Candice Tells All: An Exclusive Interview with Candice Olson
September 25, 2015
for her very first interview on her new outdoor collection with Century Furniture.
Mark: Here in Florida, we talk about blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Does your new collection speak to this trend?
Candice: My approach with the Candice Olson Outdoor Collection for Century was to capture the same beauty, comfort and everyday elegance that I strive to create in my interiors and have it blend seamlessly with the outdoors.
In fact, I see this collection as one that looks, feels and functions as beautifully on the deck or patio as it does in the living, family or sunroom. These pieces are designed to migrate indoors and out, based on personal needs and whims, not just on the seasons.
Mark: Your collection is pretty, but is it practical? How did you design the collection so it can live compatibly with Mother Nature?
Candice: I believe that beautiful design and furniture is an investment and that one of my biggest responsibilities as a designer is to make sure my clients get a great return on their investment – that they’ll love the look and feel for years to come. Very careful thought and consideration has gone into the design, materials and construction of this collection to ensure that it holds up to Mother Nature’s most extreme mood swings. From scorching sun and saltwater to ice and snowstorms, this is furniture designed and built to last! I think I’m most proud of the truly unique finishes we’ve developed for many of our aluminum and concrete pieces – simply stunning as well as durable!
Mother Nature aside, there’s another Mother I design for and frankly, it’s me…same mood swings, less impact! Being a VERY active family, our home is a revolving door of kids and teammates, family and friends, and four-legged furry creatures – think tailgate party for baboons! Being a Mom, I know first-hand how to design for sticky fingers, active bodies and gatherings full of food, drink and all kinds of messy fun! The tailored Sunbrella slipcovers on my Oasis sofa and chairs are designed for easy removal and washing so they always look fresh and new. Other finishes like natural teak, woven resin, powder coated aluminum and embossed/pearlized concrete require nothing more than a garden hose to maintain their good looks!
Mark: Is the outdoor collection a good fit for Florida?
Candice: Yes! Century tests under the most strenuous conditions like saltwater mist exposure, intense summer sunshine and moist, humid weather. The slipcovers can be machine-washed, the frame can be cleaned with a garden hose, and the cushions are designed to quickly drain and dry. And that’s just the upholstery!
Mark: I think the Trove Bench may be coming home with me. Tell me more about this piece and the inspiration.
Candice: Oh, you have good taste – I actually have this piece on my
patio! Trove contains elements dear to my design heart: Upholstered tufting details which gives a contemporary piece like this a little touch of tradition and an element of unexpected glamour – the unique leather embossed, pearl finish. Trove started its life as an indoors as a leather piece, but the challenge was how to create a similar piece that would withstand the forces of nature. We actually made a cast of that leather bench to capture details like the stitching, tufting, buttons, even the delicate, pebbled leather texture and then developed a durable pearl finish that showed off these details.Everyone is always shocked to find out that this luxuriously tufted bench is made of concrete!
Mark: Pretend you are moving here – we hope you do. How would you approach and decorate your Florida outdoor living space?
Candice: Funny thing, every year between December and January I REEEEEALLY hope for a move to Florida too!!! No matter whether it’s indoors or out, my approach to design and decoration is similar. I love to create excitement and interest with contrast – contrast of scale, color and style, but particularly with contrast between unique finishes. I think it’s one of the keys to creating a distinctive and captivating, one-of-a-kind look that’s seems to have evolved effortlessly over time. I love the juxtapositions of teak and iron with reflective finishes like antique brass or pearl, some of the many unique finishes you’ll find in my collection. Ok, secret’s out – I’ve may have selfishly designed this collection for myself!
Mark: Do you have a favorite piece in the collection?
Candice: Oh, this is like picking a favorite child – really I can’t pick just one! I have two kids so allow me two picks, okay?! The element of surprise in a space is something I adore. I really do love how the design and execution of the
TROVE BENCH seems to surprise everyone who sees it. I’d also have to pick the OASIS SWIVEL CHAIR. A tailored yet incredibly comfy chair that spins around to show off the couture inspired lace-up details of the slipcover. It is this beautiful detail that allows the chair to look tailored and fitted, but allows for easy removal and washing after a weekend of outdoor fun.Mark: Luxury and comfort, are they compatible?
Candice: I came into the world of motherhood and parenting after more than two decades in this business and it’s been a humbling experience that’s radically changed how I approach design.
Although my core aesthetic hasn’t changed, I spend much more time balancing the practical with the pretty so that I can create products that people not only love to look at, but also love to live in!
