ROOMS is an exciting young design practice based in Tbilisi, Georgia and founded by Nata Janberidze and Keti Toloraia, who became friends while studying at the Tbilisi Academy of Art. Recently, they have acquired a new partner Baia Davitaia. All-girls-band ROOMS intends to create inventive, catchy, playful, ironic and distinctive designs. They are not a follower of any particular style and they believe that design cannot be described by a dogma. On the contrary, designs come about through the situation, the product and a consumer-oriented design process which exists somewhere between the method and the magic.
ROOMS' interior for the Tbilisi boutique Prive is chique yet touches like their Ghost Wallpaper and Dressed Chairs keep it poetic and humorous. Products like the Commode Upside Down reflect the same fun spirit without losing a sophisticated aesthetic. Other commissions include a shop in Tbilisi's old town for high end brand Bikkembergs, restaurants, hotels and residential interiors.
ROOMS' take on design is 'think globally act locally'. The girls practice what they preach and bring their fresh, international style to their native Georgia, situated at the dividing line of Asia and Europe. Their studio and most of their work can be found in the capital Tbilisi.
Some words by designer NataJanberidze on Tbilisi and ROOMS' position in the Georgian design scene:
“Because Georgia has a very ancient history of arts and culture, one can feel the spirit of design and architecture all around. The city Tbilisi is antique and traditional, but also filled with modern design features. Georgian people see themselves as a part of Europe and its culture and at the same time they keep and develop their traditional values in terms of design. When Georgia got its independence, people – especially artists – shared new trends and mixed them with traditional ones. This new era and freedom of information gives people much bigger opportunities to express themselves better. It hasn't been a long time since contemporary design appeared to be actual in Georgia. ROOMS plays a leading role in this field and we were fortunate to be the first to be offered unique interior design commissions in Georgia. We are proud that ROOMS takes part in Georgian Contemporary Design history and at the same time, we are looking forward to spread our activities in Europe too.”
Collaboration and experimentation are key factors. ROOMS is looking for producers, retailers and manufacturers around the world to share ideas to create individual and specific designs. ROOMS is currently working on two restaurants and a concert hall in Tbilisi. Go girls!