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Design Your Life: The Pleasures and Perils of Everyday Things
Design Your Life is a series of irreverent and realistic snapshots about objects and how we interact with them. By leading design thinker Ellen Lupton and her twin sister Julia Lupton, it shows how design is about much more than what’s bought at high-end stores or the modern look at IKEA. Design is critical a way to look at the world and wonder why things work, and why they don’t. Illustrated with original paintings of objects both ordinary and odd, Design Your Life casts a sharp eye on everything from roller bags, bras, toilet paper, and stuffed animals to parenting, piles, porches, and potted plants. Using humor and insight Ellen and Julia explore the practical side of everyday design, looking at how it impacts your life in unexpected ways and what you can do about it. Speaking to the popular interest in design as well as people’s desire to make their own way through a mass-produced world, this thoughtful book takes a fresh and humorous approach to make some serious points about the impact of design on our lives. Find out what's wrong with the bras, pillows, potted plants, and the other hopeless stuff you use, buy, clean, water, or put away everyday. Discover how to secretly control the actions of those around you by choosing and placing objects carefully. Find out how roller bags are threatening civilization, and how the layout of your own house might be making you miserable. Use the tools of self-publishing to take the power of branding into your own hands. Taking a fresh, funny look at parenthood, housekeeping, entertaining, time management, crafting, and more, Design Your Life shows you how to evaluate the things you use, and how to recognize forms of order that secretly inhabit the messes of daily life, be it a cluttered room or a busy schedule. Use this book to gain control over your environment and tap into the power of design to communicate with friends, family, and the world.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2009
17 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 8, 2009
I adored this book. It was witty and irreverent and insightful, all in one pretty little package.
September 1, 2009
one reviewer states "the chapter on 'piles' is worth the cost alone." I've got piles around my house.... ;)
July 21, 2018
I read this book because I thought it would tell me how to design my life, which is something I'm very much in need of. I was imagining a Marie Kondesque book, except I'd be learning to better curate my life by gaining a greater appreciation for my possessions, instead of throwing them all away. Now that I've had a year to recoup all the stuff that didn't spark joy at the specific moment I was struck by the life-changing magic of tidying up, I wanted a book that would tell me how my possessions could better enrich my life.
This book was written by a pair of sisters and started off as a blog. Once I figured that out, everything made much more sense. The book talks about the functionality of objects in our day-to-day lives, architectural fashions, decorating, entertaining, blogging and branding. The book is at turns interesting and funny, and, occasionally, dull. It did a delightful job of lulling me to sleep for several nights in a row, but not in a bad way. It just turns out that I'm not very interested in objects or interior design or dinner parties. Plus, I found the writing quite relaxing in a pleasant, meditative kind of way.
Even though this book didn't end up changing my life, I did learn a few interesting things. For example, if you're stacking a bunch of books on your dining room table, maybe it makes sense to turn that room into a library. That's revolutionary! (seriously...not sarcastically). I would never think to use a room for an alternative purpose. I'm a house traditionalist. But it did make me think about how I fill different spaces in my house. I throw my mail on a coffee table by my bed...maybe I could put a bin there! I throw library books on the floor next to my couch. Another bin! I throw dirty clothes on my bathroom floor. ANOTHER BIN! What I need is a trip to Target.
I also learned/enjoyed the following:
...porches were brought back to the suburbs as a way to foster community and encourage social interactions among neighbors, but unfortunately, the movement mostly failed because most porches are too narrow to foster lounging.
...I want a husband pillow. They sound very comfortable.
...I read the best description of why I hate shape-wear. Of shape-wear, the authors write: "Conflict erupts where Lycra meets unbridled flab." I've always felt this way.
...a "clutter magnet" is, for example, when one dirty cup "quickly attracts bad company." I think I have a clutter magnet problem.
This book was written by a pair of sisters and started off as a blog. Once I figured that out, everything made much more sense. The book talks about the functionality of objects in our day-to-day lives, architectural fashions, decorating, entertaining, blogging and branding. The book is at turns interesting and funny, and, occasionally, dull. It did a delightful job of lulling me to sleep for several nights in a row, but not in a bad way. It just turns out that I'm not very interested in objects or interior design or dinner parties. Plus, I found the writing quite relaxing in a pleasant, meditative kind of way.
