Location : Margate, UK
Profession / passion : Furniture designer
Website : www.kimthome.com
Instagram : @kimthome

One Day is an ongoing project sparked by the Covid-19. In the days of isolation we would like to focus on what we do best; bringing people together.
We will continue to post One Day every Wednesday going forward. See our instagram stories to experience these peoples One Day in action.

A text, song or film that everyone should experience.
Song: The revolution will not be televised by Gil-Scott Heron

I saw this Hunter S. Thompson quote recently in a thread about obituaries and felt it was relevant to my current state of mind:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow!"

What is the story behind your profession/ passion?
I studied film and graphics in Norway before moving to study furniture design in England. I really liked graphics but it was too 2 dimensional for me so it felt like a really natural thing to combine design with making objects. I have been here ever since.

How has the current situation affected how you work?
Its definitely changed things. My everyday is mostly consumed by looking after 2 kids at home. I have had to become a lot more efficient in my work. Grabbing the few moments when possible. Some projects have been put on hold but I pitched a graphic project where I did a lot of the artwork for it at the same time as I did arts and crafts with the kids.

Your greatest achievement?
I was fortunate to collaborate with Swarovski during LDF 2015 and they let me put an 18 meter tall crystal clad totem in the entrance of the V&A.

Analog or digital?
Analog, when its right, its just so much better.

Describe a smell that brings back memories to you.
This might be weird, but, Neoprene. When I smell wetsuits I get a really nostalgic feeling that reminds me of summers by the sea.

What was the most defining moment in your life?
I know its a cliche but, having children. It just changes everything.

Quality or quantity?
Quality, especially in these times, owning something that lasts and is made well gives me great pleasure.

When was the last time you learned something new and what was it?
I work with wood all the time but never paid much attention to what the trees actually look like so recently I have started teaching myseld how to spot them. There is a park nearby that has amazing trees and Im now walking around trying to learn the names of all of them and their traits.

Have you actively chosen to live in the city/town you live in?
I moved away from London 2 years ago to live by the sea. This was a conscious decision driven mainly by the fact that we had children but also I had been living in London for 13 years and we were ready for a change.

If you were forced to sit still for one month straight without pursuing your current profession, how would you spend your time?
I would try and make a really good song.

Lastly, how do wish to see this current situation have a positive impact on our lives?
I’d like to be optimistic here and hope that we slow down a little as a result if this pandemic and exit without trying to get back to the business as usual. I think we stand before a moment where change feels possible but we need someone to make some bold moves in order for that to happen.

One Day : Kim Thome - Furniture Designer