Homes and personal abodes are exactly that — personal. These spaces reflect our character, aesthetics, and lifestyles. When designed correctly, our homes perform the ways we need them to, and serve as a peaceful refuge when we need to shut down.
Homeowners are lucky in that they get free rein in setting up their spaces; in terms of build, they can easily take down walls or move plumbing. Renters aren't so lucky, and therefore need to look to alternative ways to make their spaces truly work for them.
For tenants who can't make major renovations that change the layout of the space, furniture is king when it comes to setting up the home to perform necessary functions and injecting personality into a place. Think opting for bar seating instead a full dining room setup if you're not the type to dine or entertain guests, or doubling down on antique cabinets and chairs if period and classic is your preferred interior design style.
As larger furniture items like couches and cabinets tend to be more expensive — especially if you plan to splurge on quality — there is the general pull to buy standard, classic style pieces that will stand the test of time and surpass trends. That said, furniture doesn't always have to be classic to be considered timeless timeless.
In fact, many designs that were once considered kooky and unique are some of the mainstays in interior décor today. The trick is to find something that matches other pieces in the home, no matter how basic or outlandish they are. Here are 5 unique home items that serve important functions in a space and are full of character:
Something For The Bedroom: A Handcrafted Armoire
Every bedroom needs a dresser, and there's no reason why you should stick to a standard chest of drawers in a simple wood unless you're into minimalist interior design.
This medium-sized furniture is often overlooked in terms of design, typically used as a shelf for smaller accessories and knickknacks. But a dresser can serve as an accent piece in a room if it's adorned with details and is in a color that pops off of the wall, as seen on this handcrafted beauty from Anthropologie. The chinoiserie carvings are whimsical and unique without being childish, given the natural state of the wood the drawers are made of. Such a design works well in traditional style homes as well as rustic abodes.
Something For The Living Room: Pet-Conscious Loungers
A sofa can make or break a living room, considering it's the largest piece in what could be the largest space in the house. There are endless configurations and makes that allow this piece of seating to dictate what the rest of the living room should look like. That said, many tend to err on the side of caution and pick out classic couches that match most designs.
But just because you would opt to play it safe in this investment piece (although an emerald green sofa looks divine) does not mean it has to be bland. This iconic couch by Korean designer Mun Seungji takes an otherwise minimalist sofa and uses interesting shapes and cuts of wood to integrate a pet bed on the couch's armrest. It's utilitarian without feeling boring and minimalist without feeling flat — talk about a fantastic investment that's set to surpass design trends. Not to mention it could be the best couch for you and your furry roommate.
Something For The Dining Room: Statement Seating
Dining set-ups are typically traditional and simple in design, allowing accessories like table runners and toppers to take on the responsibility for aesthetic and style. In a way, it seems as though many product makers have little room to innovate when it comes to dining tables and chairs.
But some designers have made it their mission to create unique seating pieces that can be used in an eating space. Filipino designer Vito Selma designs architectural pieces that are anything but boring, and are sure to be the talk of your guests for Sunday brunch. A statement chair with interesting geometry brings visual interest to what is usually seen as a formal room that can only be adorned with accessories.
Something For The Study: An Interesting Yet Functional Desk
More and more people are updating their spaces to accommodate a home office, what with the shift in work arrangements. The quintessential work desk and chair can take many forms depending on the person using the space, but more often than not, people will pick a plain jane desk with an ergonomic seat as their weapons of choice.
But tables and chairs need not be plain, even in the workspace where utility reigns supreme. If you love art or work in a creative industry and need inspiration, why not work from a space that screams creativity and uniqueness? This modular desk and cabinet hybrid in the shape of an elephant from Filipino designer Kenneth Cobonpue is not for the faint of heart, and will definitely demand attention in a room. Place it in a large studio apartment where every guest can appreciate the artistry or tuck it away in a study room and make work time special.
Something For The Backyard: A Planter Bench
Outdoor furniture seems pretty standard — lounge chairs and tables, maybe a set—up for greenery. And because your outdoor space is more or less exposed to changing weather, the choice of materials for furniture is a bit limited. Save for the big-ticket recreational furniture like swing sets or a table tennis set-up, outdoor home pieces tend to sway on the conservative, traditional side.
But every now and then, we'll find furniture designs that innovate based on the functions that these spaces perform. This outdoor bench from Industry West has a provision for a medium-sized planter in one of its legs, making it perfect for smaller patios that need to maximize floor space.
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