Candice Olson adds fresh edge to classics
Cinde W. Ingram -- Home Accents Today, 5/1/2006
Taking traditional and classic cues, Candice Olson pares down home furnishings, gives them a contemporary twist, adds stylized dressmaker details and brings them up-to-date to meet the needs of today's consumers.
The designer from Toronto doesn't mind letting others watch her creative process develop from two-dimensional drawings into 3-D projects and products. And her hit TV shows prove people like to watch.
"I think there's a real thirst for design shows that show good designs," Olson said. "Fifteen years ago, clients would come to you and be completely in the dark; now they are much more knowledgeable."
The 40-year-old mother of two children gained a fan following as host of W Network's design series, Divine Design, by inviting viewers inside the lives of homeowners who need a space transformed in their homes. Guiding viewers through the entire process, Olson shares information on the latest in design, step by step.
"It's important for me to show people I'm the real deal," she said. "Because we are in this era of celebrity endorsements and I'm not a racecar driver, I'm not a movie star, I'm not an actor — you can tell that by watching the show."
Olson has created a collection of lamps manufactured by AF Lighting and area rugs by Hellenic Rug Imports that debuted in High Point in April. Buyers also saw lush fabrics from the Kravet Portfolio Collection on her upholstered designs in the Norwalk Furniture showroom.
"What I wanted to show with the whole furniture collection is really a philosophy of how I approach design and in response to what I'm hearing from my clients," Olson said. "Everyone's leaning more toward contemporary, but they're petrified that contemporary is going to mean severe, cold and sterile. So the look of each one of these programs — lighting, rugs, fabric — blossomed out of my approach, which means contemporary, modern, pared down but comfortable — visually and physically comfortable."
Talkback
Related Content
Related Content
