Name: Egle Mieliauskiene            

Company: Egli.design

Position within company: Principal Artist/Founder

Website: www.eglidesign.eu

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc.)

Well, to begin with I have a master’s degree in visual arts, after that I started working in interior design for private clients. For the last 10 years, I was working on projects around the world as an interior decorator. At that time, I also founded my own studio – Egli Design.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?

The principal thing you need to understand when working on an interior is that it is not a showcase or exhibition. Interior is a place where it feels good to spend your time. All of us have different preferences and ways of looking at our life, so when decorating an interior one must think about the person who is going to live there. My work is to help clients make their wishes come to life. When speaking about my current furniture collection – it is simply the way I see the world, my creations are the beginning of the story which then continues in someone else’s mind. They have a deep emotional impact and spread harmony. My sculptures are something that people let into their homes, something they feel comfortable being close with or close to. It is very important who or what we let into our homes, but I also believe that in a sense these creations find their homes independently.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Well it comes from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. Everything I see, the things I have experienced throughout my whole life. This is where my inspirations come from. Music, travelling, nature or even the dreams – absolutely anything can serve as my inspiration. My often colourful and dynamic life was always my primary inspiration and favourite muse.

In what direction, do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

In my opinion, design nowadays is more than ever influenced by a sophisticated client, who has strong opinions and views. With such a huge amount of information being readily available, trying to keep up with the  present trends a risk of becoming a part of a herd. Therefore, in design as in everything else, creativity is the most important value. The ability to take risks is becoming vital, hence the design is also being evaluated by its uniqueness and authenticity. There is no longer one way of doing things which would be fashionable. Being able to combine different materials and geometric forms is becoming more valuable. While at the same time the state of-the-art technology allows it easily and explore new opportunities.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.

Accept from the individuality, I have mentioned before, there are couple of more things that are going to be crucial in the future. First of all, lighting solutions are drawing a lot of attention, as they create a unique atmosphere for every interior. Moreover, the interiors which can be specifically described as examples of one particular style are ceasing to exist. One style being complemented by the details of another style brings around an organically harmonised whole. These phenomena are becoming a norm. The elements of interior décor are acquiring more and more enduring value, they are pieces of art now and they emphasise the uniqueness of the owners. The fourth trend for 2017 and beyond would be, as I have mentioned before, the combination of different styles, colours, forms and textures. The last theme I could think of is the creation of environment friendly or so called “green” products made from recycled materials or in sustainable ways. It has been a trend for a while now, however, as people are becoming more aware of the problems faced by our society, this theme will remain strong.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?

Most importantly, when working on a product design it is crucial to have a clear objective in mind. The main driving force behind creating a unique design is risk taking and trying to achieve the impossible. The source of inspiration should be trying to accomplish something you believe is impossible. We are the ones setting the limits for ourselves, when actually these limits do not exist.

How important are Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

Awards are important as something that drives the motivation and helps to set the bar a little higher every time. They increase my confidence and keep me thriving for excellence.

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently, my main project is this new collection. As it was recently released and presented to the world, it is very important to keep the manufacturing of these products flowing. It involves everything from digging deep into old forgotten crafts and traditions to finding the right ways to present myself as an artist. Until recently I have been solely focused on creating the designs themselves and producing the furniture, but I have learned that presenting them and documentation of this process is equally important. The feeling of doing what I really like and that I am going to be even better at it tomorrow is something that really drives me.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

My only and main objective is remaining honest to myself, keep on doing what I love and keep on seeking. I believe that by working hard, everything can be achieved. That is why I will keep on doing that to make sure that this new collection of mine would become visible and establish itself as a widely renowned brand.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself What is your most treasured possession?

I am not attached to any of physical possessions, hence I do not really have one which would be the most treasured one. However, at any point in time the most valuable possession would be something that I am working on, something that I am creating.

Your favourite holiday destination?
The Caribbean – because the colours are different there.

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
A play where they have good company.

Your favourite book / film / song?
I could never name one movie, book or a song as my favourite. It really depends on the moods and emotions, which are constantly changing.

Your favourite food and drink?
My favourite drink is cold white wine and regarding the food – seafood.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I could not really imagine doing something. My whole life is creating, so I guess I would still be an artist just in some different field.

Anything else interesting?
I am also a mother of three children. All of them boys.