Individuality in Design
Often people ask whether my own taste or individuality is expressed in my work. To some extent it may be, but more often than not projects are client led as I am responding to a design brief developed specifically for a client. As such, it is probably not what I might have done had I been given free rein, but my role as an interior designer is to create harmonious spaces for others, not for myself.
These images show part of the creation for the background of this site, and the final logo. The entire process of the logo creation was one which morphed over a period of weeks, from an initial concept of artistically using the initials for the business of "CID", to somehow incorporating two animated doors which open into a property's interior. Art deco doors were eventually used so that multiple "C" shapes were on the left, and "D"s on the right. The idea is that when the door opens here is a flash of light which reveals a capital "I". You then have "CID" - the initials for Cour Interior Design. The plinth above and steps leading up to the doors also create a "C" and a "D".
Individuality in this business could be described as a design signature, similar to a unique individual language. So what prompts individuality? A distinctive voice or way of expression is often sought out in times of instability, not least by those who are looking to rebel against the status quo. Seeking a new identity away from an unstable environment and a refusal to conform often results in unique design.
People are inherently nervous about newness, but a fresh approach can inject vitality into a stale or old trend. Trailblazers can pave the way for others to follow, so are trends important? I believe that they are to give a sense of affinity within a society, as well as for the purposes of commercial marketing and a sales point of view, but we should be influenced by them, not slave to or driven by them. Originality in design can be expressed in the way a person pulls a scheme together: it does not have to be a one off piece, but likewise it cannot co-exist with mass production. It is however, wider than bespoke.
Innovation is about new techniques, creations, experimentation and exploration. The internet has made furniture customers savvy as to what is out there in the marketplace, but it can also lead to information overload: it is an excellent resource but there is a need to expertly distil to create a stylish sense of individuality which is financially accessible to purchasers. In the end, people always want quality for value – but everyone’s perception on that is unique in itself.
