When designers decide to break the rules, even the most ordinary household items can become something extraordinary. Here’s the proof.
Take a look around your home. You’re surrounded by everyday objects so familiar they’ve become practically invisible—your light bulbs, your corkscrew, your coat hooks. But what happens when a designer looks at these items and asks: “What if we completely rethought this?”
Sometimes, the answer is pure magic. To show you what we mean, we’ve gathered 10 brilliantly redesigned objects that prove a little creativity can turn the mundane into something marvelous.
01. The light bulb that doubles as sculpture
Forget what you know about light bulbs. The Plumen 001 takes a compact fluorescent bulb and transforms it into a piece of art. With its glass tubes twisted into elegant, interwoven curves, this bulb doesn’t need a lampshade—it’s designed to be seen. On or off, it makes a striking visual statement.But it’s not just a pretty face. Designed by Samuel Wilkinson in collaboration with Hulger, the Plumen has earned serious acclaim—including a Design of the Year award and a spot in MoMA’s permanent collection. It’s proof that energy efficiency doesn’t have to be boring.
02. The citrus squeezer that looks like alien tech
Alessi’s Juicy Salif looks nothing like a typical lemon squeezer. Designed by Philippe Starck—who famously sketched it on a napkin while on vacation—this tall, spindly aluminum piece resembles a sci-fi creature more than a kitchen tool.Yet despite its dramatic look, it works perfectly, letting you squeeze fresh citrus directly into your glass. It’s been a conversation starter since the ’90s, showing how bold design can turn function into fascination.
03. The corkscrew with charm
Created by Italian designer Alessandro Mendini for Alessi, the Anna G. corkscrew might be the friendliest object in your kitchen. Designed as a smiling woman in a dress with outstretched arms, she turns opening a bottle of wine into a cheerful ritual.Since 1994, Anna G. has brought personality and playfulness to tabletops worldwide, reminding us that everyday tools can—and should—spark joy.
04. Coat hooks that look like wall art
Muuto’s Dots hooks reinvent the humble coat hook as minimalist art. Designed by Lars Tornøe, these circular wooden pegs look like contemporary wall decor when not in use. Available in multiple colors and sizes, they prove that practical items can be beautiful, too.With over a million sold, Dots have become icons of Scandinavian design—simple, smart, and strikingly good-looking.
05. The hair dryer as modern sculpture
When Dyson launched the Supersonic hair dryer in 2016, it changed the beauty industry. Abandoning the classic barrel shape, it features a unique loop that directs airflow—making it look more like a gallery piece than a grooming tool.By placing the motor in the handle, Dyson achieved better balance and a quieter experience. It’s a perfect example of how reinventing form can improve function.
06. The thermostat you’ll actually want to display
Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat turned a boring wall device into an object of desire. With its clean circular design and high-resolution display, it looks more like a stylish watch than a temperature control.The latest model offers an even larger screen and customizable information—from weather forecasts to air quality. It’s proof that smart design can elevate even the most utilitarian items.
07. The trash can that’s downright glamorous
Designer Karim Rashid brought his “sensual minimalism” to an unlikely product: the trash can. His Garbino wastebasket, inspired by the curves of Greta Garbo, turned trash disposal into a stylish act.With over seven million sold, the Garbino helped show that no object is too humble for good design. It’s even part of MoMA’s collection today.
08. The speaker that looks like a UFO
Bang & Olufsen’s BeoSound A1 speaker ditches the standard rectangular box for a sleek, circular form that could pass for a UFO. Made from perforated aluminum with a leather strap, it blends high-tech materials with a minimalist aesthetic.But it’s not just about looks—inside, it packs powerful sound and all-day battery life. It’s a speaker that sounds as good as it looks.
09. The carpet that’s secretly a chair
Stelios Mousarris’s Carpet Chair is a piece of visual magic. Made in collaboration with sculptor Jan Blythe, it looks like a floating Persian rug but functions as a fully supportive seat.Each chair takes months to craft and comes with a luxury price tag, but it brilliantly blurs the line between furniture and art.
10. The singing teeth synthesizer
Swedish designer Simone Giertz teamed up with Love Hultén to create the VOC-25—a synth with 25 sets of plastic teeth that “sing” when you play the keyboard. Resembling a retro computer, this one-of-a-kind instrument is as bizarre as it is brilliant.It’s not for sale, but it’s a fantastic example of how far creativity can go when there are no rules.
Final Thoughts
What ties these objects together isn’t just unusual looks—it’s a bold willingness to rethink the ordinary. They remind us that innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something new. Sometimes, it’s about seeing the everyday in a completely new light.For designers and dreamers alike, the lesson is clear: never stop asking, “What if we tried something different?” Often, the most amazing ideas begin by forgetting what you know and starting over.
