Summary of Abstract: The Art of Design | Ilse Crawford: Interior Design | FULL EPISODE | Netflix

00:00:00 - 00:40:00

Ilse Crawford, an interior designer from London, emphasizes that interior design is not just about aesthetics, but it's a process of thinking that affects our feelings and behavior. She prioritizes people and the human experience in the beginning stages of design by gathering information and showing empathy towards clients. Crawford's approach to interior design is different from traditional design, focusing on texture, scent, and creating a feeling of luxury, empowerment, and subtle joy. She discusses her design philosophy of paying attention to small moments in life and building vital relationships with young people. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of designing spaces with a focus on human needs and creating a positive impact on people's lives, leaving the world a better place than before.

• 00:00:00 In this section, Ilse Crawford, an interior designer from London, explains that interior design is not just about aesthetics, but it's a process of thinking that affects our feelings and behavior. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing people and the human experience in the beginning stages of design by gathering information and showing empathy towards clients. Ilse's approach to interior design is different from traditional design, as she focuses on texture, scent, and creating a feeling of luxury, empowerment, and subtle joy. Martin Tompson, a design photographer, notes that Ilse is an icon in the industry for her unique approach, which is centered around testing and enhancing the experience of a room, satisfying the subconscious mind, and her focus on human connection and empathy.
• 00:05:00 In this section, interior designer Ilse Crawford talks about her passion for creating spaces that are not only aesthetically beautiful, but also functional and comfortable. She discusses her background in design, including her early work as a waitress and editor at an architectural magazine, as well as her journey to shift her focus from two-dimensional design to three-dimensional design. Ilse also shares her approach to design, which involves understanding how people use and interact with spaces, and how she aims to create spaces that inspire, motivate, and bring joy to people.
• 00:10:00 In this section, Ilse Crawford discusses some of her past projects, such as the transformation of an old Italian restaurant in London into a luxurious space with furniture and materials from the surrounding region of Venice. She also talks about her work on The Olde Bell pub, where she translated the design aesthetics of an English horse-drawn carriage inn into its furnishings, materials, food, and fashion. Crawford also shares her collaborative efforts with Swedish chef and restaurateur, Matthias Dahlgren in Stockholm, where they created two unique restaurants that embodied his love for cooking and philosophy. Moreover, Crawford's project on ISSEY MIYAKE's Hong Kong store featured a basin in the middle of the store, which was a reflection of the importance of daily skincare rituals. Crawford believes that the translation of an idea to a design language that resonates with a client's future and lifestyle is essential.
• 00:15:00 In this section, Ilse Crawford discusses her approach to design and how her team starts each project by listening and observing before asking questions. She believes that materials are important in design, as they have the power to speak to people on a sensory level, and that the combination of materials within a space can create a warm and tangible environment. She also discusses her work with companies such as IKEA and Cathay Pacific, where she chose practical yet luxurious materials for airport lounges that were durable and balanced the budget.
• 00:20:00 In this section, Ilse Crawford talks about the use of contrasts in material design, where rough and tough materials are paired with soft and luxurious ones to create a sense of comfort and luxury. She also emphasizes the importance of dimensions in designing furniture, where even a difference of 3 inches can greatly affect the comfort and suitability of a piece for a conversation. Crawford believes that the best results come from collaboration with manufacturers to understand the intricacies of mass production and develop emotionally valuable products that are also sustainable and beloved by people. Ultimately, she strives to create a comprehensive experience in her designs and is not just focused on the development of products.
• 00:25:00 In this section, Ilse Crawford, a designer whose studio combines product and interior design, talks about the importance of limiting design in order to foster creativity. She explains how her studio became interested in cork as a sustainable and abundant material, and the challenges they faced in finding the right paint to achieve the desired texture. Additionally, she discusses how the studio's work in restaurant design for IKEA will be a fun challenge. Crawford also shares her design philosophy of paying attention to the atmosphere of a space and how her childhood experiences with exploring abandoned houses shaped her perception of the importance of preserving the past. Finally, she talks about her collaboration with IKEA and the importance of integrating the experience of a space with the design process from the beginning.
• 00:30:00 In this section, Ilse Crawford discusses the design philosophy behind Ett Hem, a luxury hotel in Stockholm. The goal was to make every decision based on the feeling it would evoke and how it would function in an everyday setting. The focus was on creating memorable details to test people's perceptions of the space. By integrating design with companies such as Ikea, Crawford believes that even larger projects can make significant contributions to society. In her role as a designer, Crawford also considers the impact of her designs on people's lifestyles, particularly in terms of healthy and sustainable living.
• 00:35:00 In this section, Ilse Crawford talks about her experience in interior design and her approach to creating spaces that prioritize the well-being of humans. She emphasizes the importance of paying attention to small moments in life and building vital relationships with young people, as they hold the power to develop their own unique voice. Crawford also touches on the magic of the design process and how it can transform simple objects into useful and beautiful things. Her mission is to encourage designers to put people first and to think about the philosophy of luxury as an aspect of design that can enhance the physical and mental health of individuals.
• 00:40:00 In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of designing spaces with a focus on human needs and creating a positive impact on people's lives. She believes that each design should serve a purpose and contribute to the overall happiness of individuals. The ultimate goal of design, according to her, is to leave the world a better place than it was before.