Your work references “minimal essentialism.” How do you define that concept?
Cristina: Minimal doesn't have to mean just less, it means essential. What is really needed, what refines and defines and best determines how one lives, enjoys, and navigates a well-designed space.
As we all know, this past year gave everyone a chance to look at their world and their lives, and how they wanted to live—and we did that across the work in our studio.
Do you have any preferred, go-to color palettes?
Cristina: Color is such magic. At Me and General Design we are inclined to go with serene color palettes, including soothing natural hues, countered and coupled with bold colors that are not only for the walls, but can creep up onto the ceiling, even may find their way onto furniture, and gradually the space transforms into a sea of color. It actually defines our aesthetic entirely, the minimal essentialism with bursts of color.
Who or what is your biggest design influence on your work?
Cristina & General: Every creative that has come before us, designer, artist, and musician alike, all have influenced and paved the way for Me and General. Life also plays a major role either from our own experiences to the shared stories told to us from our clients. Lastly, neighborhood and history of a space has a huge impact on influencing our work.
Is there a primary inspiration that kick-starts and informs each of your projects?
Cristina & General: What kick-starts our direction and inspires us on the onset of a project is finding that one unique aspect. For instance, in a private residence, it may come from their art collection which informs the initial direction and from there we work out. The story then unfolds and flows through color, texture and the functionality of the space.
Is there one design element or direction that you are really keen on using for a future project?
Cristina & General: The one genuinely unique design element we have created is our own custom patented product, the SWICK Board 2.0. It is a full size upcycled surfboard infused with speakers powered by a SONOS amp that can be used as a canvas for artist collaborations. It provokes all 5 senses as a functional art installation, and it speaks to everyone personally. The name is a combination of sweet and sick. So it's SWICK. We are currently designing the very first SWICK Hotel. More to come on that soon!
How do you leverage the attributes of paint in the design process?
Cristina & General: As we know paint is a mood enhancer and can be used so freely to change the overall experience of an environment. Paint and color are truly magic. For us at Me and General Design color scheme always comes first in the design process.
"THERE'S NOTHING LIKE COLOR FOR TRANSFORMING A SPACE."
- Cristina Casanas-Judd,
Co-Founder, Me and General