Design collections often don’t get the same recognition as art collections. They are frequently just seen as furniture or decor, when in reality they hold historical significance and cultural heritage, comparable to great works of art. Creating a design collection can be a beautiful, lifelong exercise. It is a journey filled with opportunities to explore one's evolving tastes, connect with meaningful design items, and curate a living narrative that reflects one's personal story.
When building a design collection it is about curating spaces that are not only visually captivating but also deeply functional and harmonious. Each design object serves as a piece of functional art, seamlessly blending form and utility to enrich the home environment. These pieces are thoughtfully chosen to coexist with existing art collections, creating a dialogue between design and art.
Often, without even being fully aware of it, individuals with a passion for design may already be curating a collection—choosing pieces that speak to them, reflect their taste, or carry personal significance. It’s a subtle process, one that can happen organically, as each chosen piece becomes part of a larger narrative, transforming into a meaningful collection over time. There are no strict rules for collecting design; like art, it is a deeply personal and individualistic pursuit. Sometimes, the allure lies in a celebrated name, a designer who revolutionized their field with groundbreaking creations. At other times, it is a philosophy that draws us in, one that aligns with our values or speaks to our identity. By incorporating these pieces into our homes, we create spaces that not only reflect our aesthetic tastes but also embody a way of life.
Organising your Collection:
The Challenge of Cohesion
One of the most challenging aspects of building a design collection that fits seamlessly into our homes is achieving cohesion. This can be particularly tricky when we are drawn to a wide range of pieces from different eras or styles. The goal is to create harmony, ensuring that the amalgamation of items we love forms a unified narrative rather than feeling disjointed.
Our advice: Establish a unifying theme or palette. Choose a consistent element, such as a color scheme, material, or pattern to act as a thread tying your collection together. This helps different pieces, even from various styles or eras, feel connected and creates a sense of harmony within your home.
The Inspiration Behind Our Choices
Our attraction to design pieces often stems from their shapes, materials, or the eras they represent. Design, much like art, is always in conversation with the past.
Our advice: Research the history and philosophy of the pieces and their makers. This knowledge not only deepens your appreciation but also helps you make informed choices about pieces that resonate with your aesthetic and interests.
Finding Connections Across Styles and Eras
The skill of combining vastly different styles lies in identifying subtle similarities. These might be found in shared materials, complementary forms, or thematic echoes across time.
Our advice: Focus on commonalities like shapes, materials, or themes. Identify shared characteristics, such as similar curves, finishes, or thematic elements like minimalism or nature-inspired motifs. For example, a mid-century modern chair might pair well with an Art Deco table if they both share streamlined forms or complementary materials like walnut and brass.
Exploring the Origins of Design
To truly appreciate design, it’s essential to explore its origins. This goes beyond understanding the creator or studio behind a piece or even the movement or philosophy that inspired it. It involves delving into the historical and cultural context from which the design emerged. Each piece of design carries within it lessons from the past—stories of human progress, social evolution, and technological breakthroughs.
Design is not merely about aesthetics; it is a narrative of innovation. The items we bring into our homes are more than functional or decorative objects—they are statements of what was technologically and creatively possible at the time they were conceived. Whether it’s a chair shaped by the introduction of molded plywood or a lamp influenced by advancements in lighting technology, every piece tells a story of human ingenuity. By understanding this context, we gain a deeper appreciation for design as a reflection of its era and a marker of our collective progress.
Today, for example, the Thonet chair might be dismissed as a generic, mass-produced staple found in nearly every Parisian bistro, but its significance in design history is monumental. In its time, the Thonet chair was one of the most groundbreaking innovations in furniture design. During an era when furniture was predominantly handcrafted—meticulously chiseled, carved, and assembled—the introduction of this chair in the 1850s marked a pivotal moment in both design and manufacturing.
German cabinetmaker Michael Thonet envisioned creating a chair that could be mass-produced and sold at an affordable price. After years of experimentation, he achieved his goal, and in 1859, the No. 14 chair was introduced. By steaming the wood for many hours, they made it soft enough to bend into elegant, fluid shapes. The wood then dried in its new shape, becoming hard and strong.This process was not only efficient but also capable of producing lightweight, durable, and aesthetically appealing pieces at scale. The original No.14 chair is made up of six pieces of wood, ten screws and two nuts. It was the first piece of furniture designed to be shipped in parts to save space during transportation and came with simple instructions to put it together. This approach broke away from the labor-intensive practices of traditional furniture-making, enabling mass production on an unprecedented level. The chair quickly became a sensation, and by 1930, over fifty million units had been sold.
The Thonet chair was more than just a functional piece of furniture; it epitomized the harmonious blend of technology and craftsmanship. With its sleek, minimalist design, it broke away from the ornate, heavy furniture typical of the era, offering a modern aesthetic that was both innovative and accessible to a wider audience. The chair’s appeal extended beyond the general public to designers and architects alike. Among its most famous admirers was the renowned architect and painter Le Corbusier, who used the chair in many of his buildings. Le Corbusier said “never was a better and more elegant design and a more precisely crafted and practical item created.” Its graceful curves have endured over time, and as British designer Jasper Morrison stated, "It has the freshness of a new product, because it has never been bettered." A piece like the Thonet chair is a reminder that every item in a collection has a story.
Beginning a design collection requires a harmonious blend of curiosity, guidance, and intentionality. Explore pieces that resonate with your personal taste, while remaining open to discovering their history and cultural significance. Most importantly, embrace the process—each piece you select becomes part of your story, transforming your home into a reflection of your journey and growth as a design enthusiast.
