Christian Bense on Timeless Interior Design, Art Filled Homes and Building a Design Studio

Interior designer Christian Bense joins Robin Johnson to explore how thoughtful interior design balances architecture, art, history and the personality of the people who live there. Christian shares his journey from South Africa to London, launching Christian Bense Interior Studio shortly before Covid and building a practice recognised by House & Garden. He explains why his studio avoids a fixed house style, how contemporary and traditional interiors can coexist, and why art, proportion, composition and architectural detail matter more than following trends.The conversation also explores designing period properties, creating interiors with longevity, managing residential projects from concept to completion and building a creative business without losing involvement in the work. Christian discusses plans for a furniture collection centred on timeless staple pieces, the thinking behind his interior design platform The Basic Principle, and the lessons learned from 14 years in the industry.Key Topics Covered✦ Christian Bense’s journey from South Africa to becoming a London interior designer✦ Building Christian Bense Interior Studio and gaining industry recognition✦ Why the studio deliberately avoids a signature house style✦ Combining traditional architecture with contemporary interior design✦ Using art to create personal, characterful and layered homes✦ Restoring character and respecting the history of period properties✦ Designing timeless furniture instead of following interior trends✦ Building a creative career while learning to enjoy the processCheck out Christian Bense Studio via:https://www.christianbense.com/Enjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUgKey Moments:00:00 Christian Bense’s 14 year journey in interior design03:40 Leaving business studies to pursue interior design06:15 The Somerset project that changed his approach to design08:15 Why Christian Bense Studio has no house style11:20 Designing homes around art and personal taste14:20 How clients develop their own art collections18:50 Why Christian wants to keep his studio relatively small21:20 The level of involvement clients can expect23:30 Why clients should question familiar contractor relationships25:15 Why Christian prefers independent architects and interior designers29:40 Why bespoke design requires more time and a different pricing model33:25 Respecting the history of period and listed properties41:45 Christian’s plans for timeless furniture and interior products45:45 The Basic Principle and explaining why good interior design works49:25 The advice Christian would give his 18 year old self