The Hidden World of Functional Art

​For people who collect art there is the usual process of acquiring and displaying art. Artwork is chosen, gently delivered into a household and then installed or displayed in an area which would be visible to the collector.

Hidden Art Detail, Batibot Chair

​Functional art is a new trend which we are currently promoting in the gallery - art which serves not mainly as a decorative purpose but also has practical uses.

Pair of Door Handles by Richard Buxani

Functional art refers to aesthetic objects that serve utilitarian purposes. The genre is remarkably inclusive: it encompasses everything from furniture and lighting to dishes and even books.

Functional art is generally applied art - art created for use, designed to serve a purpose and with an aesthetic in mind. It’s art that serves a function, but is also designed artistically for purpose of displaying beauty.

R2D3 Lamp by Retrospect Studio, designed by Ram Mallari

Furniture is the most common example of functional art. Well crafted furniture - tables, chairs, lamps or lights- have been collected for many years not just for its form and design but also functionality.

Wall Display and Lamps by Retrospect Studio, design by Ram Mallari

Similarly, fixtures such as door handles, knockers, and doors are also being collected due to their artful form and their practical function. Other types of functional art are mirrors, table settting items such as candle holders.

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FIND YOUR PERFECT COUCH MATCH!

Sofas and couches may be one of the furniture pieces that one could not miss out on. Just like the previous post, your choice of couch would still depend on your preference and, of course, your lifestyle.

Get your pen and paper and follow this guide before purchasing a couch that will suit you best!

If you want a couch that will give you extra comfort, choose among these:

Lawson – mostly overstuffed with layers of pillow, this couch is perfect for relaxation and even naps!

English rolled arm – another cozy couch that also has big and soft cushions for your comfort if you just want to lounge and watch tv.

English rolled arm sofa

But if you want something that looks more formal but comfortable at the same time, this should help your sofa-hunting:

Tuxedo – the arms and back of this couch are of the same height, so pillows are suggested for added comfort.

And for those who want a classic touch in their homes:

Chesterfield – originally named for a gentleman who wished his suit to not wrinkle while sitting. This is perfect for a man cave if you choose to have leather as upholstery. If you want something more feminine, choose a velvet fabric for that glam look!

Cabriole – this sofa is a classic 18th century furniture. This could also be a statement piece for your home!

There are a lot more sofa choices but these will do for now. Have you decided which couch to get yet? More tips and guides when you subscribe to our mailing list!!

ARE THRIFT SHOPS A GOOD IDEA?

We all have different preferences, especially in terms of where we buy our things. But when it comes to furniture, which is one of the vital elements in furnishing our house, does it matter if it’s expensive or brand new?

Your furniture is also your investment, but if you’re one of those people who would not mind getting their things, i.e. furniture, from a thrift shop and loves vintage, then read along. We have a few reminders when you decide to hit the thrift shops and buy yourself a couch, table, or other types of furniture for your home.

To start with, identify your style first. Have a vision in mind about how you would like your space to look like. Then, have a list of your measurements and determine your budget in order to narrow down your choices when you finally go thrift shopping.

Next, be meticulous. Just because you’re thrift shopping, it doesn’t mean you have to be too lenient and neglect all the necessary details. Make sure that tables and other wooden furniture only have minimal scratches and if you’re purchasing things with cushions, i.e. couch, check if there are foul odors or stains.

And lastly, examine if they are sturdy and still perfect for use. For chairs and sofas, test it out and sit on it. Does it sag? Check mechanisms by opening drawers, cabinet doors. Inspect joints. Are they wobbly? Look at the underside to see the construction. You'll find out if these are solidly made, in need of some repair or totally not worth it.

All in all, thrift shops are indeed a good idea for when you buy your furniture, especially if you’re on a tighter budget and if you’re a big fan of thrift shops. However, you still have to be keen & careful, and always remember to check the sturdiness of the pieces you want to purchase.

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SAVE OR SPEND???

One of the things I'm sure you want to know more of is what to invest in and what you can buy cheaply!

Here are some pointers on what to save and what to spend for your place:

FURNITURE - IT DEPENDS

Ok. Why? If you have a very tight budget, if you're still in the process of saving to acquire your furniture, then, by all means, start with lower priced items. However, if you are at the stage where your income is more substantial and you want something that will really last, I suggest looking for sturdier furniture. How will you know the quality? Well, honestly, it takes a while to learn. I myself started with cheaper furniture when I first got married because that is all I could afford. Now that we've built up our savings, I do invest in higher quality furniture. Knowing what types of furniture are of high quality and those that are less quality will take another blog post though.

PLANTS - SAVE

Plants are all the rage nowadays. What I love about this is that they naturally soften the place and makes it look inviting. If you are a new plant collector, I do suggest taking the time to learn which ones are sturdy! Air plants haven't died for me yet. Try tillandsia-- beautiful and I only water twice a week.

ORGANIZERS - SAVE

These are life savers in making your day better by ensuring that everything is at its right place. I say save on the organizers. There are expensive ones but trust me, you'd need a ton. Before buying any, find out first what items you will store, then categorize them and count the number you need. Oh and do be resourceful-- there are plenty of things you can use as organizers even if it wasn't meant for that purpose.

PILLOWS - SPEND

Ok. This might be personal for me... Maybe it's my age! I do prefer a soft (but not too soft) fluffy pillow. I have been searching for the best one ever since and so far what I have always loved are those Shangri-La pillows. Arghh! They are fluffy and has just the right softness. The problem with that is they are custom made for Shangri-La. Maybe I should just buy it there. Believe me, I've collected a ton of pillows over the years. If you have the perfect pillow, do comment below.

DÉCOR AND ACCESSORIES - A MIXTURE

Some say don't spend while others like to do so. I think this is more personal. I have collected décor over the years... sometimes, I just cannot resist! Some came from my travels while others are from my local jaunts. For items like throw pillows and table linen, you should not spend a fortune because these are the ones that are easy to change depending on the season or for occasions. 

ART - SPEND

I believe art is subjective. However, having said that, in your most prized areas, let's say your living room, a piece of well-chosen art can totally make or break your space. No prints please! If you've never owned any painting or sculpture before, maybe this is the time to go for it. You don't need to spend hundreds of thousands to find something you love. You just have to be resourceful. Perhaps start with looking at galleries. Do it in person, not online... Yeah, I know... but for you to truly find one that is worthy of your attention, you must see it LIVE. Not to worry, in future posts, I will discuss more on collecting art.

Alright!!! This is my first post for the blog. I will be having more posts about what to save or spend. Let me know your thoughts or questions below.

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