Some things are made to be pretty. Some things are made to be functional. Can some items have the best of both worlds? Of course. But at what point should you sacrifice the function of something in order to have something aesthetically pleasing? It could be a beautiful couch you’ve been watching for months that would pull your whole space together only to find out it is the most uncomfortable thing you could imagine. Do you sacrifice your personal taste and get the comfy (and ugly) couch from Menards? Or do you grin and bear it and avoid sitting on your couch for long periods of time?
Personally, I cannot be one to advocate for function. I really wish I could. Whether it is the furniture I buy or the clothes I wear, I will always choose fashion over the function. Did I build the entire color scheme of my apartment around my bright yellow chair? Yes. But is it slowly falling apart? Also yes. Does my collection of ceramic cats make the best use of the limited space in my studio apartment? Not at all. But are they cute? Yes.
Whether you lean more towards the function of decor and furniture in your life, or you’re like me and go for everything that catches your eye, lean into it. Both sides of this ongoing debate in the design world will never see eye to eye. But don’t let it stop you from doing what makes you happy with your space.
April 2, 2022 at 5:13 pm
i seem to have the exact opposite problem- if it functions it stays (no matter how different it is compared to the rest of the room). Man, I wish there was a website to help with the blending of these two issues
April 2, 2022 at 9:31 pm
I am definitely the opposite! I wish I cared about the aesthetic of the room more, but if it’s comfy, I will alwayssss choose that over the look!
April 5, 2022 at 11:10 pm
It’s interesting to read about your thoughts on fashion over function. Interior design is pretty interesting and i like seeing different viewpoints on it.
April 6, 2022 at 4:24 am
This is such an interesting debate! I definitely agree with you, I tend to pick pieces based on how they look over how functional they are. This has sometimes been a problem for me though. For example, I bought a saucer dish couch instead of a futon for my dorm room freshman year. I still have it, it’s very cute and lightweight, but it is very uncomfortable, and I can’t sit on it for long periods of time. Still, I like having the things in my room say something about me, so I’d still pick fashion over function every time.
April 6, 2022 at 3:19 pm
I really like your point that no matter which side of the spectrum you fall, lean into your choices and embrace it! I tend to lean more towards function, and then complain that everything does not match me aesthetic. Things can be a win/lose situation in that sense, but when you’re on a budget, I have learned to deal with it.
April 6, 2022 at 9:23 pm
I always try to find the perfect balance of function and fashion, but usually just tend to get the one that looks better.