5 Minutes With Interior Designer and Art Director Charlotte Taylor
Charlotte Taylor first caught our eye with her playful architectural illustrations, and we have been obsessed with her moving image studio Maison de Sable and the unique aesthetic of her Instagram pages ever since. We caught up with the London-based interior designer, artist and art director on her creative journey so far, which travel destinations inspire her and her advice for young creatives looking to broaden their repertoire.
Your experience incorporates everything from creative direction to illustration and photography. Can you tell us about yourself and how you got into your line of work?
My work and studio is ever-evolving and shifting focus and it got to where it is now by this organic development. Studying Fine Art and Design gave me a multifaceted approach to design and made it easier to jump between both fields, borrowing concepts and methods from each. I don’t plan on my studio settling strictly into any particular line of design, the conversations between different outputs is the most exciting part for me.
I don’t plan on my studio settling strictly into any particular line of design, the conversations between different outputs is the most exciting part for me.
How would you describe your work visually, in a few words?
Curious, playful and spontaneous yet somehow also, highly considered.
Which architectural movements have inspired your work/creative style over the years?
My early illustration work was highly influenced by Post Modernism and Brutalism. My current work and interests are now more inclined towards Californian Modernism, Brazilian Modernism and Radical Italian Design.
My work is curious, playful and spontaneous yet somehow also, highly considered.
Rock Island, Charlotte Taylor and Joe Mortell
Can you tell us about Maison de Sable?
Maison de Sable is an agency-cum-studio in which I work collaboratively with a number of render artists in the role of art director. We work on a range of client and personal projects, playing with the concept of intangible spaces and the fine line between the actual and fictive.
How does your creative process usually begin, and does this vary depending on the project?
The entire process varies on a project-to-project basis although, it will almost always start with a series of hand drawings and rough sketches to visualise an idea.
How does colour influence your work?
Colour is very indicative of the mood in the rooms or spaces I create, however, lighting is even more important for me.
Canyon Villa – Charlotte Taylor x OddinShape
How would you describe your own interiors style at home?
Rather eclectic and very personal. I’m discovering that I am quite a hoarder, particularly during quarantine. My apartment is full of primitive style wooden objects, an excessive amount of lamps, some handmade sculptural elements and a few statement design pieces.
Canyon Villa – Charlotte Taylor x OddinShape
I’m discovering that I am quite a hoarder... My apartment is full of primitive style wooden objects, an excessive amount of lamps, some handmade sculptural elements and a few statement design pieces.
Where do you love to travel to for architectural and creative inspiration?
Mexico City and Los Angeles are a few of my all time favourite destinations for architectural inspiration. France also has a huge wealth of brilliant homes and buildings to visit.
What music do you listen to whilst working? Any go-to genres or playlists?
I listen to almost everything and anything working; jazz, classical, rap and an embarrassing amount of Fleetwood Mac.
What have you been reading lately?
I just started Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino, which I’d really recommend.
Villa Saraceni – Charlotte Taylor x Riccardo Fornoni
Villa Åland and Canyon Villa – Charlotte Taylor x OddinShape
Which artists and designers have been inspiring you?
Arquitectura Q, Cobalto Studio and Sabine Marcelis are a few designers I really look up to. I also recently discovered the paintings of Brian Rideout that I absolutely adore.
How has social media been influential in shaping your creative identity and reaching like-minded others?
Social media has played a huge role in my current career and brand identity. The ability to work and connect with a range of talented creatives globally has definitely helped push my work to where it is now.
Villa Åland and Canyon Villa – Charlotte Taylor x OddinShape
How would you describe your personal style? What are your go-to wardrobe staples?
I am quite subtle in my approach to style, I often wear all black or opt for white and beige tones – and there is rarely an in-between. A long coat and heeled ankle boots are my go-to finishing touches for most looks too.
The ability to work and connect with a range of talented creatives globally on social media has definitely helped push my work to where it is now.
Any advice for young creatives looking to broaden their experience and experiment with new mediums?
Don’t feel stuck in one pathway or medium, there’s no need to limit yourself. Even if you’re terrible at something new, trying it is always beneficial and helps push your work into new territories.
What’s next for you?
My studio is currently making the transition from the virtual to the actual and I am currently working towards some physical interior design and architectural projects.
