The Dwell 24: Dean Norton

It was a move across the globe that inspired Dean Norton’s pivot from interiors to furniture. After 16 years in London, Norton packed his bags for Melbourne, spurred on by the lure of better weather.

"The pace is quite different," he says of the Australian city, "and when I left London and started a new life, it gave me the confidence to start creating my own work." He adds that furniture provided the creative freedom commercial interiors did not.

Norton’s Float collection, a series of crisp, expertly crafted tables constructed entirely from glass, is a product of his newfound confidence, but he wants people to know he’s just getting started.

"I’m self-taught, and I’m still teaching myself—it allows me to think more freely and not get bogged down by rules. I don’t like to restrict myself. The vision comes first."

Read the full Q&A with Dean Norton below.   

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Describe what you make in 140 characters. Emotive pieces that merge a balance between art and design and consider form, function, refined detailing, and harmony in materials.

What’s the last thing you designed? I have recently designed a series of pieces for an exhibition I have coming up in October. A new series of wall mirrors called GUM along with a new side table called Facet. I've also added some new additions to my Mood Side, one sprayed in iridescent liquid aluminium, and another with a white to blue gradient. I have also recreated my Ikebana Vase in mirrored chrome.

Do you have a daily creative ritual? Every morning, the first thing I do is make a cup of tea and plan my day. I then exercise and take the dog for a walk. After this, I’m ready to begin working, so I would say the start of my day is a creative ritual.

How do you procrastinate? I organize and clean up my home/studio, call friends and family, and go on long walks with my dog. I daydream a lot about new ideas and just life in general, I also binge-watch Schitt’s Creek.

What everyday object would you like to redesign? Why? I’d like to redesign the humble door key, not because I think it’s a bad design but because it would be an honor and so much fun to reimagine something that holds so much history and meaning.

Who are your heroes (in design, in life, in both)? One of my design heroes is Martin Margiela, I’ve learnt a lot from watching how fashion designers work. I love the creative process, execution, and layering of detail and narrative. I also quite like the intensity of the work, and how they immerse themselves into the creative process.

What skill would you most like to learn? I love playing around with different mediums of visual representation and would quite like to learn how to use the software used to create realistic CGI renders and animated films.

What is your most treasured possession? I have a vintage Omega watch which belonged to my late uncle and godfather. He left it for me before he passed. This is my most treasured possession.

What’s your earliest memory of an encounter with design? My earliest design memory is from my art classes in school. I discovered my love of art and design there and I had a great teacher who really encouraged me.

What contemporary design trend do you despise? I wouldn’t say I despise any contemporary design trend as such, although, here in Australia, there is the trend of replica furniture which I do despise, It’s not as bad as it used to be, and the laws are changing thanks to some amazing design organizations like the Authentic Design Alliance who are fighting for stronger IP protection for designers.

Finish this statement: All design should... make you feel good.

What’s in your dream house? A design studio with lots of natural light, an open fireplace, and a big wine cellar.

How can the design world be more inclusive? I really believe in collaboration and design really does open up so many opportunities for this to happen within local and global communities.

What do you wish non-designers understood about the design industry? That design is a journey and process that takes time and shouldn’t be rushed if you want the best results.

You can learn more about Dean Norton on his Instagram.    

View the 2022 Dwell 24!