Forget naff teddy bear motifs and boring pastels - today's young consumers deserve exciting design. And that's just what they're going to get... Mandy Colliss and David Quinton create vast, digitally-printed wallpaper murals. Their signature products include Tree of Life and Dragonflies, Cowparsley, Butterflies and Dandelions. What inspires your designs? DQ: We live in a rural landscape but my most creative thoughts happen when I see the tower blocks, advertising billboards and graffiti of urban living. What is your philosophy for life? MC: To be happy and to have integrity and honesty in all we do. And to create beautiful designs. Which of your designs is your favourite? MC: I designed Tree of Life as our showcase piece for the Grand Designs Live Show. For the three days of the event, it was a showstopper! And by another designer? MC: Concord, the most incredible piece of design I have ever seen. DQ: The simple yet functional digital clock; and Roy Lichtenstein's Whaam! Do you have any golden rules when it comes to design? MC: Design with absolute passion, honesty and integrity and never, ever compromise! DQ: Always, always carry a sketchbook with you. Do children influence your work? MC: Yes, our designs have to be appealing, entertaining and dramatic. I love seeing the excitement on a child's face when the design is on the wall. Did you have a favourite piece of design as a child? MC: Te penny-farthing bicycle - a completely mad, spellbinding piece of design. DQ: The Saturn V rocket from the Apollo space missions; and Steve Austin's bionic parts. What's the best moment of the day? MC: When a design works it's a real high, but nowhere near as fantastic as seeing my daughter blossom every day. She is my inspiration. What dream children's project would you like to create? A Christmas window display at Selfridges. We're sure they'd have the vision for us to go to town with some amazing designs!
