How do you stay updated with current design trends and new decor elements?

Sample answer to the question

I stay updated with current design trends and new decor elements by regularly reading design magazines and blogs, attending trade shows and exhibitions, and following influential designers and brands on social media. I also make it a point to visit furniture stores and design showrooms to see the latest collections and styles. Additionally, I actively participate in online design communities and forums to share and exchange ideas with other professionals in the industry.

A more solid answer

To stay updated with current design trends and new decor elements, I adopt a multi-faceted approach. First, I regularly read design magazines and blogs like Wallpaper and Dezeen to gain insights into emerging trends and innovative decor ideas. Second, I attend trade shows and exhibitions such as Milan Design Week and Maison & Objet, where I can explore the latest products and network with industry professionals. Third, I actively follow influential designers and brands on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where I discover new ideas and engage in discussions about design. Furthermore, I make it a point to visit furniture stores and design showrooms to see the latest collections and styles firsthand. Additionally, I am a member of several online design communities and forums where I can share and exchange ideas with other professionals in the industry. Lastly, I have developed strong research and sourcing skills through my previous experience, which allow me to efficiently find and acquire the right furniture, fabrics, fixtures, and props that align with the design concepts of a production.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing specific examples of design magazines and blogs the candidate reads, trade shows and exhibitions they attend, and social media platforms they follow. It also mentions visiting furniture stores and showrooms, being a member of online design communities and forums, and highlights strong research and sourcing skills. However, it could still be improved by including examples of how the candidate has applied their knowledge of current design trends and new decor elements in their past work.

An exceptional answer

In order to stay updated with current design trends and new decor elements, I employ a comprehensive and proactive approach. Firstly, I continuously expand my knowledge by subscribing to industry-leading publications such as Architectural Digest and Elle Decor, allowing me to delve into in-depth articles and gain valuable insights from top designers worldwide. Moreover, I actively engage in continuing education through webinars and online courses offered by renowned design institutions like the Pratt Institute and Parsons School of Design. This not only keeps me informed about emerging trends but also deepens my understanding of design principles and techniques. Additionally, I have cultivated a strong network of industry professionals through my active participation in design conferences and events, allowing me to exchange knowledge, collaborate on projects, and uncover trends before they become mainstream. My research and sourcing skills have been honed through extensive experience working with local artisans, international suppliers, and vintage collectors, allowing me to find unique and distinctive decor elements that add depth and authenticity to any set. By staying well-informed, continuously learning, and actively networking, I ensure that my designs are vibrant, relevant, and visually captivating.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing more specific and diverse examples, such as subscribing to industry-leading publications like Architectural Digest and Elle Decor and participating in continuing education through webinars and online courses from renowned design institutions. It also highlights the candidate's strong network of industry professionals and how they have honed their research and sourcing skills through working with local artisans, international suppliers, and vintage collectors. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of staying well-informed, continuously learning, and actively networking to ensure vibrant and relevant designs.

How to prepare for this question

Subscribe to design magazines such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Wallpaper to stay updated with current design trends and new decor elements.
Attend trade shows and exhibitions like Milan Design Week and Maison & Objet to explore the latest products and network with industry professionals.
Follow influential designers and brands on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to discover new ideas and engage in design discussions.
Visit furniture stores and design showrooms to see the latest collections and styles firsthand.
Join online design communities and forums to share and exchange ideas with other professionals in the industry.
Participate in continuing education opportunities, such as webinars and online courses offered by renowned design institutions, to deepen your knowledge of design principles and techniques.
Network with industry professionals by attending design conferences and events, and actively engage in collaborations and knowledge sharing.
Develop strong research and sourcing skills by working with local artisans, international suppliers, and vintage collectors to find unique and distinctive decor elements.
Stay curious, open-minded, and adaptable to embrace emerging design trends and incorporate them into your work.

What interviewers are evaluating

Knowledge of current design trends
Knowledge of new decor elements
Research and sourcing skills