Since its debut in 2009, CDesign has set a benchmark in quality, robust craftsmanship, and refined elegance. Sixteen years on, its original design ethos remains central to the evolving range. Designed by Carr for Omvivo, the latest release introduces a freestanding bath that builds on the iconic solid surface basin collection, celebrating minimalism and clarity in function.
Carr Founding Principal Sue Carr and Interior Designer Courtney Siesmaa reflect on the timeless design principles that continue to shape CDesign.
Designed to resonate
At its core, the original CDesign range was a seamless expression of form and function. The prototype, installed in a bespoke home with a garden outlook, was conceived as a freestanding vanity with an integrated basin, storage, and set-down space. It marked a distinct departure from the horizontal bench styles that dominated the market. As Sue explains, “The design has endured due to its simplicity of form, square basins, and low maintenance. It was ahead of its time in both craftsmanship and uncomplicated aesthetics.”
For Sue, and the studio by extension, timelessness stems from a design approach that avoids trends. With its restrained aesthetic and focus on purposeful design, CDesign continues to hold relevance across decades.
With its restrained aesthetic and focus on purposeful design, CDesign continues to hold relevance across decades. Omvivo has supplied the range to a number of premium projects, including Melbourne’s iconic Australia 108 tower, where the interior design was also led by Carr.
Clarity in vision, flexibility in function
The updated CDesign range is made to suit diverse settings and scales. With compact spaces in mind, the new bath features flush edges for flexible installation, freestanding or wall-mounted. While all CDesign products are crafted from solid surface material, the bath is also offered in lightweight acrylic, providing a practical, cost-effective option for multi-residential projects.
Drawing on her experience across residential typologies, Courtney explains, “The new products were guided by timeless design, but also by the variety of spaces we work within. It was essential that the bath and basins translate across both single and multi-residential applications.”
Spatial constraints often shape multi-residential outcomes. “We’re frequently working within tight parametres, yet aiming to deliver a high standard of design,” Courtney says. “The simplicity of CDesign’s forms provides that inherent flexibility and quality.”
Beyond new builds, the range also suits heritage homes. “Blending historic details with contemporary elements allows the products to function seamlessly while keeping the original architecture in focus,” she adds.
A dialogue in design
Since founding Carr in 1971, Sue has consistently championed the value of mentoring emerging designers. This spirit of guidance and collaboration continued through the evolution of the CDesign range, where she worked closely with Courtney to expand the collection while staying true to its original intent.
“Working alongside Sue to evolve the CDesign range was incredibly invaluable,” says Courtney. “I was able to gain insight into the design process Sue undertook 16 years ago with the original CDesign vanity, which ultimately helped guide the structure for the new range.”
“Sue and I workshopped ideas together and collaborated with Omvivo, who supported us in prototyping the bath to ensure the angles and dimensions would be suitable for end users,” she explains. “Beyond the built form, we also worked with Omvivo to shape the render scenes, identifying the settings where the new CDesign products would feel most at home. These included both heritage and contemporary environments, reflecting the timeless aesthetic that defines CDesign.”
Guided by an enduring ethos of refined innovation and simplicity, CDesign elevates the everyday through thoughtful, functional design that resonates across time and context — always with a timeless sense of purpose.
Explore the updated CDesign range on Omvivo’s website.
