Snowhome + Yorkshire List - What is Good Design

A big thank you to Yorkshire List who invited us to take part in their feature on home design.  

Yorkshire List helps readers discover the best of the region. They combine local expertise, trusted recommendations and audience insight to create useful, experience-led content that informs, inspires and connects people across the region.

Their most recent article considers family living spaces and, whilst we might not all be moving to a bigger space, we really enjoyed answering their questions about how to create a home space that is right for you (whatever size and shape that takes). Their question about home design also got us thinking about the concept of 'design' in general. 

Snowhome has always had a focus on good design but what does that mean? Is it a product that says it is 'design-led'? Does it have a designer tag? Is it only the reserve of high-end products? 

For us it isn't really any of those things. Of course, they may also offer good design,  but, at Snowhome, it is very simply products that fulfil their purpose, wear well,  are beautifully made and that will be a joy to use time and time again. 

One of our favourite quotes to sum this up is the answer the Italian artist and furniture designer Enzo Mari said gave when he was asked  ‘What is Good Design?’. Put very plainly and simply he said (when referencing design): 

• Good Is Sustainable

• Good Is Accessible 

• Good Is Functional

• Good Is Well Made

• Good Is Emotionally Resonant

• Good Is Enduring

• Good Is Socially Beneficial

• Good Is Beautiful

• Good Is Ergonomic

• Good Is Affordable

What a lovely way of talking about a term that can feel shrouded in knowledge of key brands and names or high-end costs. It says it all really and it's what Snowhome has always been about; Good Design for Life.

So, whether that is the classic French drinking glass you sip your water from or the beautifully made stationery fans of the shop know is a key part of the shop; we aim to bring you collections for your desk and life that will fulfil everything that Enzo spoke about.

You can read more about our thoughts on design here and you can read Yorkshire Life's article on family home design here