Everyday Objects as Art in the Home

[Jarrodkris]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been noticing how much design influences mood in a space, even with the simplest objects. A rug, a mat, or even a storage basket can feel more like a piece of art than just a practical item if it has the right textures, shapes, or colors.

It got me thinking: how do you all view everyday items in your homes? Do you treat them as functional tools first, or do you pick them based on artistic value as well?

Personally, I’ve been exploring some pieces recently that blur that line, one example was a Singapore based site I stumbled across where the rugs almost feel like canvases. It really made me rethink how functional design can double as creative expression.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this overlap of art and daily living.

Cheers,
Jarrod

 

[Hermes2020]

I absolutely believe that good design can enrich my life and I live according to this quotation by William Morris:

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”

William Morris

It does not just apply to my furnishings, but also to kitchen utensils and other utilitarian items. One of my prized possessions is the Juicy Salif squeezer by Philippe Starck that looks good and actually works as a squeezer.

 

[txomsy]

Indeed!

Actually, you only need to visit a good museum to realize Art is not just oil painting and marble sculpture. The MOMA or the Metropolitan, for example have many exhibits of everyday objects of great artistic value, including furniture. You can think of them as "utility" sculpture, or mass-replicated art products (like copies of the famous Warhol's Marilyn and Cambell soup cans), or even many a time exceptional art objects produced by craft artisans.

 

[Jarrodkris]

I like this take. It’s true, the way we choose and place everyday objects can really make them feel like art without even trying. I’ve noticed that with things like rugs and planters at home, they’re practical, but the textures and patterns end up adding as much character as any artwork on the wall. It’s a nice reminder that design doesn’t always have to be separate from function.

 

[Artyczar]

I like all art, functional and non-functional. I mean, depending on what it looks like.