Coloring Outside the Lines: Inside Sasha Bikoff’s Unapologetically Bold, Maximalist Design World
Get to know Apartment Therapy’s 2025 Design Changemakers, the talented risk-takers, disruptors, and doers leading by example and pushing their industries forward. This content is presented in partnership with Benjamin Moore.
Sasha Bikoff never met a color she didn’t like (or couldn’t make work in a kitchen). The NYC-based interior designer is known for her fearless use of color and love of all things bold and eclectic. Her interiors are vibrant, layered, and full of personality; whether she’s blending Memphis style with 18th-century French flourishes in a client’s home or designing a punchy bathroom for a boutique fitness studio, she brings her signature mix of glam, whimsy, and intellect to every project.
After studying fine art and art history at George Washington University and the American University in Paris, she worked in a gallery before starting her interior design firm. Today, Sasha Bikoff Interior Design is responsible for some of the most visually daring and culturally rich interiors on the scene (not to mention your Instagram explore page).
It’s Sasha’s references that make her a standout. Some of her bold choices may appear impulsive, but there’s a method to her madness; she knows her stuff, and there’s always a thoughtful story behind the look. We spoke with Sasha about her love of color, her hot takes on paint trends, and what’s inspiring her right now.
Apartment Therapy: When did color become part of your design philosophy?
Sasha Bikoff: Color has always been part of my design philosophy. My background is in art history and fine arts, so naturally, the usage of color has been really important in my work and has really been the driving force behind all of my designs. Color is how I am able to connect so many different elements within a space.
AT: Where did your love of color come from?
SB: My love of color really comes from nature. For instance, the colors we see in plants and flowers, in fruits and vegetables, and how we take all these colors from the natural world and reimagine them into various art forms, such as design, is what is very interesting to me.
AT: What do you think color adds to a space?
SB: Colorful paint can take one on a journey to an inspired place or a different time period. Color has a transformative power to it.
AT: What’s the biggest “risk” you’ve taken with paint?
SB: I do not feel like I take risks using color. My color usage, from the tones to the combinations, comes from a deep amount of research, historical and global references, so they are not completely random but more inspired.
AT: What color were your bedroom walls as a kid?
SB: My bedroom walls as a child were all white until I painted them different shades of pink by myself!
AT: Why do you choose Benjamin Moore paint for your projects?
SB: I like working with Benjamin Moore on projects because they have so many different colors to choose from, and you know you are getting a great quality paint. I try to do something different with every project, and their selection makes choosing paint really fun because I can be different and unique every time.
AT: What inspires you right now?
SB: My inspiration is driven by fashion, film, art, travel, architecture, and nature. I am always out and about trying to see the beauty in things.
AT: Any hot takes about paint?
SB: Don’t be afraid to go for the high gloss. It’s a very luxurious texture and takes any room to the next level.
AT: Ceiling paint: Yes or no?
SB: Ceiling paint is a must. I like to coordinate ceiling paint with the rest of the room design as opposed to having it feel unfinished.
AT: What would you tell someone considering repainting a space in their home?
SB: It’s the easiest thing you can do to give your space a complete refresh.