a conversation with cina kjellsson

Posted by Tiffany on September 12th, 2011    1 Comment »

This month we start looking forward to fall with Camp Cirrus’s new cozy wool pillow covers and a few of their other patterns bold enough to brighten any season!

We are thrilled to be the premiere and exclusive destination for their new BLAD patterned knits this month.

And we’re happier still to be able to offer a little behind-the scenes sneak peek into the home and inspiration of Cina Kjellsson, one half of the creative couple behind Camp Cirrus.

Cina Kjellsson and Matts Wiberg of Camp Cirrus

Enjoy!

FS: To start, where in Sweden are you based?

CK: In Helsingborg, which is also where I was born. The town is right on the sea and Denmark is only 20 minutes away. I spent 10 years studying and working in Stockholm and Borås but I missed my family, my friends and the sea.

FS: You and Matts are married and have two children so I imagine your studio space is part of family life…?

CK: Yes it’s in the house where we live, which has its advantages and disadvantages. For example I like when work and family life mix but not when our children uses my expensive paint brushes without asking…

CK: The walls and furniture in the work space are all white so as not to distract us, and there are samples, designs and just things for inspiration everywhere. I have a visual to-do list by my desk and the dog Morris is usually in there to keep us company. He’s also white by the way…

FS: On the topic of inspiration, what inspires you?

Everything and nothing – big cities, nature, films, magazines, books, the works of other designers. But also seeing my work being used in other people’s homes.

FS: How does a design come together for you?

CK: It almost always starts with a clear idea of the pattern and color, but of course, sometimes it starts with a special need regarding the product, what I want it to do.

FS: So what first drew you to a career in design?

CK: I was interested in colors and shapes from a very young age. At first I wanted to design buildings but after working in an architect’s office I realized I wanted a more independent job and started thinking about a career as a designer. Since then I’ve worked for a textile mill, a paper products company and done lots of freelance work. With Camp Cirrus, I feel I am doing exactly what I want.

FS: How would you describe your design style?

CK: Colorful, distinct, plain, happy and easy to like!

FS: About your name, where does Camp Cirrus come from?

CK: The first company I started was called Designbyrån Cirrus (the Cirrus Design Agency) and Cirrus was just a play off my name Cina. When we started the new business we wanted it to be linked to the first one so we kept the Cirra bit.

CK: And Camp, that can refer to camping aesthetics – textiles, bright colors and an easy life – as well as to a holiday camp where people come to have a nice time. ”Campa” is also an old Swedish adjective meaning homely. That cirrus clouds come with good weather is a bonus!

FS: I think the textile jars are so clever. How do you imagine them being used?

CK: They are good to keep things organized in the bathroom or the hallway. They also make a nice gift basket filled with cookies, sweets or holding a bottle of wine.

FS: Your RUND pattern has been very popular. What was going through your head when you came up with it?

CK: I wanted to create a pattern that could act as a foundation for the range. And I love dots, and most people do so I went with dots!

CK: It worked out well. The design doesn’t compete with what is on the tray, and it’s a strong visual accent in the kitchen when it’s not in use.

FS: What about the HUS pattern?

CK: I wanted to make something everyone can relate to, and this archetypical house design is something even children draw so it felt like a natural choice for that very reason.

FS: We’re offering a limited number of your new BLAD (leaf) knitted pillows for sale exclusively at From Sthlm. Where would you most like to imagine it being used?

CK: On a cosy couch when snuggling up with a nice cup of tea to read a good book on an autumn evening!

FS: That sounds about perfect to me.

Thank you Cina and Matts for choosing From Sthlm to premiere your new line.

You can find the knit pillows and several of Camp Cirrus’s other designs in the shop while they last!

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