Abstract: The Art of Design
If you could spend hours scrolling through different styles, from coastal grandmother to industrial loft, this Netflix series is for you. Each episode dives into the mind of a single, brilliant designer. For the home-obsessed, the must-see is the episode on
interior designer Ilse Crawford. She explores how design isn't just about making things look good but about creating environments that support our well-being. Crawford designs everything from high-end hotels to IKEA products, proving that thoughtful design can and should be accessible to everyone. It’s a powerful reminder that the choices we make in our homes—the textures, the lighting, the layout—have a real impact on our daily lives.
Eames: The Architect and the Painter
You may not know their names, but you definitely know their work. Charles and Ray Eames were the iconic husband-and-wife duo of mid-century modern design. This documentary is a deep dive into their creative partnership and the explosion of innovation that came out of the Eames Office. They are most famous for their molded plywood and fiberglass chairs, pieces that married industrial manufacturing with artistic elegance. For anyone who has ever favorited a sleek, Eames-inspired lounge chair, this film provides the rich backstory. It reveals that great furniture design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about solving problems, understanding materials, and creating a better way of living through the objects we use every day.
Objectified
Ever wonder who decides the shape of your toothbrush or the click of your keyboard? This film pulls back the curtain on the world of industrial design. It explores our complex relationship with the manufactured objects that fill our lives, from the mundane to the high-tech. If you love the endless variety of products available at your fingertips, "Objectified" offers a fascinating look at the creative process behind them. The film interviews the world’s most influential product designers, revealing their methods for re-evaluating and re-inventing our environment. It will make you think differently about every single item in your home, questioning not just if it looks good, but why it was made that way in the first place.
Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things
This one might seem like a counter-intuitive pick. If you love filling your cart on Wayfair, why watch a film about getting rid of stuff? Because it offers a powerful and thought-provoking counter-narrative to our consumer culture. The film follows Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who traded their high-paying corporate jobs and material possessions for a simpler, more intentional life. It’s not about living in a stark, empty room, but rather about questioning what truly adds value to our lives. After watching, you may not get rid of all your belongings, but you will likely look at your next potential purchase with a new question in mind: does this truly serve a purpose or bring me joy?
Grand Designs
While technically a television series, this British program is a must-watch for anyone who fantasizes about building their perfect home from the ground up. Each episode follows a different family or individual as they embark on an often-dramatic journey of creating an ambitious, architect-designed home. Host Kevin McCloud guides viewers through the entire process, from the initial plans to the inevitable construction setbacks and budget overruns. It's a captivating look at the passion, creativity, and sheer willpower it takes to turn a blueprint into a real-life dream home. For anyone who loves the transformative power of a well-designed space, this show delivers endless inspiration and a healthy dose of reality.
