The Objects We Live By exhibition by Emma Louise Payne transforms her Paddington townhouse into a lived-in gallery, presenting nine makers’ work across five storeys. Each room integrates crafted pieces like rugs, vessels, and lighting into domestic settings rather than staged displays. The goal is to show how design becomes part of everyday life, not just decoration.
Participating designers include Brogan Cox x Nat Maks, Gather Glass, and Granite & Smoke, each contributing work that highlights material texture and usability. Payne’s curatorial approach places craft directly into kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, encouraging visitors to experience pieces in context. The exhibition reveals how design shapes routine through subtle presence, illustrating that objects we live by are as functional as they are beautiful.
Image Credit: London Design Festival
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Home-gallery Hybrid Spaces
- Blending living spaces with gallery aesthetics introduces a fresh perspective on how everyday objects can be both functional and artistically inspiring.
- Contextualized Craftsmanship
- Integrating artisanal creations into familiar environments emphasizes their practical value and transforms the perception of everyday design.
- Material-driven Narratives
- Focusing on the textures and usability of materials in home settings adds a narrative layer to domestic spaces, enhancing the engagement with everyday objects.
Where This Applies
- Interior Design
- The integration of gallery concepts into residential interiors is redefining how space and objects are perceived and utilized in everyday life.
- Artisanal Craft Industry
- The demand for distinctive, handcrafted home goods that serve functional purposes highlights a growing appreciation for craftsmanship.
- Home Furnishings
- Home furnishings are evolving to incorporate more artistic and unique elements, aligning with consumers' desires for personalization and aesthetic value in their living spaces.
