The Happy Birthday Tessa and Lisa collection is not comprised of the most typical furniture designs. In fact, right off the bat designer Tessa Koot confesses that she cares nothing for timeless creations, stating, "It could very well be my design turns out to be a bad haircut from the eighties." It is through this nonchalant acknowledgment that her kitschy, creepy creations are born.
Collaborating with photographer Lisa Klappe for Dutch Design Week, the Happy Birthday Tessa and Lisa collection embraces the idea of "a dysfunctional family of overlooked objects" by showcasing "their mutual love for the unwanted and the useless," as written on their exhibit description. This is accentuated by the addition of sad, pale children, caged pets and panther posters in the photoshoot.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Kitsch Revival
- Designers can explore the opportunity to revive kitschy and unconventional designs, that defy traditional furniture aesthetics, in innovative ways.
- Dysfunctional Aesthetics
- There is potential for creatives to incorporate dysfunctional and uncomfortable design elements, such as caged pets and sad children, to evoke emotion from consumers in furniture design innovation.
- Dark Playfulness
- The trend of playful yet creepy furniture designs can lead to discovery of visually interesting and thought-provoking ways, of incorporating contrasting elements to create innovative furniture pieces.
Where This Applies
- Furniture
- Innovative furniture companies can use kitsch designs, such as those featured in the Happy Birthday Tessa and Lisa collection, to appeal to consumers who seek unconventional or unique pieces that tell a story.
- Photography
- Photographers can explore incorporating unusual furniture pieces, props and elements such as caged pets and odd posters, to create evocative and thought-provoking storytelling environments.
- Art and Decor Retail
- Art and decor shops can capitalize on the increasing trend of kitsch and unconventional design by showcasing collections that appeal to consumers looking for unique and unexpected pieces that can be conversation starters in their homes.
