Interiors

Style Profile: Funky Little Darlings

Mandy Colliss and David Quinton are famed for their vast, digitally-printed wallpaper murals.

Posted: 5 October 2010
by Helen McKay-Ferguson

Signature products from this creative pair include Tree of Life and Dragonflies, Cowparsley, Butterflies and Dandelions.

What inspires your designs?
DQ: We live in a rural landscape but my most creative thoughts happen when I see the tower blocks, advertising billboards and graffiti of urban living.

What is your philosophy for life?
MC: To be happy and to have integrity and honesty in all we do. And to create beautiful things!

Which of your own designs is your favourite?
MC: I designed Tree of Life as our showcase piece for the Grand Designs Live Show. For the three days of the event, it was a showstopper!

And by another designer?
MC: Concorde, the most incredible piece of design I have ever seen.
DQ: The simple yet functional digital clock; and Roy Lichtenstein’s Whaam!

Do you have any golden rules when it comes to design?
MC: Design with absolute passion, honesty and integrity and never, ever compromise!
DQ: Always, always carry a sketchbook with you.

Do children influence your work?
MC: Yes, our designs have to be appealing, entertaining and dramatic. I love seeing the excitement on
a child’s face when the design is on the wall.

Did you have a favourite piece of design as a child?
MC: The penny-farthing bicycle – a completely mad, spellbinding piece of design.
DQ: The Saturn V rocket from the Apollo space missions; and Steve Austin’s bionic parts.

What’s the best moment of your day?
MC: When a design works it’s a real high, but nowhere near as fantastic as seeing my daughter blossom every day. She is my inspiration.

What dream children’s project would you like to create?
A Christmas window display at Selfridges. We’re sure they’d have the vision for us to go to town with some amazing designs!