Design Tastemaker: Daniel Schofield
British furniture designer has a knack for shifty, playful products
While his look is definitively modern, Daniel Schofield's design aesthetic echoes the mantra of the designers of the past: above all else, quality over quantity. Schofield is part of a growing movement of furniture designers and manufacturers, and his work emphasizes function, eco-friendliness, and playfulness.
Based in the United Kingdom, Schofield has started to gain attention in publications worldwide. It's easy to see why: His products have an almost childlike quality, but are made with an attention to detail and style that will last for years.
Based in the United Kingdom, Schofield has started to gain attention in publications worldwide. It's easy to see why: His products have an almost childlike quality, but are made with an attention to detail and style that will last for years.
Peggy is a hook that does double duty. This quirky contraption is a clever way to hide clutter and hang up your coats. Add color to your entryway with these playful hooks, and then nestle your keys, phone, wallet, and other knickknacks into the soft lamp-shaped pouches.
Q: What are you trying to say with your designs?
A: I suppose I'm trying to make functional products that are fun, and just nice to have around. I try to give my designs character and personality, whether that means giving it a secret, like Shifty, or trying to add some humor to it, like with Our Kid.
Q: How has your work evolved since you first started?
A: I think I've just discovered more about my own style of designing since I started. I don't think you ever stop learning, so I should always be evolving. I just have to keep on pushing myself to learn more.
Q: What are you trying to say with your designs?
A: I suppose I'm trying to make functional products that are fun, and just nice to have around. I try to give my designs character and personality, whether that means giving it a secret, like Shifty, or trying to add some humor to it, like with Our Kid.
Q: How has your work evolved since you first started?
A: I think I've just discovered more about my own style of designing since I started. I don't think you ever stop learning, so I should always be evolving. I just have to keep on pushing myself to learn more.
Our Kid was designed with quality and durability in mind. Schofield wants to create furniture that hails back to the days when pieces were meant to be passed from generation to generation. Our Kid is a quirky storage unit and side table with a name that's meant to create an emotional connection with people, urging them to hang onto it for as long as possible.
Q: What designers (both past and present) are you inspired by?
A: There are so many! I think past people would include Eero Saarinen and Le Corbousier. I think they were way ahead of their time. And as for the present, it changes every day! Some of my friends like James Uren and BeBenny are doing some really cool things. I saw loads of stuff at the London Design Festival that really inspired me too.
But I'm most inspired by the things that I see on my travels and throughout the day. Things that you walk past in the street, or the way that people behave are all really interesting. Pieces of architecture, nature, and things like that are what really get the cogs turning.
Q: What designers (both past and present) are you inspired by?
A: There are so many! I think past people would include Eero Saarinen and Le Corbousier. I think they were way ahead of their time. And as for the present, it changes every day! Some of my friends like James Uren and BeBenny are doing some really cool things. I saw loads of stuff at the London Design Festival that really inspired me too.
But I'm most inspired by the things that I see on my travels and throughout the day. Things that you walk past in the street, or the way that people behave are all really interesting. Pieces of architecture, nature, and things like that are what really get the cogs turning.
Q: What are some of your favorite new design trends?
A: I'm really liking the use of humble materials and processes. Some of the stuff in the up-cycling scene is really cool as well. I'm also currently liking the dip-dyed look, and I'm thinking about trying to use it in some of my work.
Q: What are some of your new favorite product lines?
A: I just saw De la Espada's exhibit at the London Design Festival which I really liked. I also love Tom Dixon's Beat Lights and his Fan Chairs are really cool.
All photos courtesy of Daniel Schofield Design
More inspiration: Meet tastemaker Jared Rusten
A: I'm really liking the use of humble materials and processes. Some of the stuff in the up-cycling scene is really cool as well. I'm also currently liking the dip-dyed look, and I'm thinking about trying to use it in some of my work.
Q: What are some of your new favorite product lines?
A: I just saw De la Espada's exhibit at the London Design Festival which I really liked. I also love Tom Dixon's Beat Lights and his Fan Chairs are really cool.
All photos courtesy of Daniel Schofield Design
More inspiration: Meet tastemaker Jared Rusten
Q: How did you get started in product design?
A: I started out in graphic design, but I realized it wasn't hands-on enough for me. From there, I went on to work as a carpenter, but this didn't feel creative enough. Eventually, a friend mentioned that I might enjoy furniture design, and it just seemed to click straight away. I love designing product and I've never looked back.
Q: What kind of changes do you see happening in product design today?
A: I think people are starting to lean towards using more modest materials, and want to know more about where the materials have come from. People are becoming more conscious about their environmental impact, so for someone to buy a product it has to have more of a purpose and longevity.