beauty in utilitarian designs - a list by Kristine

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About this list:

By definition, utilitarian means having regard to utility or usefulness rather than beauty or ornamentation. I think this is where the future of design will change - I have seen a great amount of utilitarian designs that are beautiful, which is encouraging. Today, in order for a product to qualify as great design, it needs to have both form + function.

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Viewing 1-10 of 38 Items

literatura shelving system

First to recommend

Description

Designed for small spaces, but I think these work fabo for any space. Sliding shelves on casters, so you can double up on your shelving space and storage. I think these would work great as sliding doors, like a secret entrance. Don't you think?

Updated Mar 4, 2007

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hidden ashtray planter

First to recommend

Description

Okay, this is one of the funniest and most appropriate product designs out there. A planter by day and ashtray by night. It's the ultimate "hide your bad habit" item. They say it hides the smell too, but that is simply not possible unless you have oriental lilies growing above it. I think it is fabulous!

Updated Mar 4, 2007

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686 toolbelt

First to recommend

Description

This is basically a mini toolkit disguised as a belt. Ingenious design includes phillips, flathead, detachable 8MM, 10MM and 11MM wrenches, and best of all, buckle is also a bottle opener. Tools sized to work with snowboards and skateboards. Belt is water resistant. Cool or what? They make belts for girls too!

Updated Feb 4, 2007

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full-size chrome bullet trashcan

First to recommend

Description

Under-the-cabinet cans are too small for me, and not functional covered. This can is nice enough to be kept in view, like a furniture piece. And I don't have to dump the garbage everyday, which is really nice.

Updated Jan 27, 2007

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cyclone vacuum

First to recommend

Description

A contender for Wallpaper's 2007 Design Award, the cyclone vacuum is an incredible design by Chiaki Murata. Hidden hose, cordless, and nifty handle bars. Great engineering. (via Wallpaper Magazine)

Updated Jan 6, 2007

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Sedona Elite HE4T Washer/Dryer

9 people recommended this item

Description

Unfortunately, I have two old washer/dryer sets already, but I'm anxiously waiting for one to die, so I can use the other, and then wait for that to die, so I can get these! It's a torture to be waste-conscientious. (via lisaweinberger)

Updated Dec 29, 2006

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clotheline clip

First to recommend

3 people recommended this item

Description

From India, this clip was designed and manufactured with a single piece of injection molded recycled plastic, which uses less material and therefore creates less waste. Let's not forget to also give credit to the nice design so well implemented on such a utilitarian product. (via Dexigner)

Updated Dec 20, 2006

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LED desk lamp

First to recommend

Description

I just ordered two, and I can't wait! This lamp makes a good role model for new green products. Why should we sacrifice style to be good? This lamp is attractive, good for the environment (no mercury and less toxic gas), maintenance free (no bulb change ever), extremely durable (LED can move around without damage), and amazingly affordable ($59.95).

Updated Dec 29, 2006

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small cruet

First to recommend

Description

This is not quite the one I have, which I found in Italy years ago, but it has similar functionality. I use it to mix balsamic and vinegar... Perfect as a small salad dressing server.

Updated Feb 2, 2007

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Modern-Twist PJ Pocket Pillow

First to recommend

12 people recommended this item

Description

Inspired by a Japanese anemone box (which is traditionally used to hold family heirlooms), these wonderful pillows have another function - they are also storage containers. Super great design. I love things that use space well. (via Grenade Fishing)

Updated Jul 18, 2007

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Viewing 1-10 of 38 Items

Kristine

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