Even though this book didn't end up changing my life, I did learn a few interesting things. For example, if you're stacking a bunch of books on your dining room table, maybe it makes sense to turn that room into a library. That's revolutionary! (seriously...not sarcastically). I would never think to use a room for an alternative purpose. I'm a house traditionalist. But it did make me think about how I fill different spaces in my house. I throw my mail on a coffee table by my bed...maybe I could put a bin there! I throw library books on the floor next to my couch. Another bin! I throw dirty clothes on my bathroom floor. ANOTHER BIN! What I need is a trip to Target.
I also learned/enjoyed the following:
...porches were brought back to the suburbs as a way to foster community and encourage social interactions among neighbors, but unfortunately, the movement mostly failed because most porches are too narrow to foster lounging.
...I want a husband pillow. They sound very comfortable.
...I read the best description of why I hate shape-wear. Of shape-wear, the authors write: "Conflict erupts where Lycra meets unbridled flab." I've always felt this way.
...a "clutter magnet" is, for example, when one dirty cup "quickly attracts bad company." I think I have a clutter magnet problem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2017
A hit or miss. While I appreciated the historical knowledge the twin sisters disseminated in tidbits, the bright drawings and satire, and an occasional shift in thinking about objects and the house as a social space, I found the humor slipshod - perhaps even cheap. If anything, the book gives a whimsical look into the face of frantic overdrive that has occupied American hearts and therefore homes (though that's something I was hoping to for a moment escape) and is also contemporaneous in that it can't seem to get enough of political leakage (even if, to be fair, life is politics)... Nevertheless, I was with the book when it had me thinking about curtains and culinary technologies, piles and chair arrangements, but wanted off the train when it spiraled into business cards and PowerPoints. I didn't come for that. And I wouldn't come for more. The mark of proof? I take nothing, not a grain, of this book with my consciousness as I plan for and try to design a new recent life and home. No new set of eyes here; and not my helping of humor. But, perhaps yours!
May 24, 2020
This was a joy to read, a truly delightful collection of short essays and stories that challenge the reader to see the every day objects we take for granted in a new light. Toast will never be the same again.
The book is not just for designers, but anyone who wants to understand how designers think, and how a design approach can enhance ways of understanding and critically appraising other areas and fields of enquiry.
Some of the formatting is understandably lost in the Kindle edition of this book, and so some discussions become tricky to follow occasionally. For example, the discussion on fonts is irrelevant when these fonts cannot be appreciated alongside the text. For this reason, and to keep the illustrations aligned with the associated text, I would recommend reading a print version of this, but either way, I would recommend the book to anyone.
The book is not just for designers, but anyone who wants to understand how designers think, and how a design approach can enhance ways of understanding and critically appraising other areas and fields of enquiry.
Some of the formatting is understandably lost in the Kindle edition of this book, and so some discussions become tricky to follow occasionally. For example, the discussion on fonts is irrelevant when these fonts cannot be appreciated alongside the text. For this reason, and to keep the illustrations aligned with the associated text, I would recommend reading a print version of this, but either way, I would recommend the book to anyone.
January 11, 2019
What a nifty little grab-bag!
Some entries are purely amusing, one outstanding example being the modern version of the Victorian "Language of Flowers" (a great big hit when I shared it with my friends at the art museum.) A few kid/family-oriented essays (not my favorite parts but possibly yours.)
Other essays are usefully instructive in the areas of home decor and graphic design (blogs, effective use of PowerPoint, even how to write your own manifesto.)
And the entire book is illustrated with many delightful, colorful drawings and paintings.
This would be a pleasant gift for a friend--or for yourself.
Some entries are purely amusing, one outstanding example being the modern version of the Victorian "Language of Flowers" (a great big hit when I shared it with my friends at the art museum.) A few kid/family-oriented essays (not my favorite parts but possibly yours.)
