An interview with CDC Design's founder
Let us introduce you Caroline De Cuyper, founder of CDC Design. She’s an untamed rebel – not your average interior designer. She craves creation, loves to please all senses, and turns every day into an extraordinary experience. With her ever-wild heart and open mind, she’s able to nourish one’s spirit. You can see and feel her spirit through her immersive concepts, spaces and objects she creates with an unparalleled eye for detail. What thrives her?
What is your approach to design?
“I prefer not to be an encyclopedia on famous designers and designs. I’d rather follow my gut. My client’s story and perspective is the very start of every design process. I think it’s very important to listen and understand my client, so that I can pour his or her story into a catchy concept. That’s what nourishes me; the human story that I can turn into a tangible design. When you enter a space, the story is big part of the experience. Nowadays, people want to have a magical experience in a world that’s overloaded with stimuli. My ultimate goal is to fill the world with more positive energy.”
Where do you get your inspiration from?
“I absorb forms, textures and colours everywhere and all the time, which is basically my biggest source of inspiration to create personal and incomparable designs. Next to that, food and fashion are a great inspiration. Before I founded CDC Design, I ran my own catering business. I’m a very sensitive person and I must watch what I eat. I love to cook with the purest and freshest seasonal ingredients, also starting from my gut. I often try combinations that are unusual. As you’ve stated in the introduction of the interview, I love to please all senses.”
People won’t easily forget once they’ve met you. You stand out from the crowd; what is your affinity with fashion?
“Well, I would never wear a normal jeans and a plain grey sweater, that’s for sure. (laughs) I love wearing bold and flashy outfits, that’s just how I feel and who I am. Again, it’s part of my message that I want to send out into the world. Fashion is a form of art for me, and I will always support local young and talented fashion designers by wearing their pieces. Next to that, I often buy vintage. And I resell my own pieces that I am tired of. With that income, I can buy new pieces or other vintage. As you know, I get bored easily. (laughs)”
You’re a sociable soul as well. You take into account our society and environment. What is your vision on sustainability?
“As a sensitive person, I easily feel with others indeed. That’s why I love to involve other talented or underprivileged artists. I want to give them a fair chance in our society, as I know how valuable it is to get great opportunities. I truly believe in co-creation; that’s how funky spaces where stories unfold, are created after all. Regarding sustainability, I’d rather approach that aspect as being conscious. Running a business can’t simply be ‘sustainable’. But I am committed to working with ethical brands as far as possible. I take great pleasure in giving discarded furniture and materials a new context. Let’s repurpose what is there already.”
