Although this quote comes from Ray Eames, and it seems silly to think of anything from that family being unstylish, the reason their pieces stand the test of time is their functionality. Do you have pieces in your home you wouldn't ever get rid of, even though they don't have the greatest look to them?
In my own home, I'd like to think we strive to keep what works and only buy what we love. "Loving" something, however, means testing it and making sure it has great looks and comfort. That said, there have been a few things that slid into our grasp, like an ugly faux-leather puffy sofa (I'd show you photos, but you might judge me), rescued from Craigslist and used in a basement with the game consoles and laundry room.
They were comfortable and served their purpose well, but there was a reason we confined them to the basement! What about in your own home? Share your thoughts below!
Image: Matthew Carter via Reason To Read)
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Yes! My vintage Steelcase desk chair, which I found at the Goodwill. It came from a bank and is beige plastic/metal with corporate bright blue upholstery. UGLY. However, it is insanely sturdy and comfortable no matter how many hours I sit. The goal is to someday fix it up ...
what "works good"?? I'm sorry -- I'm too much of a grammar snob to get on board with this... :)
Very well then, well.
Most obviously, a couple of tables about 90-100 years old and solid oak. One is a round kitchen table and one is a library table. A headboard of similar vintage. The library table is a family piece and the other two were bought for a total of $1.00 at different estate sales. A dining room table bought in the 60's and the Eames chairs that go with it. A piece of carpeting pieced together from scraps after a commercial installation--all wool--that is in great shape 30 years later.
We have a 30-year-old handmade butcher-block style table with so many leaves that we could comfortably seat You-Know-Who and His apolstles.
It's why I always end up hosting not only Thanksgiving, but Christmas, too.
The most important aspect to me is the balance between aesthetics and functionality. Sometimes i tip the scales more in favor of one than the other depending on the item. For a really comfy couch, i can overlook the fact that it may not be as nice-looking as I'd prefer. But I can't see myself living with a hard couch because it looks nice. Things that are built well can be tweaked, refurbished, refinished, and otherwise updated to look better. Good bones are essential.
agree with your first post @myaliya, can't get past the awful grammar.. yikes!
Haha...I was going to say the exact same thing as MyAliya and mountainkate. I don't care who came up with the quote...it's awful!
Horrid grammar makes for poor design.
Grammar aside, I take issue with the assertion of the quote itself; what does not work well remains unused, thereby lasting longer. What works well gets used more often and wears out faster. So for a truly lasting design it must be completely unusable.
A truly cringe-worthy quote.