At home with Ekaterina Yadroshnikova

Driven by her restless, bold spirit Ekaterina -or Kati- arrived in Argentina almost by chance. The long months of quarantine during the pandemic of 2020 at my sister’s family home, created a fertile ground for her to explore new (and old) interests and a creative lifestyle around the things that bring her joy. 

— Ekaterina Yadroshnikova was born in Nolinsk, a small town 12 hours by train from Moscow, Russia. Her childhood in the mid-1990s, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, was simple and calm. Always in connection with nature, spending time in the woods and the lakes of the region, and away from television screens and the hectic politicized life in Moscow.

Today, after almost three years living in Argentina, Kati calls Buenos Aires her new home. A place that inspires her to be herself, and where she has been able to discover and enjoy the small everyday moments that make up her life. We had coffee at Cuervo Café, where we talked about her life in this part of the world.

Was traveling always a plan for you?

Travelling was not a plan, but a big dream of mine. I come from a small town and, nobody in my family is an avid traveler. For me, it was hard to imagine I could travel. I thought it was a privilege for the rich, famous artists, or singers. I have always had this ‘ganas’ (desire in Spanish) but it was hard to believe I could do it. My first trip was to Turkey, then some European countries, and then Seoul and Mongolia. My last destination was Argentina and I’m still here! I work remotely making digital maps for Yandex, the largest IT company in Russia. A perfect fit for a nomadic life.

And, what brought you to Argentina?

I like to think I didn’t chose Argentina, but Argentina chose me. My initial plan was to go to Georgia, on the southwest border of Russia, for a few months. One day, after drinking too much coffee, I couldn’t fall asleep and decided to look for plane tickets. I was scrolling the screen and saw Argentina and I thought “I don’t know anything about Argentina, but sounds cool” and bought the ticket! I was looking for new experiences, new emotions and thought it would be fun. Buenos Aires is a modern and beautiful city. I arrived in January 2020, and my initial plan was to stay for three months. But on March 20th the pandemic hit and I got stuck here, with very nice people.  

How did the pandemic change your plans?

When the lockdown started, I was living with Nacho and Juli, your sister. I spent 6 months living with them, without any social life. I saw they had a different lifestyle, different priorities and values. I felt inspired! During those months in isolation, we talked a lot about art, we shared our ideas about life. They taught me a lot of things and I was able to open myself. Those meaningful conversations inspired me to reconnect with my creative side. When the lockdown finished. Nacho and Juli showed me a different side of Argentina I hadn’t seen. They invited me to their friends and family’s homes, and I was able to see how people live, their interiors, what books they read, what kind of furniture they buy and I thought WOW!

How would you describe what you were seeing and discovering?

I was lucky to meet people who have developed a sense of style and to express themselves through their homes and the spaces they inhabit. There is more appreciation for antiques and vintage pieces in general. In Russia we have Ikea so everybody has ‘más o menos’ (more or less) the same things at home. In addition, people in Russia are driven to be high achievers, to have the best job, and to be the best in their field.

“I love that in Argentina is more about enjoying the moment.”

What made you fall in love with Argentina and decide to stay?

I believe that life is a combination of small things, and to enjoy those little things. And, I was able to discover these small everyday moments living here. Like riding my bike in the evening all year long, drinking coffee in the street all year long. We all have different needs. And, I found I could fulfill most of my needs here in Argentina. Here, you are allowed to be yourself.

What drew you to the pieces you have from Natalia’s Store? 

I am passionate about handmade objects and natural fibers. In the past, I didn’t care about clothes, tableware and home objects. But now, I can feel the difference in the fabrics, and materials. I am very tactile and sensitive so when I touch something I want to feel a deeper connection. Handcrafted objects are a reflection of our culture, and in part, they make me feel at home. Since I love nature and I spent my childhood in the woods of my home town in Russia, I am obsessed with natural shapes and colors.  

“I have a deep appreciation for the art of creation and the materials from which objects are made.
With handmade pieces, you can feel the soul of the artisans and the soul of the objects themselves.”

Now that you are living far from your homeland, what makes you feel at home?

For me home is people. I love people who express themselves through the way they dress, the color of their hair, what they do, their tattoos. All that, encourages me to express myself without being afraid, I feel free. Also, maybe because I am a Taurus, the place where I live is very important. It shapes who I am. I like to be surrounded by my favorite things: candles, aromas. I have a vase with the shape of a face, that I love, flowers and plants. I like to see my favorite objects when I wake up.

What do you enjoy most about living in Buenos Aires? Can you share your most treasured city experiences and your five favorite places?

I like my life here. I like to explore new places and local shops. It’s not about buying, but about visual inspiration and finding originality. Most neighborhoods in Buenos Aires have charm and beautiful architectural gems to discover. My favorite places are:

.        Herbario Café – in Olivos
.        Chuy – Restaurant
.        Las Flores – Restaurant with nice interiors
.        El Mercado de las Pulgas – in Palermo
.        For inspiration, Sach – in San Telmo

Do you have any rituals at home?

I wake up really early because of the time difference working for a Russian company. Usually at dawn, so it is dark outside, especially during the winter. I like to light candles and have a cup of coffee, watching the sunrise. It is a moment of peace and calm.

There is a close relationship between the way we dress and how we design, or what we chose for our interior spaces. How do you choose what makes it into your space and closet? 



My sense of style has evolved. I used to buy things to feel more confident. Now, I buy things that I love. I would say my style is New Classic. I like simple and natural. I care more about the quality of the things I have, because I understand the connection of how it makes me feel.

What is inspiring you right now?

Interiors and Nature. For example, I like the combination of the terracotta stairs with the plants here in Cuervo Café.

What are you up to …

Reading – Russian history and an illustrated book about flowers. I like visual books.
Listening – Podcast Serial and How to be a father, since it is something I will never experience! haha !
Watching - Woman in the dunes (1964) Japanese movie.

Photography by Carolina Franzino