Has Social Media changed the world of Interior Design?
Does browsing through the endless maze of photos, blogs and videos on popular social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram inspire, or kill one’s creativity? Has the dominance of social media in the world of design created somewhat of a clone look, or, is it forcing designers to become more original, creative and innovative in their design to stand out in the crowd?
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Toronto designers Tulin Artan and Kate Curcio from Ray Inc., on Twitter @RCA_tweets, and Danielle Peckham and Kayla Burke from SGH Design Partners, on Twitter @SGHDP. to discuss social media and its effect on Toronto’s design community.
Once upon a time, interior design was the pastime of the wealthy and the elite – a service not available to the everyday client. But now, the masses can receive interior design know-how for free by signing up to Pinterest, following their favourite designers on Instagram or subscribing to one of the many blogs devoted to the subject.
Andy: What effect do you think this “design for the masses” has on your creativity?
Tulin: As a designer, I find you have to do a lot more now because of social media. Clients now have seen everything. It’s not uncommon for clients to come in with a picture of exactly what they want. You then have to produce a design based on something they have seen.
Kate: People definitely have become more aware of design. And design has become more and more accessible. It’s not that designers are becoming less creative or that they are copying everything. It’s more along the lines of seeing a little detail and finding ways to incorporate it and modify it into what you are doing.
Kayla: I don’t think social media is killing creativity. I think it is merging creativity together.
Andy: Almost like we are seeing trends happen on a global scale?
Danielle: Maybe. I look at European trends all the time. They start trends and we get it eventually. But with social media everything happens faster. While they are evolving, we are evolving.
Tulin: I think everything is ‘in’ now. I find anything goes. Previously, it seemed like there were such definite styles and trends…like the 80’s…now it doesn’t really seem like there is any one trend. People do whatever they want now… you can wear 10 things that don’t match, it doesn’t matter. Don’t you find that?
Kate: (laughing) But that’s the trend!
Tulin: That’s what I mean anything goes!
Andy: What do you find is the best social media platform for designers?
Danielle: I’d say Pinterest, but I also Google everything. If I need something specific like “high end marble table tops” I’ll just type it into Google and go from there. Pinterest is really good for ideas. I don’t really use Facebook often.
Kayla: Instagram is really good as well.
Andy: Do you think social media is going to stick around or burn out?
Kate: I think it’s simply going to change. As the technology changes it will change with it. I don’t think it’s going anywhere though.
Thanks so much to Kate, Tulin, Danielle and Kayla for taking the time to share their thoughts on social media with me!
Do you have something to say about social media? Tweet @andy_envirotech to continue the conversation!
Andy Delisi | Architect & Design Rep | Envirotech Office Systems | 1.800.411.6585