How did you get into interior designing?
I fell into Interior Design like I do most of my careers - lack of trying. I had recently left my career in Advertising as a Production Director and was wondering, what's next, how do I pay my rent, etc. A friend of mine (a well-known Interior Designer) knew of fellow designer who was looking for an office manager, design associate. He knew I designed children's bedding, thought I was good with color and design, thought it would be a good fit. I said why not... and so it began. I stayed with her for one year, but I still wasn't sure it was an industry I wanted to be involved in - it seemed so fashiony and fairly unimportant—did anyone REALLY care about the color of their sofa?—so I went back to advertising (where people REALLY care about talking animals selling soda pop) for a year. The owner ran away with his marketing director, I took it as a sign from God, and the day after (true story) I lost my job another designer contacted me looking for an assistant - and this time I stayed. And stopped being embarrassed by the fact that I actually did like making sure that the walls, fabric and pillows in a room were "just so".
I hear that you know more about the 80's than anyone. How did the 80's contribute to the development of your designer's mind?
The '80's contributed to my design sense in an unconscious way - after that decade I knew exactly what should NOT happen in design when the '90's came around. I will say one thing for the '80's - there was a great freedom in making "mistakes" - no one judged you on taste and style as harshly as they do today. I mean, yes, there were plenty of people exhibiting tacky taste but you felt you had the freedom to do so. Not adhere to a sort of Stepford wives approved design sense.
Recently you visited London. Talk about the trip and what inspiration you gleaned from it.
London is like a great, crisp, stylish white shirt - polished enough for the day, stylish enough for the evening. I actually loved the architecture of London better than Paris. Paris is beautiful and great for that dreamy, wine induced, fantasy of love; but London is a great, modern looking, stylish city for everyday living that segue ways into evening fantastically well. The modern lines of the architecture, the smart, witticisms of the British people, even the great design of the buses, cabs and tube (subway) - it enhanced what I love and believe in about design - traditional lines with a modern sensibility lays a great foundation for anything. New York City is my heart - wherever I travel in Europe, no one has the vibe, the energy and the people personality of this city; but New York City (including the surrounding boroughs) is a physically ugly city with pockets of architectural beauty. I'm sure if I lived in London long enough, my initial love would be tempered - but I know it would take a very long time for that to happen. I can't wait to go back already!
Why is interior design important to you, for everyone?
Interior Design is an important aspect of everyone's life - whether you are embarrassed to admit it or not - it reflects the way you live and the way you live reflects who you are better than words. People should not be embarrassed about their search for that "right for them" item - whether it be furniture, car, liquid soap container, wallet, ring, hair clasp, socks, rug, paint color, toilet tissue holder, tub rug, etc. which reflects their personality. I recently went to Target (Tar-shay) and spent about 15 minutes debating toothbrush styles with myself. Yes, a toothbrush - and I don't care how crazy that sounds. But, I tell you, every single morning, I really enjoy brushing my teeth with my new, stylish toothbrush. Yes, I am one of those people who positions pillows "just so", who can't walk into a room without remaking it in my mind, who spends hours in a fabric store appreciating color, feeling the textures - and people should be comfortable with doing that, with being that way. Certain aspects of this industry can be learned, but you really have to possess a true sense, a true love of "the look" in order to be successful at it - i.e. having happy clients who respect your work and love recommending you to their friends and associates!
And, to set the record straight, it is not an easy industry - a lot of people think you just shop all the time, have fancy lunches with your client and then everything just falls together - and people pay you for this?? It is a BUSINESS and thank God there are people who realize that they might not possess the greatest design sense, so they have the guts to hire someone to execute and advice on their vision. Much in the same way that my brain glazes over when it comes to small legal print, that too many figures on a page will make me run screaming - which is why I have a lawyer and accountant.
What other arts do you indulge in? I heard that you make some hellified pillows...
I design bedding and room murals for children under another line Bubbly Babies; a sensual line of pillows and bedding for adults (silk, leather, suede), the occasional tote bag for women, leather and suede jewelry (usually for friends and family) and I draw. I started out as a fine arts major and I miss it a lot sometimes - it is very personal and quiet - so I draw as often as possible. Usually I pick large themes (like someone's portrait) that I need to spend a significant amount of time on.
Talk about your most recent project.
Working on a home in New Jersey for an NFL player and his family. It is their first time working with a designer and it is my first time working on a huge house - and thank God, we get along really well! They are the kind of people I would hang out with if they weren't my clients. Sketching some bedding ideas for a pre-holiday studio sale, designing some baby travel floor blankets. Always, always working.
Is it true that you can just throw a piece of fabric up in the air and it will come down a piece of art?
It is sort of like the tree, if no one is around to see it, is it still art? That's the challenge... to take fabric (paint) and twist it into different visions, present it to clients in a new way, a new light.... in a manner they can live with and that reflects the style you envision them living in.
What can we expect from Cynthia Dennard in the future?
I have no idea. I always go with the flow....whatever I'm feeling at the time is what I pursue. In a couple of years, I might go back to my jewelry line for women and focus exclusively on that......I think you should pursue every talent you have, explore all of your possibilities and not lock yourself into one described box.....life is way too long for that.....!