Good design begins by breaking rules. It challenges the suppositions that society places on an object's use and look.
This set of built-in bunks (above) is a fine example of good design. The designers, Tim Barber Ltd., take a kid's furniture staple, the old rickety bunk bed, and beef it up by enclosing it, painting it an interesting non-kid color, and basically turning it into an architectural element in its own right.
Here is where I come in to rain on the parade. God forbid if some little kid has an accident in that top bunk. Who is going to change those sheets? You have to be a circus contortionist to pull off that mattress pad without knocking off all that artwork or puncturing the nice pleated lampshade.
It is a curse to be so practical.
Here are nine more moments when something caught my eye and made me wonder, "Am I crazy or does anyone else think that the emperor is naked?"
A floor-to-ceiling fireplace screen (above) that, to my eye, resembles a black hole. How are we supposed to throw another log on the fire if we are afraid of being sucked into an electromagnetic void? Photo by Timothy Bell via Architectural Digest
A beautiful outdoor space (above) in the Caribbean and the rows of tables and chairs look fine. But we all know that director's chairs are just kites parading as furniture. One gust of wind and everything on this patio will be airborne. Photo by Ingalls Photography via Lonny Magazine.
I'm really digging black and white lately. But these wall-mounted lamps (above) scare me to death. I see two giant praying mantis. Even the sculptural man is cowering in fright. Photo by Johanne Dueholm. Purchase the insect lighting here.
Nothing says "sweet dreams" like a taxidermy ostrich (above) mounted over your pillow. I'm not going to ruffle feathers by shooting down this look, am I. More taxidermy stuff here.
This dramatic penthouse (above) in Moscow is utter awesomeness in every way except for maybe the top two drawers. You know what I'd put in them? My skinny jeans, every dastardly pair of Spanx I own, and that at-home wax kit from 2006. Photo by Manolo Yllera via here.
Romantic, serene, lovely (above). But the gooseneck lamp makes the whole thing look like a shower stall. Plus that candle could ignite the netting in a flash. Safety, people, especially in the bedroom, is always your friend. Photo by Per Erik Jaeger via here.
What a kitchen! The house (above), which is located in London, dates from 1870 and was designed by Stephen Fletcher. I love the understated cabinetry, the decadent light fixture, the flooring, and the neutral colors that let the architecture sing. But something is missing, don't you think? A couple of comfy chairs flanking the fireplace. Somewhere for Mrs. Patmore and Daisy to rest their weary legs.
This room (above) looks enticingly moody. But on second glance, I realize it is a chic version of my old boyfriend's fraternity room. Thus, we are not surprised to note that the hardware securing the adorable hammock is flimsy -- for my weight, anyway. Photo by Danielle de Lange.
I'm all for whimsical motifs in decorating. But black houseflies in a lavatory? It brings to mind the scent that attracts the flies. I could see this paper in a pantry maybe. Or on the porch? If you love it, more info here.
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