Hello my name is Charlie Firth, I am a furniture and product designer that has recently graduated from Bath Spa University. I come from a creative family who love design, and as a youngster I was always making something. My family travelled extensively and they introduced me to a world of the unique and different, to explore beyond the social norms.  I didn’t notice at the time but they have had a really big impact on me. As I got older I realised that I appreciated good design just as my parents do. I have been curious ever since to learn what sits behind design both practically and emotionally. Throughout my education I have been hands on designing and making my own creations, fascinated with the limitless and exciting possibilities of the design industry.

Whilst studying at university, Covid-19 surfaced. The impact of this was challenging and in practical terms I was forced in large part to complete my degree away from workshops not having the comfort of the universities facilities. The pandemic made me reassess my view on contentment, happiness and wellbeing.  

Previously I had used accents of colour in my designs to draw attention to certain details or simply for the aesthetics, however I have always found it difficult to fully embrace the use of colour in my work, I guess I am a minimalist.

As a result of Covid and the lockdown, I felt the urge to challenge my use of colour as a benefit in these difficult times. I wanted to design in order to make people smile and feel good again. I noticed the inherent impact colour could have within a space and how it could influence a viewer’s emotional state. Finding methods of applying colour into everyday spaces to create energy, warmth, comfort, relaxation and stimulation.