The philosophical tug-of-war between aesthetics and utility is a debate that reaches back thousands of years. Resplendent in their togas and crowns of laurel, ancient Greek philosophers developed a system of thought that privileged beauty over everything. Two thousand years later, proponents of the fussy, busy Victorian look prized ornament and embellishment over convenience.
In the late nineteenth century, the Industrial Revolution gave rise to a new emphasis on utility in architecture and design. Renowned architect Louis Sullivan, originator of that inimitable icon of modern life, the skyscraper, famously summed up this ethos in an essay:
It is the pervading law of all things organic and inorganic,
Of all things physical and metaphysical,
Of all things human and all things super-human,
Of all true manifestations of the head,
Of the heart, of the soul,
That the life is recognizable in its expression,
That form ever follows function. This is the law.
Today, a sleeker, streamlined, more minimalist look has gained ground as the reigning aesthetic, but the heated controversy over whether form or function should dominate in design continues to rage on.
Form Versus Function in the Home
Sure, there's a time and a place for dramatic, breathtaking interiors that are informed more by art than by everyday life. Museums, galleries, monuments, spas, lobbies, churches - any space that's more about a one-time experience than day-to-day life lends itself to over-the-top splendor.
Where do you stand on the form vs. function spectrum?
When it comes to balancing your home's aesthetics and utility, we all have unique needs. To find out how you rate on this scale, sit down with a pencil and paper and ask yourself a few pointed questions. Is your lifestyle formal or casual? Do you prefer a home with a cozy, lived-in look or a picture-perfect style? Are you more likely to host a dinner party for twenty or a kid's birthday party? Make a list of the home décor attributes that are most important to you, and make a note of the major themes that pop up repeatedly. Gradually, your unique style profile should begin to emerge. |
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But when it comes to your home - to the one place where you're likely to spend most of your waking hours and leisure time - the emphasis on beauty must be balanced with your very real need for ease, comfort, convenience, and efficiency.
As an example, consider an analogy from the world of fashion: the haute couture creations in which supermodels prance down Paris runways are certainly artistic and often are achingly gorgeous - but it's hard to imagine trudging through your daily commute and after-work errands encased in a dramatic ensemble of sequins and lamé. On the other hand, you wouldn't want to wear a sweat suit and tennis shoes everyday, even though these clothes might lend themselves to optimal efficiency and convenience.
Similarly, it's entirely possible to err too far in favor of function in the world of interior design, as well. Most institutions, for example, choose their architecture, design, and furnishings based primarily on functional considerations. It's no coincidence that the stark, sterile interiors of hospitals and schools can often feel less than welcoming.
Somewhere in the middle of these two extremes - between the opulent but often unfeasible interior designs you see in magazine vignettes and upscale showrooms and the ugly but über-practical institutional look - lays the compromise we all should aim for. The happy medium is a perfect marriage of form and function, a seamless fit between eye-pleasing style and real-world practicality.
Design with Both Form and Function in Mind
Easier said than done, right? Actually, balancing form and function is not that difficult, as long as you approach your decorating project systematically, keeping a specific plan and outcome firmly in mind. Here are some pointers to help you achieve a perfect blend of practical and attractive in your next decorating endeavor.
Carefully Observe your Household.
Make note of where people tend to congregate, which activities they perform in each space, the paths and patterns of traffic within and between rooms, and any other significant trends you notice. The data you gather should serve as the basis for a more livable design.
Think Like a Designer.
Armed with the information you've gathered, begin to arrange your rooms with your family's lifestyle in mind. Use graph paper and colored pencils to make scale models of each space you're tackling, and rearrange ruthlessly until you've achieved the right balance of aesthetic appeal and real-world practicality.
Look for Pieces that Serve Multiple Purposes.
If you're purchasing new furniture or accents, keep an eye out for objects that do double duty, whether it's a coffee table that folds out into a bill-paying desk or a divan that can function as a guest bed. Any beautiful piece that serves a functional purpose will up the livability quotient of your space.
Seek out More Livable Substitutes for your Dream Look.
Let's face it - an icy white sofa may be beautiful, but it won't stay that way for long in a household overrun by kids and pets. Opt for seating with a removable slipcover in natural or off-white, instead - and apply a similar approach as you go about making further selections.
Locating the sweet spot right between form and function is a highly individualized process. Find out what works for you - and what won't - and stick to it closely as you formulate a sensibly stylish floor plan will suit your unique needs.