Decorating a home is both fun and purposeful. Shopping for items is an exciting task for many- as it should be. By inviting a playful attitude toward decorating your space allows for more freedom in how you want to feel in the space, and in contrast how the space feels to you.
The space at the Museum of Modern Art, known as MoMA, produces a contemplative state of mind. The MoMa is one of the largest collectors and most influential museums of modern art. A few of the names they house include Marc Chagall and Andrew Wyeth. Collections that the MoMa has amassed have a huge influence on what is considered valued modern art. See, art is only as valued as the audience who sees it- and the MoMa has a lot of visitors.
The transition between 2D and 3D design consists of two major components: functionality and innovation. A good product should either be able to provide its user ease of life or provide aesthetic value. In the best scenario, it would be both.
“When designers look at an object, they don’t just consider its aesthetic appearance—they should also challenge it to be more versatile, to respond to the user’s need, or to achieve its purpose more elegantly. Good design has the capacity to solve problems that sometimes we didn’t even know we had.” -MoMA
- Heng Balance Lamp by Zanwen Li
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The Heng Balance Lamp is a perfect example of balance between functionality and aesthetics. Designed by Zanwen Li, the lamp includes traditional craftsmanship seen in the choice of material as well as technological innovation. It lights up when the two magnetic spheres are placed together and turns off when disconnected. Placement creates an illusion of light passing through the curved frame. The lamp is a minimalistic dream.
Heng Balance Lamp, $25, Shop Here
- Self-Watering Wet Pots by Lasse Svedenstedt and Nils Plöjel
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College life can get busy- the end of the semester was just a bit ago, jobs take up a lot of mental energy, and sometimes watering your plants can just slip the mind. Whatever the case may be, plants need a lot of love too. WET POT is designed by Lasse Svedenstedt and Nils Plöjel and was made to help plants (succulents and orchids not included) self-regulate their water intake. The glass is hand blown and the half glazed pottery adds visual interest. Only glazing the top half creates an opportunity for the user to have easier handling as well.
Self-Watering Wet Pots, $34, Shop Here
- Dusen Dusen Everybody Tissue Box by Ellen Van Dusen
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“Everybody needs a tissue sometimes. Take comfort—and company—from this fact…” -MoMa Design
Recreated in Ellen Van Dusen’s signature style, the Dusen Dusen Everybody Tissue Box is a recreation of her limited-edition hand-painted tissue boxes sold at her 2018 Fredericks & Mae’s Faces show. It’s all in the small details that make a room pop. You see this tissue box and you wonder where it came from. What’s its story, why does the owner have this? The design is abstract and fun, exactly what you need when you’re having a meltdown.
Dusen Dusen Everybody Tissue Box, $35, Shop Here
- Wideboy Alarm Clock by Chloe and Jim Read
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Inspired by British mid-century designs, Chloe and Jim Read came out with the Wideboy Alarm Clock in 2017. It’s a quiet clock both physically and aesthetically having a silent-sweep movement, but also in how it places itself in its surroundings. The typeface is bold and geometric and by incorporating rounded edges the design holds stability within its playful nature. Classic trends have a tendency to pop up after a period of time and reworked with a modernist approach. These products are ones that will stand against the age of time.
Wideboy Alarm Clock, $49, Shop Here
- HAY Paper Paper Bin by Clara von Zweigbergk
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This lovely HAY Paper Paper Bin is made of cardboard and meant to house light, dry trash such as (you guessed it) paper. Clara von Zweigbergk is the designer behind the bin’s distinct twisted shape and color contrast. She pulls inspiration from form and color in her products making for a colorful decor line. This bin is the cheeriest place to store all of the damp tissues from the Dunsen Dunsen Box.
HAY Paper Paper Bin, $25, Shop Here
What’s interesting about what good design defines is completely subjective for its user. You have to question what products contribute to your desire, your needs, and your lifestyle. No two people are exactly alike and so no two people will desire the same two products. A well-designed product, however, should help contribute something valuable to multiple people.