As a designer, I have always been fascinated by well-designed products. But what exactly makes a product truly appealing? In my view, the use of contrast plays an important role: it grabs your attention, makes you pause for a moment, and sparks curiosity about the rest.
Shape, Material & Color
When it comes to shape, you might combine clean, straight lines with soft, flowing curves. In terms of material, contrast can be found by mixing natural elements like wood with industrial ones like metal or glass. For color, you can play with opposites, think bold, complementary colors, or a neutral grey placed right next to a bright neon tone. These contrasts give an object character and help it stand out. Besides contrast, there are also other important factors to consider.
Function
Of course, a product also needs to function well. It should be clear that it was designed with care and that it serves its intended purpose. A chair, for example, should be comfortable to sit on though I must admit, these days I sometimes enjoy simply looking at 'designer chairs' more than actually sitting on them. That said, of course, with a wink.
Creating to Have, Not to Have Had
Within this project, you will find my current collection of furniture, lighting, and home essentials, where I have focused on creating contrast while still maintaining functionality. The use of high-quality and durable materials has been essential during this process. I strive to develop products that last for many years and certainly don’t end up on the “fast furniture” pile.