The Utilitarian Design
I don’t particularly believe in ‘destiny’, I am a true believer that our actions play a huge role in our story. However, the stars seem to be aligning for our next topic. From new clients, to personal needs and even what our inspirations have leant to. Give me all things utilitarian, all things whose primary role is about action.
If you’ve watched our stories or post from earlier this week you know that Leslie Tyler Design has an alter ego much less glamorous than Sasha Fierce. Our first business we started together was all about getting-things-done. We executed home delivery services for larger, big box companies. A twenty four foot box truck was our office admittedly our home at times. It wasn’t always pretty, most of the time fairly stinky think an old washer being hauled out of a mildewy basement. But despite the long hours and back breaking labor of it all I remember feeling so inspired, so encouraged ok, not always; some days just sucked and no one was singing ‘The Hills are Alive!’ . But starting your day with the sun rise has its perks.
I say all of that to say plainly. Our offices, our spaces dedicated to work. Where we do laundry, and where we take out the trash. These spaces can still be inspiring, they can still be full of creativity and life. And sometimes, the beauty is right before us.
Leslie Tyler Design has been busy organizing our next addition to the professional family. Requests to design commercial spaces has grown and we are excited to devote an entire team to create these spaces. During this process our perspectives of importance have certainly shifted. While spaces need to be beautifully designed were fairly comfortable in this department our commercial clients are now coming to us with specific tasks the space needs to meet for a variety of people. It has to appeal to more than just one client or more than just one family. We are currently designing for a co-working space than not only has a vast array of members but they each represent an entire business identity that we must take into account. No biggie.
When designing any space that is ‘utilitarian’ in nature. Made for work to be done - offices, rest rooms, locker rooms, etc. I begin by examining the space as it is. An empty warehouse, a laundromat or commercial kitchen. These spaces are generally never touched by the hand of an interior designer. For practical reasons but also, in my opinion, which probably would make our marketing team cringe, they don’t need to be.. Not that I wouldn’t fully enjoy doing the ‘back-of-the-house’ instead of the dining room of a downtown restaurant expected, but there is beauty and art within these spaces that is already there. The necessity of action taking place within them is the ultimate example of life like the accent piece Seven in our design. I take these cues, the wildness of untouched and organic design and apply it in how I approach utilitarian spaces..
Take a look at the steps we consider.
Let it be
Spend some time in the space without any expectation to change it. Any true designer will tell you that this is the first step in the design process. You have to let the space speak. If you come in already talking you won’t be able to hear what it is and what it needs.
Add what you NEED
Examine what tasks need to be performed and provide the necessary tools to do the task. Aside from hanging art, which definitely can serve a need, space should be only be taken up by necessary additions. The couch in the dentist waiting room doesn’t need six throw pillows. There won’t be any Netflix binging going on.
Make those needs beautiful
If there is only a need for one chair and a desk, don’t force a water feature, reading nook and vanity. Just focus on sourcing the most beautiful chair and desk.
Add life
You don’t need to be a plant lady but you do need to add at least one plant, somewhere. Succulents are a great choice if you don’t have a green thumb.
Walk away
When our firm does a project we come back to a space after three months, and then six months after that to check in with the client. With utilitarian spaces especially it is necessary to know when it is complete. I tend to ride on the side of minimalism. Much like theatre and the use of props. If it doesn’t have a purpose, toss it!
Now of course, there is a time and a place for opulence, for being over the top and creating spaces made to wow. But we must not overlook the beauty that exists within the spaces that life occurs. The kitchen is often more beautiful than the dining room. Back stage is often more captivating than what is performing on stage.