“Design connects us with beauty,” says Athena Calderone, 2021 ADA juror

27 May 2021

The American designer and lifestyle guru is ready to judge the Archiproducts Design Awards submissions

Interior designer, food expert and lifestyle guru. Author of the Eyeswoon blog and successful books like Live Beautiful and, before that, Cook Beautiful. Athena Calderonejoins the Archiproducts Design Awards jury for the first time this year.While waiting to hear the names of the winners of the sixth edition of the international awards, we asked the 2021 ADA jurors what they expect from this year’s entries.

“The world is changing so fast, but one thing remains constant – our connection to beauty,” says Athena Calderone, 2021 ADA jury member.

“The things we choose to surround ourselves with are deeply intimate. We are drawn to objects that stimulate our senses and trigger our memories. This sense of beauty fuels our creativity and invigorates our senses every time we enter a room,’ Calderone continues, ‘I love collecting.”

Athena Calderone, ph © Stephanie Stanley.

During her time in quarantine, Athena Calderone – the soul of the acclaimed Eyeswoon blog, founded nine years ago – turned her hobby of collecting vintage items into a commercial venture, expanding her empire to include a line of handmade homeware.

During lockdown, Athena – a multidisciplinary artist who loves to celebrate beauty in all forms – personally took charge of the renovation of her Hamptons, Long Island home. With textural nuances and a palette of natural tones and materials, she created a personal retreat that she shares with her husband, Victor, her son Jivan and dog Tuco.

Amagansett Home. Images by Nicole Franzen.

“Contemporary design is a snapshot of our era. It excites me to discover how the new generation of creatives views current events through the lens of design,” said Athena Calderone, ADA 2021 judge. “I can’t wait to find out how this viewpoint is reflected in the process of creating a new product,” she continued.

In its sixth year, the Archiproducts Design Awards are an authentic tribute to creativity, research and innovation.

We asked Athena Calderone, member of the 2021 Archiproducts Design Awards jury, a few questions about her personal point of view on the current state of design and her expectations from the products in the competition. Here is what she told us.

What do you expect from the nominations for the 2021 Archiproducts Design Awards, and what features should the winning products have?
I’ve always been intrigued by the hidden process behind design, so I’ll be digging into that with each submission. I am very curious to understand the genesis of the creative process and how it influences the final result!

What role do you think a Design Award should play today?
The work of the new generation is a window onto the future of design. I love seeing how young creatives look at current events through the lens of design. Today, Design Awards are a way to discover emerging talents and give them a platform and a voice. It is important to recognise new talent and support their ingenuity right from the start.

What should contemporary design look at, and how should it evolve to meet the needs of the community?
Since we spent so much time indoors this year, our connection to domestic space has evolved. We surround ourselves with useful and beautiful objects to cope with isolation, making our living space safe, warm, welcoming and connected.
Now more than ever, we long for a genuine place that brings us a sense of serenity. Design can help foster the sense of comfort and calm we seek in a space. Of course, these feelings differ from person to person, so we must be careful to embrace different styles and personalities. For me, the sense of comfort and serenity is expressed in organic shapes and neutral colour palettes that make me feel at one with nature and my surroundings. I think designers have already started to respond, but I’m excited to see how this year’s participants will tap into this feeling.

How do you think the pandemic has affected design?
From what I’ve seen over the past year, creatives and artists are reflecting upon our sense of belonging to the world. In parallel, non-artists are understanding the importance of social interaction. Personally, I strengthened my connection to design by redesigning my home. It has been a transformative year, and I am grateful for that. The time has been an opportunity to reflect, organise and reorganise, and connect and evolve as a designer. I look forward to seeing how the 2021 ADA submissions have translated last year’s events into creative acts.