Carte blanche
DIRECTING A ROOM
WHETHER AN EXCLUSIVE PENTHOUSE OR A MULTIFUNCTIONAL BUSINESS ROOM: THE CREATIVE WORK OF INTERIOR DESIGNER DIETER SCHMIDT EVOLVES AROUND ACTIVELY EXAMINING THE REQUIREMENTS A ROOM HAS TO MEET. WHICH ACTIVITIES NEED TO BE SUPPORTED? WHICH OBJECTIVES TO BE FULFILLED? THE RESULT? EFFICIENT PROCESSES AND HIGH-QUALITY ATMOSPHERES, REFLECTING THE PERSONALITY OF THE PEOPLE LIVING IN AND USING THEM.
During the conception and planning stages, Dieter Schmidt particularly focuses on complex interconnections. When he designs a room, he busies himself with process sequences and light moods to be able to use the right materials, colours and shapes. In so doing, he takes into account the specific habits of the people who live in the house, and the abstract question for style role models. From the interaction with the existing building substance, the opportunity emerges to tell entirely new stories. In his “Carte Blanche” for the COTTON & STORIES collection, Dieter Schmidt traces the roles of textiles in these stories.
WHAT DO YOU FOCUS ON WHEN ENTERING A ROOM FOR THE FIRST TIME?
The first thing I notice in an empty room, apart from light and view, are the proportions. I take note of how I intuitively perceive the room and try to identify possible reasons for it in the interior design.
WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPERTY WE ARE SHOWING HERE?
The house was built in the 1970s. In the early 1990s we were invited for the first time to redesign it. Another 15 years later, the building’s garden level was given a modern annex with a large lawn.
WHAT DID YOU FIND INSTRUCTIVE ABOUT THIS PROJECT?
I’m no stranger to textile decoration, but I hadn’t been involved in it quite as intensely as I was here. For a long time, textiles have had a hard time in German interior design. Without good reason: The fabrics have made the rooms significantly cosier.
WHAT SETS CRÉATION BAUMANN APART FROM OTHERS?
Création Baumann has clear, puristic materials, skilfully refined into high-quality textures. These fabrics find their home in a modern contemporary ambience, while developing a very special appeal when used more abundantly in a classic environment.
WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE IN PARTICULAR ABOUT THE COTTON & STORIES COLLECTION?
The collection offers an incredible spectrum of combination possibilities. The cotton basic fabrics have a restrained texture and feel, but come up with an extensive colour palette. The accented fabrics add lightweight freshness to the collection.
Dieter SchmidtCARTE BLANCHE HAS AWAKENED MY DESIRE TO RE-INCLUDE TEXTILES AS A NATURAL PART OF MY WORK.
HOW MUCH OF DIETER SCHMIDT IS IN YOUR CONCEPTS FOR PRIVATE SPACES?
Initially, I hold back. I start with the structural and spatial conditions and try to picture the development potential. Based on this I work on my concept. Naturally, I try to bring my own style and principles to the fore here. The art is to implement customer requests to perfectly interlink with my style.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
As an interior designer, I create rooms with high aesthetical standards where people like to spend time. I enjoy that a lot!
APROPOS COTTON & STORIES: WHAT STORY DO YOUR DESIGNS TELL?
It would be boring if that was clear right from the start. Every project must tell its own story. As an interior designer, I write the script and direct.
ABOUT THE INTERIOR DESIGNER
After graduating in interior design from the Darmstadt university of applied sciences, Dieter Schmidt started his career in 1994 in Frankfurt in an architectural office. In 1998, together with Ulrich Holzinger, he founded the Schmidt Holzinger Innenarchitekten office, leading the entrepreneurial tradition of the Holzinger joinery, which was founded in 1930, into the future. The work done by Schmidt Holzinger is characterised by a straightforward link between interior design and craftwork. Their clients jointly demand expressiveness and aesthetics. They want concepts that embody their personality – with a lot of room for individuality, clarity and efficiency.
ABOUT CARTE BLANCHE
“Carte Blanche” is Création Baumann’s invitation to select interior designers for interpreting a collection in a location of their choice in their own style – showcasing the range of possibilities for textile room design using fabrics from this traditional Swiss company.
Artistic direction / project management: Dieter Schmidt and Marie-Christine Schmidt for Schmidt Holzinger Innenarchitekten
www.schmidtholzinger.de
Assembly: Wehner Decoration
www.wehner-decoration.de
Photography: Ingmar Kurth
www.ingmarkurth.com
SELECTED TEXTILES
Fabric with a grid crêpe structure (Serata), ultra-technical weave with its natural matt shimmering surface (Deltacoustic), Curtain and upholstery fabric for indoor and outdoor use (outdoor Cuba), distinctive cotton velour (Velling III), half-linen with grainy look (Baudolino)
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