Interior objects as the heart of the home

The interior of a home can reflect family values and history. This philosophy is close to Svetlana Valsovskaya, founder of Valsdecor – a gallery of exclusive ceramic table lamps.

“Our project is about home, about warmth. I want homes to become cozy, and transform them into spaces where people want to live, welcome guests, and build a family.”

Finding a direction 

By profession, I’m an interior designer, but I consider myself more of a decorator. I enjoy working with objects, and the technical aspects of design never truly appealed to me. I’ve always been drawn more to the artistic side of the profession – I’ve tried sketching myself, so decorating naturally became my main path.

I graduated from the “Details” School, a well-known design institution in Moscow, where students develop a distinctive perspective on design. Graduates of this school are always recognizable by their signature style. Today, the school is actively developing its object design program, and I’m proud to have received my education there.

One of the most exciting projects I participated in took place on Kutuzovsky Prospekt in the flagship store of “Dom Farfora” (House of Porcelain), owned by the Imperial Porcelain Factory. As part of a collaboration between the “Details” School and the factory, we were tasked with table decor. It was a fantastic experience, and the presentation was attended by members of the press, creatives, and porcelain lovers.

I’ve always been drawn not only to private interior projects but also to larger creative challenges. I have organization skills, so despite offers to continue working in interiors, I decided to try myself in object design.

A fateful discovery 

I didn’t have personal experience working with ceramics, but perhaps fate itself brought me to it. In Uzbekistan, many people are interested in esotericism, and I believe that certain events don’t happen by chance.

A few years ago, my family and I took a trip to Charvak during a time when the water level had significantly dropped. The lake had transformed into vast, cracked plains with strange crevices – like something out of “Star Wars”. I still have atmospheric photos from that place.

There, on the deserted shore, my son stumbled upon something in the sand. Digging it out, we discovered an old jug. Of course, we joked about a genie, but nothing was inside. I’ve always loved antiques and objects with a story, so I convinced my husband to take the jug home.

Two weeks later, we decided to check its historical value and went to the Museum of the History of Uzbekistan. It turned out the jug dated back to the 6th–9th centuries AD. It was likely once painted, though the decoration hadn’t survived.

This happened before the start of my project, and I thought, maybe this is a sign. That’s how ceramics, in a way, came into my life.

Everything began with a simple desire to help some acquaintances decorate an apartment they were preparing for sale. While exploring the selection in local stores, I realized there was a lack of unique decor pieces. That’s how the idea to create a collection of decorative figurines was born – the first being an artichoke. The work on this project turned out to be more difficult than expected. I had to collaborate with five different artisans to achieve the desired result. Tashkent has many talented ceramists, but creating a stylish and contemporary figurine wasn’t easy. It took a year and a half to find the right craftsmanship.

Our project has only existed for three and a half months, and I’m confident that the more people see our work, the higher the chances that each piece will find its owner. We currently have three collections: “Artichoke”, “Patterns of Time – Rishtan”, and “East – West”. 

Where it all begins 

My husband and I have traveled extensively across Uzbekistan, studying the region, visiting Khiva, Bukhara, and Rishtan. It’s not just about traveling – it’s about discovering, recognizing cultural details and traditions. That’s where inspiration comes from, and immersion in culture begins.

I carefully plan the lampshades and hardware for each lamp. I select the brass details based on the shape and concept of the piece. It’s important to me that each item is unique, with every element complementing the others.

My entire work is centered around the idea of atmosphere. The objects we create don’t just fill a space – they give it character and emotional depth. That includes the lamps I design. I also offer custom lampshade selection so that each client can choose an option that perfectly fits their interior.

I enjoy combining traditional patterns with modern forms, mixing ethnic motifs with minimalism. This fusion gives birth to unique objects that not only complement a space but also become its defining focal points. 

The perspective and approach of the ceramists 

The process of creating ceramic pieces, like the artichokes, is in itself an art that demands serious skill. The clay undergoes thorough preparation: it’s kneaded by hand to remove air bubbles, then fired – often in traditional wood-burning kilns, like those in Gijduvan. Natural glaze is also used, giving each piece a unique finish.

We don’t produce in large quantities – almost every item exists as a one-off or in a limited series. If a client requests a matching pair, we make it clear that exact duplication isn’t possible – ceramic behaves unpredictably. Our artisans don’t use stencils; every piece reflects their hands and technique. That’s what makes these objects special – you can’t recreate them identically, which only increases their value.

We’re now collaborating with more and more artisans because I want to showcase the diversity of Uzbekistan’s ceramic schools. Real masters, true artists – each has their own style. Over time, I’ve come to recognize their work. Even if we haven’t started a project together, I can usually identify who created a piece just by seeing it in a market or a souvenir shop.

I’m a strong advocate of certification. We already offer certificates with individual numbers for each lamp, but I’d love to make them more personal, to include a photo of the artisan, their own words, and a story about their craft and technique.

Why lamps? 

A ceramic lamp is a long-lasting object. The lampshade can always be replaced if it fades over time. Natural fabrics like silk are sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important to position the lamp away from direct light.

I even shared care tips on Instagram. After all, a lampshade is like clothing – it can go out of style, and it can be refreshed or changed.

Everyone can choose a lamp that reflects their personality and mood. Some models have a more “masculine”, strict style, perfect for an office; others are playful and vibrant, catching the eye of women.

We have many collections. We once had an entire line of artichokes and even considered expanding it, creating stands or furniture elements. But now I realize that lamps offer much more room for creative experimentation.

A lamp doesn’t have to be just a decorative object. It’s something special when you own a unique piece made by a renowned artisan, produced in a limited run, and signed by the maker. It’s the kind of item that can be passed down through generations.

We believe in sustainable collaboration with artisans and in developing new directions – blending traditional techniques with modern approaches. And we hope more people will feel inspired to seek out truly one-of-a-kind pieces for their homes.