22nd June 2026 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Cansel Seymen, Founder & Creative Director at CS Design Studio, has given her insights into the industry. My journey into design began with a sensory obsession. As a young girl, I fell in love with a vintage Ikat fabric at a Turkish market, which became the first cushion in my bedroom and my first lesson in the power of textiles. This early passion for layers and natural materials eventually led me to the world of high-end luxury, where I spent years honing my craft at Harrods Interior Design, David Collins Studio, and Finchatton. These prestigious houses trained me to settle for nothing less than exceptional quality. At CS Design Studio, I carry that standard forward, working exclusively with high-end materials and artisanal finishes. My signature style is ‘Contemporary Classic’—I believe in creating rooms with an easy, timeless flow rather than spaces that feel overwhelming or trend-driven. Living in London, I’ve learned that the city’s grey light needs warmth, but I prefer a ‘less is more’ approach to colour. Instead of saturating a whole room, I introduce color as a thoughtful splash—perhaps through bespoke trimmings, vibrant cushions, or a stunning piece of artwork. For me, design is about bridging the gap between a building’s historic soul and innovative luxury. I am constantly sourcing new products and building relationships with my clients to ensure their homes are not just beautiful, but are dignified, high-quality ‘envelopes’ for the memories they will create there. CS Design Studio Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? For as long as I can remember, I have seen the world through a different lens—I don’t just see a room; I see its potential to shape the people within it. Even as a child, I was constantly experimenting with layouts and reimagining upholstery, fuelled by the belief that our surroundings are deeply intertwined with our character. I chose this profession because design is my life’s calling; it is where my love for textures, layers, and natural materials meets the discipline of architectural integrity. There is a unique joy in the instinctive process of sourcing the perfect elements to give a space its soul and ensuring every detail meets a high standard of quality. Ultimately, I wanted to build long-lasting relationships with my clients, turning their homes into ‘living canvases’ that offer a timeless, contemporary-classic flow. CS Design Studio CS Design Studio Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? What I enjoy the most is the tactile journey of sourcing and the artistry of putting a scheme together. There is a profound magic in layering textures, colours, and high-quality materials to see a vision come to life. However, the most rewarding part of the process is the collaboration with my clients. I truly value their involvement and feedback, as it ensures the design is deeply personal to them. When a client’s insight meets my professional eye, everything sits beautifully in the room. This synergy allows me to create spaces that aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, but are a perfect, contemporary-classic reflection of the people who call them home. What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? The most memorable highlight of the past year has been the rapid success of CS Design Studio and the incredible trust our clients have placed in us. While the first year for any new company can be a challenge, we were thrilled to complete two luxury apartments in Mayfair that both sold before they even reached the market. For me, this was a defining moment; it was the ultimate validation that our aesthetic and commitment to quality truly resonate with the high-end London market. Seeing our vision translate into such immediate commercial success has been incredibly rewarding. It confirms that we deeply understand what our clients are looking for: a perfect balance of historic soul and modern, effortless luxury. CS Design Studio CS Design Studio What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? My favourite projects are those that bridge the gap between a building’s historic soul and the demands of modern living. Whether restoring a listed London townhouse or designing a sophisticated new development, I find it incredibly rewarding to honour architectural integrity while introducing a fresh, intuitive flow. Having led high-profile projects in both the city and the English countryside, I also love marrying rural heritage with a more current, refined sensibility. However, the best results stem from a client relationship built on complete trust. When a bond is established through transparency—where a client eventually says, “you decide”—it unlocks our highest creativity, allowing us to deliver a home that truly surpasses expectations. What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? The most challenging aspect of interior design is the delicate dance between vision and reality. It begins with translating a design intent into technical drawings, which then face the practical scrutiny of contractors, site limitations, and strictly allocated budgets. Bridging the gap between a high-end concept and a tangible result within financial constraints is a significant hurdle that requires constant problem-solving. Despite these pressures, we pride ourselves on protecting the integrity of our original vision. We view site constraints not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to refine the design. By working closely with contractors and maintaining a clear focus on the “Contemporary Classic” aesthetic, we ensure that any necessary adjustments are minimal. Our goal is always to deliver the best possible outcome where the final space looks exactly as intended, proving that luxury and high quality can be achieved even within the complexities of a challenging budget or build. CS Design Studio What do you wish you knew before working in the field? If I could go back, I wish I had spent more time formally studying fine art. While my technical training and experience in renowned studios have been invaluable, I’ve come to realize that art is the ultimate soul of an interior. Understanding the true power of a piece—how its scale, colour, and texture can completely shift the energy of a room—is a field of study that never ends. In my work today, I see art not just as a finishing touch, but as a vital layer that defines a home’s character. I am constantly learning and exploring the art world now but having that deeper academic foundation early on would have been a beautiful advantage. It has certainly influenced why I now prioritise building such ‘artful’ and textured layers into every contemporary-classic scheme I create. CS Design Studio If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? My one tip for aspiring designers would be to stay bold and relentlessly curious. This industry moves quickly, so you must keep sourcing, keep meeting new people, and never stop learning. Growth only happens through action. Most importantly, build a thick skin; resilience is just as important as creativity. Never let criticism of your work discourages you. Instead, view every project as a stepping stone. In this field, you grow with every space you complete, and your next project will always be better than your last because of the lessons you learned. Treat every challenge as an opportunity to refine your ‘eye’ and your process. If you remain persistent and keep pushing your own boundaries, you’ll find that your unique style eventually speaks for itself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they are often the best teachers on the path to becoming a master of your craft. CS Design Studio CS Design Studio How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? The industry is entering a transformative era of “conscious luxury.” While the current economic climate presents challenges, it is also driving a shift toward a more thoughtful, sustainable future. We are seeing a powerful focus on ethical materials and reuse—a “green” approach where a project’s value is defined by its environmental footprint as much as its aesthetic. At CS Design Studio, we’re excited by how AI can support this shift. It helps clients explore materials and visualise layouts quickly and accurately, while also streamlining administration, ordering, and project coordination. By improving precision, these tools can also help reduce waste. I believe the year ahead will be defined by this balance of innovation and responsibility—using technology to create timeless spaces that respect both our clients’ time and the wider environment. What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? Being accredited by the SBID is a true honour and a significant milestone for CS Design Studio. To be recognized by such a prestigious society—one known for its exceptionally high professional standards—provides a sense of validation that is deeply rewarding. It signifies that our commitment to quality, integrity, and aesthetic meets the rigorous benchmarks of the global design community. Beyond the prestige, I am most excited about the sense of belonging to a network of like-minded professionals. I am looking forward to engaging with the SBID through their events and CPD programs to continue my growth as a designer. Being part of this recognized society ensures that we stay at the forefront of industry innovation and excellence. It is more than just a title; it is an inspiration to keep pushing the boundaries of luxury design while upholding the professional values the SBID represents. Cansel Seymen, Founder & Creative Director at CS Design Studio About CS Design Studio At CS Design Studio, a home is more than a refined address; it is a living canvas where modern life thrives. Founded by Cansel, whose distinguished background includes David Collins Studio, Finchatton, and Harrods, the studio brings an instinctive eye for detail to every bespoke residence. Our signature style captures the unique spirit of London living, elegantly blending historic soul with contemporary comfort. Informed by European artisanal excellence and a global perspective, we bridge the gap between tradition and tomorrow. We honor architectural integrity while embracing modern innovation, creating timeless, dignified spaces that redefine the boundaries of luxury for today’s lifestyle. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.