040611behavior-01.jpg We talk a lot about simplifying our lives, usually starting with clearing out the physical clutter in our homes and sometimes involving incorporating cleaner, more streamlined modern furniture that fits a certain simple aesthetic.

040611behavior-02.jpg But what about not just buying furniture for aesthetic desires, but to alter your habits to fit a lifestyle you want to achieve? Two examples immediately come to mind. Urbancase, a small design company in Seattle, has two pieces: their Ledge is reminiscent of the old-fashioned writing desk—updated for electrical needs—and created to encourage simple, undistracted correspondence. Their Emergency Cocktail Station was designed because urbancase founder Darin Montgomery wants to see more pre-dinner socialization and less veg-out-in-front-of-the-TV-after-work habits.

Dean Heckler’s One Less Desk fits this idea, too. Designed to help folks shake off the old way we used to work—with giant desks to hold all our giant tech things—One Less Desk isn’t just about creating a desk with a slim profile. By taking away more surface area, it forces you to avoid stacks and clutter, perhaps slowly helping you achieve a more organized state of living (or at the very least desk working).

Do you think furniture can alter behavior and encourage desired habits? Or do you think it’s all up to the person—no furniture piece is going to hurt or help? Do you have items in your home you bought specifically to inspire you to adopt a habit, like closet organizational tools or a different type of work station or even maybe a writing desk? Have you managed to change your ways that involved a DIY project rather than an expensive, new piece? Let us know in the comments!

Images: Dean Heckler Design website and urbancase website.