The Power of Creativity: A Conversation with Celine Albert
For Celine Albert, creativity has always been second nature. Growing up in her mother’s clothing boutique, she developed an eye for aesthetics early on, drawn to the way textures, colors, and forms interact. Today, as co-founder of AXH Studio, she works at the intersection of interior design, styling, and art direction, crafting spaces that feel both curated and deeply personal.
In this conversation, we explore the roots of her creativity, the rhythms of her process, and how she navigates an industry shaped by both tradition and trend.
What does creativity mean to you – is it a method, a philosophy, or a necessity?
I would say it’s a necessity. The thought of a world without creativity makes me feel completely depressed. Creativity is what makes us all different—it allows some to think or do things differently so that we don’t all become part of the herd. To me, creativity is also a form of personality, a way to show the world who I am.
Can you remember the first moment you felt creative? A scene from childhood, an object,
a feeling?
I don’t remember it myself, but my mom has told me that I started being creative very early. I loved painting and drawing, and as soon as I had a voice, I wanted to decide what clothes I would wear. I have always loved to explore. I was curious when I watched my grandmother sew or knit, or when I saw my mom getting dressed or rearranging our home. I probably picked it up early from having these two women around me.
Did you have a room or a place that inspired you as a child? Something that sparked your imagination – a house, a street, a store you loved?
I loved going to work with my mom. She had a clothing store, and at an early age, I started getting involved in what people were trying on, haha.
How do you use creativity in everyday life, outside of your work?
Work and free time blend together for me since I work in a creative field. But beyond styling and decorating at work, I also love doing it at home.
If creativity is a muscle, how do you keep it strong?
By maintaining my creative hobbies.
What would you say to someone who feels they are not creative? Where can they start, and how can they open their eyes to the visual language around them?
I find a lot of inspiration on YouTube and Pinterest. Short videos about interiors and DIY projects really help with that. That’s actually what made me fall in love with knitting!
We see a new generation of artists and designers embracing craftsmanship as part of their identity. Why do you think this movement has become so important right now?
We’ve had so many years of focus on the digital world that I think people are simply tired of staring at screens. I can really feel that more and more people are stepping away from it and instead want to learn a craft. I’m even toying with the idea of learning upholstery myself. I think we’re also influenced by everything happening in the world, which makes us want to escape into a space where we feel shielded from it all.
In a world where algorithms dictate taste and trends, how do you navigate the need to create something genuine?
I find this really difficult too. I often struggle with making something I personally like versus what the client wants. They usually prefer something more commercial, while I would love to create something that feels a bit more artistic.
Can you recall a time when you struggled to create? How did you find your way back to creativity?
I feel like those periods come and go all the time, especially when I have a lot of commercial jobs, leaving no time to dream and create. I need peace and quiet to feel inspired. But when I lack inspiration, I go on Pinterest, visit my favorite stores, or talk to inspiring people around me.
Can you tell us a bit about AXH Studio and your philosophy?
AXH Studio started as a company focused on campaigns. Now, four years later, we are moving more and more into interior design. Our profile is very much about playing with interior spaces through colors and unique objects. We spend a lot of time sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces from thrift stores or Marketplace. For us, it’s all about creating personality—whether in homes or in images.
