. Having a similar vision is a great gift.
NJ: We’re balanced, harmonious, and we help each other grow.
Recently completed projects?
KT: We finished Rooms Kokhta, a mountain resort in Georgia for Rooms Hotels. [After designing the first property in Khazbegi, the ownership named the brand in honor of the studio, which has worked on all three Rooms properties.]
NJ: I’m proud of our working experience in collectable design objects, especially our Wild Minimalism collection.
Dream project?
KT: There is an old spa resort town in west Georgia called Tskaltubo, which was built during Communist times. The spas are abandoned and run-down, but the buildings are truly stunning. It would be a dream to renovate them and turn the town into a contemporary spa resort.
Photo courtesy of Rooms Studio
This article originally appeared in HD’s July 2020 issue.
