I first heard of Claire years ago when a stylist wanted me to throw a couple of fireplace screens in my car and drive them up to Oklahoma City for a shoot. That sent me down to pick up the screens at Claire's studio in the design district and I was blown away by her talent, operation and her personality. We discussed shooting something together for a long time but finally made it happen in 2023. Claire's studio has a couple of faux fireplace setups to display her screens, and the challenge was to make it look like it wasn't in her office environment. A little light trickery from me and a lot of help from stylist Heidi Adams created a couple of vignettes that sold the right vibe. I'm really happy with how this all turned out, and working with people you enjoy is always a plus!
I had wanted to put a Creative Focus blog post up about Claire because she is a local artisan and Claire's designs are instantly recognizable. We love to see our community support one another. Heidi Adams, the stylist on that firescreen shoot, used some of Claire's screens for props in a home shoot and was excited to hear the homeowner purchased the screens. Our circle is small in this local market and we hope to see us all support and thrive together.
Interior Designer: Tori Rubinson; Stylist: Melanie McKinley
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Claire Crowe was inspired to create something original and compelling for her own home. Armed with a sketchbook and an idea, she set off on a creative journey which led her to create one of America’s premier metalwork design companies more than a decade ago. Since then, her designs have been incorporated in many living spaces, both residential and commercial, often adding a layer of luxury to the fireplace or walls that needed a touch of sculptural beauty and intrigue.
Her goal is to continue creating handcrafted, American-made pieces that honor nature and gain beauty and character as they age.
Interior Designer: Tori Rubinson; Stylist: Melanie McKinley
What is the mission of your company?
Our mission is to design with both a modern and timeless sense of creation and strive to use ancient craft techniques in fresh new ways. Since 2010, we have specialized in artisan metalwork designs for the home. Inspired by the enduring expressions of nature and the inherent beauty of metals, semi-precious gemstones and hand blown or cast glass, the collection honors nature's most exquisite forms: butterflies, insects and quirky earthly shapes such as a curled leaf or a speckled egg.
What’s new this year?
We're working on a collection of new lighting for 2023. Our lights will be locally designed and built in Texas. We're responding to our design community's request for lighting that can be customized in size, scale, material and finish. We are also working on pieces that incorporate antiqued, blown and cast glass.
If you could select one design styles from history to be popular again, which one would it be?
I love the exuberance of the art deco period, particularly the ironwork of Edgar Brandt. His work has this timeless quality, as though it might have been completed recently.
What advice would you give yourself at 20?
Use the sun screen!
If you need inspiration for a design project, what do you do first?
Flip through old art books or other sources of visual inspiration I've collected, and then sleep at least twelve hours. Clarity comes the next day.
What would you say is key in selecting a photographer for your projects?
The key is working with someone who understands my brand. I want our pieces to play a role in those spaces where people make memories unwinding, connecting or just being. The photographer needs to see this spirit - this intent to honor the places where people gather. Often it's the fireplace.
What is your business philosophy or motto?
There's nothing more important to us than living well at home, taking the time to unwind and connect with the ones we love. Our collection is designed with that in mind because it's the small daily practices that make all the difference.
If you weren't an interior designer, what would your profession be?
A writer. But I would miss working with my hands.
Why did you choose design?
Design found me. I saw a void in the marketplace for compelling fire screen designs and set out to make two for my own home. More than a decade later, I’ve designed dozens and the idea stack continues to grow.
How would you define your work in three words?
Innovative, organic and artistic.
What modern design trend makes you cringe?
Imported products that are essentially copycats of emerging designer's work. I’m also not sure about fringe on sofas again.
What is one thing no one knows about you?
I’m obsessed with plants. I need a bigger home to accommodate all the plants I would like to live with.
What are some of the podcasts you listen to and why?
Making Sense for existential ponderings; Art Juice for creative inspiration; and Prof G for news and economic insights.
A book that everyone should read?
The Untethered Soul
What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
Freedom. Rigid, stark lines are softening and freedom to do what makes you smile is in style again. Minimal or maximalist, it's all a go.
Screen Designs: Claire Crowe
Claire Crowe Collection website
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Stylist – Screens photoshoot: Heidi Adams
Heidi Adams website
Instagram
Interior Designer: Tori Rubinson
Tori Rubinson Interiors website
Instagram
Stylist: Melanie McKinley
Instagram
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