Emily Pilloton's Emotional Design

We recently enjoyed Emily’s posts on Inhabitat about sustainability in Dutch Design. She writes, ‘What seems unique to Dutch design is a passionate concern for engaging the user emotionally and intellectually. It is, in fact, this concern for human interaction which makes much of Dutch design so engaging - and what often also makes it eco-friendly by default.’ Then a little Inhabitat birdy told us about Emily’s own design work. It is great to see that what Emily finds so wonderful about Dutch design can also be seen in her furniture. This 'Human Nest' chair was shown at Haute Design earlier this year and is a good example if how you can make emotional and lasting connections with objects through the materials you use. Emily makes these ‘Human Nests’ by tying old scraps of fabric to a bamboo frame chair. You can continually add to it as you use it over time, maybe an old beloved t-shirt which is beyond wearable, but you can’t bear to throw away. Emily’s other designs also show a passion for 'engaging the user emotinally', they echo sentiments of people's lives and the story of each individual object.

She describes her work as being ‘inspired by existing beauty. It gives to existing objects a new life, an extended lifespan as something fresh and exciting. My design process begins with an existing object— a client's heirloom rocking chair, a rescued antique—and ends with a custom-designed piece that is truly one-of-a-kind and unique to the user. More than refinishing or reupholstery, my furniture represents a commitment to and a celebration of the object itself-an acknowledgement that our furniture has its own history, it carries our stories, incites nostalgia, brings us comfort beyond the physical, and ages with us like old friends.’ If only we could connect with all our furniture like old friends then I am sure we would cherish them more and want them to live to a ripe old age. The Human Nest Chairs are on show and available to order from The Future Perfect. Thanks to Jill for the tip. ::Emily Pilloton.