The history of LYS studio: designer furniture where modern design meets Ukrainian cultural heritage
LYS studio is not just a place where furniture is made. It is a creative laboratory where art and functionality come together in one object. The furniture created at LYS is more than just interior items. They tell stories, convey emotions, and have deep meaning. All of the studio's products are the result of the creativity of Andriy and Olga Lysikhin, who have merged their lives with art, interior design, and the study of decorative and applied arts. The brand name LYS is the first letters of the authors' surnames, symbolizing their creative path.
In its work, the LYS studio involves independent craftsmen — carvers, potters, weavers — supporting the community of contemporary craftsmanship. This approach allows them to create not just furniture, but artistic objects with soul.
Art in every detail
LYS furniture is not just functional objects. They are true works of art, where every detail has its own story. Handcrafting is the basis of every product: embossed facades, artistic painting, geometric carving — these are not just decoration techniques, but an opportunity to preserve traditions and pass on craftsmanship from generation to generation. All these elements not only decorate the furniture, but also give it a unique character and emotional color.
“Our works are not only functional objects, but also carriers of stories and ideas. Through furniture, we tell about ourselves, our roots, and our modern vision of Ukrainian culture,” says Olga Lysikhina.
The individuality of each product
At LYS studio, each product has its own soul and history. If it is a personal order, the studio's craftsmen incorporate what is important to the customer — their interests, character, and themes they want to emphasize. Each product becomes unique, transforming into a functional work of art that can evoke individual emotions and create a special atmosphere in the home. The furniture makers also preserve the traditions of Ukrainian decorative and applied arts, using carving techniques and drawing inspiration from nature and folklore.
10 years of creativity and preserving traditions
The LYS studio has been around for over ten years, and during that time it has proven that furniture can be more than just interior items, but parts of unique family histories. It emphasizes the individuality and uniqueness of each product, whether it is a unique item or a limited edition collection. All LYS furniture is the result of a search for harmony between tradition and modern trends, between functionality and aesthetics.
Furniture for your unique world
LYS furniture is not just interior elements, it is part of your world, your space, where you create moments of happiness. It becomes a place where the family gathers together, where harmony and warmth reign. The LYS studio strives to make each product more than just furniture, but an element that changes the atmosphere of the space, adding warmth and individuality. If you are looking for furniture that is not only functional but also brings a part of the craftsman's soul into your home, the LYS studio is ready to create it together with you.
“At the exhibition in Oslo, we will use our works to speak to the world about the soul of Ukraine through our furniture art,” say LYS.
The Forest Bloom Chest of Drawers combines classic form with the wild natural energy of the forest. The deep blue color creates a calm background for the hand-carved branches and buds that sprout through the facade and turn into full-fledged sculptural handles. Each element looks alive — as if nature has carefully reclaimed the furniture, entwining it with grapevines and whispering leaves. All decorative elements are hand-carved from solid wood and organically woven into the structure. Inspired by the wild flora of Ukraine and the traditions of European furniture making.
Another work of art that will be seen in Norway is the “Pulse of the Earth” panel
This work was born from the very heart of the tree — its relief repeats the natural pattern of the fibers, reminding us that the Earth is alive, it breathes. Cracks and traces of time are not hidden but emphasized by carving to preserve the history of the material. Mirror inserts, mounted deep into the relief, create the illusion of movement and rhythm — as if the planet itself responds to our breath.
“The Pulse of the Earth is a symbol of life that continues despite time. It combines the ancient energy of wood with a modern artistic interpretation. For us, it is also a metaphor for Ukraine — a land that carries the strength of generations, preserving its rhythm and soul even in the most difficult times,” says LYS founder Olga Lysikhina.
The Oslo Design Fair 2025 will also feature the Divina console table, made from solid slabs of wild cherry wood. The table preserves the traces of the tree's life: every line, knot, and curve in its texture is a memory. The wild, uncut edges are left authentic, making the product look as if it grew directly from the forest. Three supports of different shapes create a sculptural balance, while brass joints add warmth and a subtle glow. The relief carving, accentuated by black patina, gives the table a sense of strength and timelessness.
“The three supports here symbolize balance, keeping the world united. ‘Wonder’ is a sign of the presence of beauty and meaning in everyday life. It is a reminder of home: warm, rooted, full of stories. It embodies the power of tradition, which should be preserved,” said Olga Lysikhina.
“Mountain Stream” is a handmade console table where modern design is combined with the poetry of nature. Its tabletop, made of forest cherry wood, has been preserved in its natural lines and curved by steam — the tree seems to continue living, preserving the integrity of its pattern. The image of the support was born from observing nature: water flowing over rocks for a long time polishes the stone, giving it new forms. This idea is emphasized by a small wooden drop in the bowl of the tabletop, a symbol of movement and life. “Mountain Stream” combines the energy of the elements and the power of heritage, becoming an artistic object that fills a modern home with warmth and the rare beauty of wood.
“Each product is what we feel, love, and rethink. That is why they honor traditions, history, and the harmony of nature, which is our inspiration,” say Andriy and Olga Lysikhini, artists, interior designers, and founders of LYS.