In small living spaces, it ain’t just about squeezing in furniture; it’s also a challenge to fit small gadgets around. That’s where multi-functional or modular items come into play, especially for those living in cramped apartments or individuals in tiny homes. These designs combine several purposes into one object, but not all combinations work great; sometimes it’s more about aesthetics or selling the concept.
This quirky yet attractive concept design may resemble a decorative piece, but it’s actually a handheld vacuum cleaner disguised cleverly. Believe it or not, it’s also a subtle mood lamp to style your desk, creating the vibe you seek. And wait, it doubles as an Ikebana vase for a single stem flower. It’s somehow everything at once, bringing together these different functionalities without losing focus on its main goal: making life easier for its owner, even in tight quarters.
Designer: Seunghyeon Kim (Focus Studio)
Typically, you wouldn’t think a vacuum cleaner be visually pleasing, yet this Budding design concept manages to bridge that gap. Drawing inspiration from nature, think about how a sprout curves as it grows; this design flows and spirals upward from its base in an elegant smooth manner. This alone provides plenty of decorative appeal, but its usefullness doesn’t stop there.
That upward section of the tube functions as a handheld vacuum, akin to those simpler models often found in budget online stores. Its design cleverly conceals a mundane yet useful object in plain sight—but how well it works might depend closely on how good you can keep it cleaned after each use. Moreover, it’s designed for easy assembly, letting you take apart the cylindrical vacuum to swap its filter when it’s due.
The base? It’s serves as a gentle mood light, casting a soft glow that aims to create a cozy atmosphere. It ain’t meant to flood the room with light, nor is the angle right for that purpose. There’s no clear indication about whether the hue or brightness can be adjusted, which could be a downside since some folks might not enjoy a constant yellowish glow.
Even though it’s not a traditional vase at all, Budding’s curved shape allows for a single flower stem to be elegantly propped up. It stands as a metaphor for the design’s sprout concept, although its minimalist style does limit which flowers pair well with it. Still, having two hidden functions within a decorative object is bound to resonate with individuals living in small places with simpler tastes.