Monday, March 4, 2013

Materials in Design

Hope everyone had a great weekend and that the week starts with the right food! As you read this post most probably you are sitting at home having a nice cup of coffee or taking a little break at work from your projects... no matter where you are take a look around you and make an assessment of the many materials that surround you: glass, metal, fabric, plastic and so on.

Image Credit

Last week we talked that everything that has been designed has to fulfill a purpose or have a specific function for why it exists. But, for that object to become reality it have to have materiality or has to be made of something and the make up of that material will determine if the design of that object will fulfill its function to its maximum potential.


Materials change the look of an object and what is used for and the top images are great examples of how materials change the look and use of a chair. Another great example is paint finishes... as a finished product paints have a materiality that is expressed through its finishes and what they are best suited for {check this ARTICLE  for more on that}.
Materiality's sister is called craftsmanship and they usually go hand in hand. Poor materials {like cheap T-shirts} usually are treated by poor craftsmen who see that material as something that won't last. On the other hand, good materials are appreciated for what they are and great products are created out of them.

Have a great week and wonder about the materials around you!
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24 comments:

  1. A Life Un-StyledMarch 4, 2013 at 3:53 AM

    Materiality, craftsmanship, purposefulness and intentionality are what we try to achieve with our home. Most of our pieces are vintage, picked up during our travels or made by our artist friends. A lot of sentiment and great talking points. What a beautiful way to begin the week - thinking about these things :)

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  2. tinajoMarch 4, 2013 at 4:50 AM

    Lovely collection - and too cute baby in the last pic! :-)

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  3. SamMarch 4, 2013 at 5:28 AM

    This was a great thought about materials, made me think about the fabrics in my own surroundings, and how much I love the contrast between different types of materials in one room.

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  4. kMarch 4, 2013 at 5:39 AM

    great thoughts on this!

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  5. little luxury listMarch 4, 2013 at 8:38 AM

    Thank you for the reminder! I have definitely come to appreciate both good materials and craftsmanship much more. They make such a difference in creating a great product!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  6. UnknownMarch 4, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    Love this post. xo

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  7. UnknownMarch 4, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    Wow, wow- I love the ghost chair with the monogram! I have a slight obsession with ghost chairs :-)

    always, koru kate

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  8. Tiffany KadaniMarch 4, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    I needed this post as I'm getting ready to move in and decorate a new apartment. Thank you! I adore that last photo.

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  9. Rowena @ rolala lovesMarch 4, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    I love the points you make in this post! I definitely consider the material and craftsmanship whenever I buy anything new for my home because I want things that will last.

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  10. BeautifulosophyMarch 4, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    Lovely post! I'm following you on Pinterest now. I love that first bathroom with the walls! Caroline

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  11. Audrey AllureMarch 4, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    Lovely post -- loving all of these images!

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  12. Lisa GordonMarch 4, 2013 at 1:02 PM

    Wonderful images, especially the last one.
    I am truly enjoying these posts.
    Hope you are having a wonderful day!

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  13. ALLIE NYCMarch 4, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    Ah yes so true the desk I have now is not the best. It was not too bad when I first bought it but not the best craftsmenship it is very shaky and squeaks every time I make the slightest movement. Ugh. Getting a new one soon on a site called Wayfair. It is about 70% solid wood so I think it will be ok.

    Ali of

    www.dressingken.com

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  14. Oh to Be a MuseMarch 4, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    Materials and paint finishes definitely change the look of a piece. Thanks for giving me something to think about.

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  15. OMarch 4, 2013 at 3:03 PM

    I love the difference the finish makes to materials. Have a great week! Xo

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  16. StaceyMarch 4, 2013 at 7:18 PM

    Beautifully written with some solid points! Great post!

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  17. Camila FariaMarch 4, 2013 at 9:28 PM

    Love this post! I'll definitely wonder about the materials around me now!

    http://naomemandeflores.com/en

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  18. Midnight CowgirlMarch 4, 2013 at 9:43 PM

    Good craftsmanship makes all the difference.

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  19. TiffanyMarch 4, 2013 at 10:54 PM

    materials are crucial. like in the first pic, you can have a monochromatic surface and the material creates a pattern playing with the lighting!

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  20. Lauren AshleyMarch 5, 2013 at 12:00 AM

    I love this, what an interesting way to look at your surroundings.

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  21. Thelma FrayneMarch 5, 2013 at 1:17 AM

    I love it when you know something was made to last forever. So rare nowadays!

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  22. UnknownMarch 5, 2013 at 2:59 AM

    There could definitely be more quality design today.
    I love the orange coloured furniture in the last pic!

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  23. Travel GourmandeMarch 5, 2013 at 4:00 AM

    Your post gave me a boost of creativity and inspiration all of a sudden. Thank you so much.

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  24. JohannaMarch 5, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    I kinda went gaa gaa over that lucite chair. I love lucite!

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