Functionality vs. Aesthetics

I've always been a creature of comfort and functionality—I'm a Taurus, after all. 🙂

Beds, pillows, chairs, desks, pens, clothes, shoes, bags… you name it. I always want to make sure I prioritize function and comfort over looks.

Recently, I came across a post online by Hokuoh Kurashi where architect Akira Toda and textile designer Yuko Toda give a tour of their ever-growing, deeply personal space: their kitchen. Over the years, their home has evolved—and, considering both of them are designers, it’s clear they’ve prioritized adapting their home to their lifestyle and life stage rather than focusing solely on “the look.”

Last week, I found myself in search of a drafting table. I spent dozens of hours browsing online, undecided between buying a professional drafting table that tilts like an easel, or a regular table with drawers (paired with a separate tabletop easel). I was even open to buying secondhand for the sake of budget. My requirements were pretty basic: enough space for art supplies, some drawers for storage, and ideally the ability to tilt for use as an easel.

Then, while browsing Facebook Marketplace, I found one—brand new in the box—for only $60! I debated for a few days, compared prices on multiple websites, and kept looking just in case I could find one with more drawers, a larger tabletop surface, or something a little “prettier.” But after a short burst of decision-making, I grabbed my keys on Friday afternoon and told my husband: “Be right back, I’m going to pick up that table!”

So I show up with the table, brand new in the box. My husband assembles it (because every time I try to build furniture, I end up with a mystery bag of leftover parts—this is NOT my forte). Voila! The table is assembled.

…And then comes the surprise: the stool.

It turned out to be too tall for the table, which means I have to hunch over while working—leaving me with the worst low back pain. So here I go again, now in search of a stool.

Part of me thought, Maybe I should have gone with the prettier table, or even another standing desk like the one I use in my home office. But I wanted to be “cool,” to have the artsy look, instead of looking at the overall system—table + chair.

Bottom line: We can always go for the look, but if it doesn’t work, the whole system is useless.

With the rise of online marketing, social media influencers, and the constant bombardment of “aesthetic goals,” it’s easy to lose sight of the first priority when making design decisions. Function comes first. The item—or in this case, the system = table + chair—has to do what it’s supposed to do. Period. No ifs, ands, or buts. Don’t buy something just because it looks good. Before you buy, ask yourself:

• Does it perform adequately?

• Does it adapt to your lifestyle, life stage, or unique conditions?

• Does it meet your desired aesthetics?

If the answer is yes to all —then go for it. ✅