Design Coherently
Issue 5 of the Holistic Design Journal – No.4: Design Coherently
Coherence – an essential quality in design – and in life
Designing coherence is a quest to create in a way so that all design choices in an object (or even more in a collection) or in a space, i.e. colour, shape, scale, material qualities and tonality all make sense together, as a concept and as a unified whole. That, to me, is an absolutely essential aspect of our work as designer.
It is something that has always been fundamental in my work as a creative person. Long before I knew what the word meant. In this journal note, I’m digging in a little deeper.
Coherence
1
the quality of being logical and consistent.
2
the quality of forming a unified whole.
In this 5th issue, we explore consistency, sense of whole and how everything in a design needs to belong together.
It’s time for Principle No.4 “Design Coherently”.
”Coherence is about making sense with your work, to figure out how everything belongs together and creating a unified whole. That is to me designing Oneness.”
/Charlotte, founder Entière
Coherence is not the same as repetition. Seemingly disparate things can have a synergetic relationship. If you discover it. Put it together. Make a new conceptual relationship.
Upper half: A beloved white peony, petals covered in a light morning rain. Soon it will bloom again and I can already sense it’s wonderful fragrance.
Lower half: Close-up of an off-white Sequence Screen (available for order via Dahl Agenturer)
Coherent design choices
Coherence is about making all the design choices work together as a unified whole. Here we add some finishing touches to the interior design for BVD.
To be able to create coherent objects and spatial experiences, I’ve come to find that I myself need to BE coherent with what I do. It has become more and more important to me to feel connected and invested in what and whom I work with, in the ideas we explore and problems we solve. I no longer want to work like a chameleon, with the ability to adapt my skills, process and creative mind to anyone and anything. I want to be able to dig deeper where I feel I belong.
In Pursuit of Beautiful Concepts!
From overthinking to immersing yourself. Multisensory design work.
One thing I’ve learnt. While I def am a BIG thinker. You can’t just sit at your desk and figure it all out. You got to use your hands. Your eyes. Your body. Your sense of smell, maybe even taste. And BE. Be coherent with the work. Immerse yourself.
That’s how I created For the Love of Pine scent. This is such a deeply personal product and project for me. And it is lovely to hear your appreciation for it. That it makes you feel, remember something too.
Like this blog post by VosgesParis. You can now also buy it in her beautifully curated shop.
Order one of the remaining numbered, all handmade, boxes here. You’re always welcome to experience it at the studio too.
For the Love of Pine Artisan Scent Collection, numbered, handmade boxes.
Invigorating and grounding pine ‘forest bathing’ for body and spirit. A fresh, woody, resiny and herbaceous layered scent. Our homage to the Pine tree.
Aroma: Woody, fresh, balsamic
Top: bergamotte, thyme, cumin
Heart: pine (pinus sylvestris)
Base: vetiver, frankincense, copaiba
Book the Talk or Workshop:
10 PRINCIPLES of Holistic Design
Let’s create sustainable, humanistic and authentic interiors and objects through a holistic design approach!
In the talk (or workshop with an interactive part) we will explore together and be inspired by each of the 10 Principles and define (ws) how they apply to you. Each of these principles adds depth and another layer to your brand, place or story.
Book all my talks and workshops on the site, or request here.
Monday Moodboard