Other essays are usefully instructive in the areas of home decor and graphic design (blogs, effective use of PowerPoint, even how to write your own manifesto.)
And the entire book is illustrated with many delightful, colorful drawings and paintings.
This would be a pleasant gift for a friend--or for yourself.
April 24, 2019
This book is whimsical, sometimes funny, and certainly entertaining, and yet… everything just felt so utterly insignificant and unmemorable. It really doesn’t tell you anything about designing your life. I didn’t feel like I learned a single thing, and in fact couldn’t remember anything from the book the moment I finished it and closed the cover. Well, maybe just the ugly stuffies. That was just downright weird – who knew there was a market for such things? And more importantly, who cares?
July 27, 2019
really lovely, interesting, and shows what can be done when you mix graphic design degree with an English degree.
but not worth writing home about
but not worth writing home about
March 16, 2023
A simple, fun book, proto-GTD culture. 2009. Most of its wisdom could use an update but a bunch of fun inspiration ideas in here.
August 12, 2012
I loved this book. It’s a rarity and it’s creative. Well, it should be. It’s called Design Your Life and the authors’ (two of them and they are twin sisters) assertion is that design is creativity.
Things I particularly liked.
• No matter how perfect the bra fits and no matter how much you pay for it, none of them are perfect. Reason? Bras a symmetrical and breasts are not. Bras stay the same all month; breasts do not.
• It great to have a clean up frenzy and get your working space in order. However, the key to designing a system that works is not to clean it for a day or a month, but to make it work everyday for you. Develop a pattern that works and it will stay that way.
• Many of us like to think that we are good at multitasking—me included. However, regardless of age or ability, the truth is humans can only focus on one activity at a time. Anything else that is going on is subconscious and automatic. A tech person described it as “continuous partial attention.” Point taken.
• There is an archeology to signage and there really are good ways to tape a sign to a wall without ruing the wall. And there is an art/creativity to where a sign should be posted and how to make it draw the attention it needs.
• I started playing words for rice (freerice.com). It’s an Internet vocabulary game run by the U.N. For each word you get right, the UN donates 20 grains of rice to needy populations around the world. It’s a great way to test your vocabulary and increase it. Suggestions for new ways to giving(p. 121).
• No one seems to want to replace toilet paper when it runs out. Solution: get an open-ended holder with a upturned finial that allows you to slip in a new roll with one hand.
• The Power Point section is a must-read for all those thousands of people who have no idea what a Power Point presentation should look like, nor do they understand its purpose.
This off-beat, fun book with GREAT illustrations is a real treat. Thank you Cheryl, for introducing it to me. Can’t see how a person couldn’t enjoy it. Of course if you lack creativity and aren't interested in improving yours, forget it.
Things I particularly liked.
• No matter how perfect the bra fits and no matter how much you pay for it, none of them are perfect. Reason? Bras a symmetrical and breasts are not. Bras stay the same all month; breasts do not.
• It great to have a clean up frenzy and get your working space in order. However, the key to designing a system that works is not to clean it for a day or a month, but to make it work everyday for you. Develop a pattern that works and it will stay that way.
• Many of us like to think that we are good at multitasking—me included. However, regardless of age or ability, the truth is humans can only focus on one activity at a time. Anything else that is going on is subconscious and automatic. A tech person described it as “continuous partial attention.” Point taken.
• There is an archeology to signage and there really are good ways to tape a sign to a wall without ruing the wall. And there is an art/creativity to where a sign should be posted and how to make it draw the attention it needs.
• I started playing words for rice (freerice.com). It’s an Internet vocabulary game run by the U.N. For each word you get right, the UN donates 20 grains of rice to needy populations around the world. It’s a great way to test your vocabulary and increase it. Suggestions for new ways to giving(p. 121).
• No one seems to want to replace toilet paper when it runs out. Solution: get an open-ended holder with a upturned finial that allows you to slip in a new roll with one hand.
• The Power Point section is a must-read for all those thousands of people who have no idea what a Power Point presentation should look like, nor do they understand its purpose.
