Good Design that's not Sublime

     If you take a look around your home or apartment, you may notice some necessary components that aren't exactly "pretty". Some of these objects or systems can be eyesores, but are essential to make the space function as it does. While these things can be designed to look more appealing to the naked eye, they were not originally designed for this purpose. 

    Take these things for example:

• ceiling fans 
• ceiling tiles
• HVAC doors/covers
• air vents

   

Ceiling fans are a great way to light the space while keeping it cool in the summer, but they do not look very nice. Sure, they you can order them in nicer finishes, but there's no real way to truly make them look like they belong. Ceiling tiles are also a super innovative product that is an inexpensive way to hide pipes in commercial settings. Some companies, like Innovative Ceilings Inc., create products that are "manufactured with 70% post consumer recycled glass". However, they are not the nicest finish one could use on a ceiling. Painting them black is a great way to hide the ugliness, but there is no way to really make the tiles look great. 

    HVAC covers are another thing that are necessary to a home's function, but something that is annoying to look at and plan furniture around. They have to be cleaned often and are a real pain, but there is not any way around it. Air vents allow continuous air flow through the home but can be annoying (or great) when they are blowing right on you. Once again, decorative covers are an option but still not the most beautiful things to look at. 

    While these things are not decorative or "sublime", they are useful and help keep us comfortable in homes. Ceiling tiles may not be the nicest finish, but are the cheaper option when it comes to commercial projects like schools, hospitals, and office buildings. Thankfully there are ways to cover and decorate these things to make them blend in more and make greater sense. 

Citations

Homepage. Innovative Ceilings. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2021, from https://www.inceilings.com/home/. 

By. (2020, June 19). Best ceiling alternative: Drop ceiling tiles: 1 (888) 717-8453. Talissa Decor Ceiling Tiles. Retrieved October 29, 2021, from https://www.talissadecor.com/drop-ceiling-tiles/.