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Fresh & Funky DECOR

Description:

PUTTING THE FUN BACK IN FUNCTIONAL HOME DECOR
By: Jen, Domestik Goddess for Fashiontribes.com
Photo: Orange22.com

The artist/designer William Morris once said "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." Although an appropriate sentiment for the 1800s, what Morris probably didn't foresee was how product design has evolved into the 21st century. No longer does form trail along as a sad afterthought to function!

In any price range or category, the best pieces are designed to meld good looks and utility from the get-go – furnishings, appliances and home accessories that serve a practical purpose while bringing pleasure to the eye.

GLASS ACT The stem of the sexy Chill champagne flute is curved to fit your hand as if you were born to sip bubbly. Full-lead crystal, of course. Design by Nambé & available at Nambe.com.

MINIMAL DESIGN Seductive botanical patterns are precision-cut through sleek aluminum to create the Botanist series of occasional tables. Indoors or on the patio, these tables can double up as extra seating for a crowd. (Orange22.com)

GRIND & BREW For those mornings-after when you just can't haul yourself out to Starbucks... the night before, load up his sleek little beauty with coffee beans and set the timer for a fresh-ground brew when you're ready to shine. (Cuisinart.com)

LUNAR LOUNGE Channel the Jetsons with this clear-and-metallic Orbit table, very possibly the funkiest retro style furniture around. From GibraltarFurniture.com.

ROCK IT SOFT When it's solo time to game or groove, be one with your media in a Blast Pod Rocker. Plug in your DVD player, TV, VCR, game console, iPod or MP3 player – cords and ports are provided – and the controls are at your fingertips. A built-in 10-watt amplifier powers the 3-watt speakers in the headrest, while cushy curved seating lets you kick back in comfort. At Target.com .

MERMAID'S FANTASY This sleek, wall-mounted and framed AquaVista 500 aquarium hangs on the wall like a piece of framed art that's ever-changing and vividly alive. Hassle-free and low-maintenance, all the tank settings for your fishy masterpiece are easily managed with one programmable LCD control panel, and there's no assembly required. (AquaVistaInc.com)


TIPS! Here's what to seek in functional home fashion:

Sensual appeal Do you just want to reach out and touch the thing? Sniff it? Get naked and roll around on it?
Low maintenance Gear that's a pain to operate or clean is not what we'd call useful.
Compatibility Does it play well with the other stuff you own? Will it work for your lifestyle? Can you actually decode the instruction manual?Quality Cheap's great for the budget, but shoddy workmanship is never cool.Good Vibes Bottom line: is it you?

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