In the world of design, creativity often blooms from the unexpected. Imagine a space where every element tells a story, where reclaimed materials are dusted off and given a fresh start.
In residential design, there are the easy and all-too-often adopted tropes of the Airbnb, which can only be characterized as tasteful, yet easily reproduced minimalism, and the house flipper aesthetic that keeps the Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) industry alive. Why LVP flooring needs to die is a topic for another day, but don’t worry, we’ll get to it. In hospitality and commercial spaces, it tends to be more of a cool, cold modernism where since it’s assumed there will be hoards of people filtering through, every surface must be wipeable and sparkly.
In the days before Google Maps and eBay, when classifieds were king, the hunt for the perfect piece, regardless of success, was an exhilarating experience. Nowadays, when clients share the same passion for this thrill, it often leads to the most enjoyable projects.
Let there be recycled light fixtures
Light fixtures are a great way to introduce some vintage flair. We source from vendors worldwide to ensure each space tells a unique story. For a recent project with %Arabica, we sought a piece that not only fit the space, but also complemented the space. Collaborating with Blom & Blom, we were able to find the perfect light fixture — even if we had to locate it in Germany. Another instance involved our work on Roberta’s Pizza in Williamsburg, at the Domino Sugar Factory. For this, we found vintage lighting fixtures, which we revitalized by repainting them with automotive paint. Repurposing such items can truly transform a space, turning something as standard and mundane as a radiator into a functional decoration that adds character instead of just occupying space.
Repurposing Comes in different forms
Reimagining a chair as anything other than a chair can seem like reinventing the wheel. However, every so often, the perfect piece and idea emerge to achieve just that. Enter these Eames chairs. Exquisite on their own, yet when the need arose for a bench in a project, Nomura, a design firm based in Japan, ingeniously repurposed them into a stunning, one-of-a-kind bench.
This innovative approach resonates with the founder of Emmett’s Pizza, who shares a desire to create comfortable spaces full of character (our favorite). At his Gove Street location, we played the ultimate game of Tetris with repurposed vintage bowling alley seats, weaving them throughout the main dining room.
In the realm of design, every element we choose tells a story. From meticulously sourcing unique, upcycled pieces to imaginatively repurposing everyday items, each project offers an opportunity for reinvention. By blending the new with the old, incorporating textures, patterns, colors, and, most importantly, a heavy dose of personality, we inevitably achieve great results. While benefiting the planet is a welcome bonus, we are convinced that giving a second life to goods only increases their value. Design transcends mere functionality; in our work, it’s about creating spaces that resonate with emotions and narratives. These moments of ingenuity are a testament to the endless possibilities when imagination meets craftsmanship.
PARKBENCH ARCHITECTS