The Art of Originality

What if originality isn’t new, but reimagined? Jonathan Anderson’s work at Dior proves the past, seen differently, becomes something entirely new.

Originality begins with a shift in perspective. In fashion, Jonathan Anderson has mastered the balance of honoring heritage while reinterpreting it for what comes next. In interior architecture, that same approach invites us to revisit familiar forms, proportions, and materials, then reshape them into something unexpected, refined, and entirely our own.

Dior is historically about tailoring, structure, refinement, couture. But modern life? Modern life is sweatpants. It’s softness. Ease. Comfort. And instead of rejecting one for the other, he paired them together. That is genius to me.

I believe the best design happens in the tension between two things that seemingly should not coexist. And honestly, I think interior designers should approach spaces the same way. Instead of constantly looking at what other designers are doing right now, I think we should spend more time looking backward. Studying heritage pieces, and understanding craftsmanship.

Take the proportions of a 19th century cherry desk for example. Ask yourself, “What would this become if it were reimagined today?” Maybe it becomes an oven hood.

Maybe the curve of a vintage mirror leg inspires the silhouette of a custom plaster console. Maybe an old European cabinet detail evolves into millwork. To me, that’s where originality comes from.

Not copying trends faster than everyone else, but learning how to reinterpret historical references through a modern lens. I promise you, the most interesting interiors rarely come from looking at what’s already circulating online. They come from people who know how to translate history into something fresh.

That’s also why bespoke furnishings matter so much to me. Some of the most beautiful custom pieces begin with references that have absolutely nothing to do with furniture in the traditional sense.

Architecture. Fashion. Vintage hardware. Sculpture. Tailoring. Old-world craftsmanship.

The inspiration can come from anywhere if you train yourself to see differently. And perhaps that’s the real lesson here: originality is not about inventing something from nothing. It’s about taking something familiar and reimagining it in a way nobody expected.