Potty mouth

Last week, I had the occasion to meet with a few moms from the new Montessori school that my daughter is enrolled in and sip some coffee and chat.

The house was a turn of the century stick style and thoughtfully decorated with a few unexpected touches.

As I was leaving I thought it might be wise for me to visit the loo.

Good thing it was coffee and not wine or I might have shouted, "Holy s#!%! Why have I never seen these before?!"

Instead, I contained my enthusiasm for this product and promptly bought two online.

I had no idea such things existed. I was thrilled that the bathroom needs of a small child were solved neatly without the unattractive accoutrements that I currently have.

Have you found an unusual and amazing product lately?
I've got another one for you tomorrow.

Clever

We all have seen something that makes us slap our forehead and say," Why didn't I think of that?!"

Here are a few recent Pinterest finds that had me saying that.

source

This paper towel holder is on my kitchen redo wishlist. One of my many, many peeves is stuff on the kitchen counter so several times a day I put the roll of paper towels away. Then my husband takes it out again. This is has the possibility to save many a marriage.

source

I saw this pull out cutting board over a trash can and said , "DUH!!" Why doesn't every kitchen have these? I would hope the board pops out for cleaning.

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Hmmmmm. Maybe with different chairs. I was thinking something with a lower back. If it it were possible to find two matching vanity chairs or these...

What cool thing do you wish you thought of?
Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for my final "Spring into Action" project finale.

Which came first-form or function?

Years ago, when I was in college I took a design theory class that I loved. If I could take that particular course again I would. Seeing it through different, older eyes would be interesting.

We talked about form and function mostly. We talked about the design of taillights, ad nauseum. 

We discussed stalacmites and stalactites and smoke vortices. 

I did a research paper on the latter. It covered the question "does form follow function?" I don't remember what I said but I put a lot of thought into it and I'm pretty sure I got a B+.

I still ponder this question on a day to day basis.

The mavericks of post-modern design answer the question with objects almost totally devoid of ornament. 

le Corbusier

When you discover beautiful things does this question come up? Do you wonder why it is you prefer one style over another?

roll arm

For instance, the curve of a roll-arm chair vs. a track-arm style seems on the surface to be a matter of style preference. The roll arm being for the sake of ornateness.

track arm

I think the roll-arm, while traditionally traditional, gets its form from the necessary function of comfort . The track-arm, while seemingly lacking in ornament is rather the opposite. Its streamlined appearance is for looks and not comfort.

I suppose that ornament does not necessarily lack function.
A painting's function is ornament.

In nature, form always follows function whether it be self-preservation or other forces that cause its form. 

In design, form does not always follow function. Sometimes form is just form.

While utilitarian need not be ugly, I think life would be pretty boring without ornament for ornament's sake.

Do you prefer purely functional, yet beautiful designs over decorative objects?