This off-beat, fun book with GREAT illustrations is a real treat. Thank you Cheryl, for introducing it to me. Can’t see how a person couldn’t enjoy it. Of course if you lack creativity and aren't interested in improving yours, forget it.
July 23, 2014
Writing
Very well done from a writing standpoint. I found the short chapters to be very readable and understandable, even to someone as ignorant about the world of design as myself. I feel like both experts and neophytes can get something from this book, though, particularly because it is so cleverly done and so funny. The author makes her subject, everyday items, interesting and appealing, and presents her design information in a way that's easily accessible to all readers.
Entertainment Value
As you can tell from my assessment of the writing, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm interested in design, but have no knowledge, skills, or experience to base that interest on. I was pleased with how easy it was to read this book and how I was able to grasp the concepts being presented, particularly as they were presented in a manner that was really enjoyable to read.
Overall
I thoroughly enjoyed my read and recommend it to anyone who has an interest in design. It's definitely not going to appeal to everyone though - it's exactly what it says it is: a book about the design, function, and use of everyday objects. A great read with very nice illustrations, but will appeal to a limited audience.
Very well done from a writing standpoint. I found the short chapters to be very readable and understandable, even to someone as ignorant about the world of design as myself. I feel like both experts and neophytes can get something from this book, though, particularly because it is so cleverly done and so funny. The author makes her subject, everyday items, interesting and appealing, and presents her design information in a way that's easily accessible to all readers.
Entertainment Value
As you can tell from my assessment of the writing, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm interested in design, but have no knowledge, skills, or experience to base that interest on. I was pleased with how easy it was to read this book and how I was able to grasp the concepts being presented, particularly as they were presented in a manner that was really enjoyable to read.
Overall
I thoroughly enjoyed my read and recommend it to anyone who has an interest in design. It's definitely not going to appeal to everyone though - it's exactly what it says it is: a book about the design, function, and use of everyday objects. A great read with very nice illustrations, but will appeal to a limited audience.
September 26, 2009
Author Ellen Lupton says "design is thinking materialized in objects and environments,inscribed in patterns of use, and addressed by analysis and planning." Despite that rigorous description, the book takes a decidedly humorous approach in analyzing how we interact with our designed world. It's full of practical suggestions for dealing with packaging and funiture arrangement as well as flower arrangement and buffet spreads. I laughed out loud at the essay on how many hotels use signage to show off their awareness of ecology(pg 62. It's rare that I get a hearty laugh from reading a design book and for that alone I give this one 5 stars.
July 5, 2012
I enjoy this type of book as a diversion when my main read is a bit heavy. It is my chick-lit, my guilty pleasure. This title did all I expected from it but added almost nothing to my life. In a cookbook you expect at least one good recipe that you will use and incorporate into your life. In the same way, if this book had given me just one good idea to add beauty or function to my life I would have rated it higher.
May 23, 2009
Interesting concept and really practical advice for organizing your life based on simple design concepts. Some quirky elements and fun illustrations make it a more stimulating read than say "Real Simple" magazine. The chapter on "piles" is worth the cost alone.
July 27, 2010
Fun book. I love that the authors talk about design as critical thinking - yes!!! Reads like a blog, which makes sense because it was adapted from a blog, but I think the content would benefit from extension into a long form.
September 17, 2010
The illustrations are beautiful, and the writing is pithy and astute, yet I feel like this mother-daughter team should have reached out of their bubble a tad more for this book to take off and fulfill its potential.
November 7, 2015
A series of essays on design, beauty, pop culture, productivity, and the art of everyday life. A large format, glossy book, just the thing to dip into again and again for fun observations, clever writing, startling observations that elevate the ordinary. Recommended.
July 21, 2009
quick essays, clever illustrations, nothing groundbreaking but it did help me become more aware of my surroundings. esp the piles of paper on my desk at work...
August 14, 2010
I was disappointed with this one. It really doesn't tell you anything useful.
Read
December 17, 2010I didn't finish this one - the first couple of chapters were really interesting, but then I got bored with it.
January 25, 2010
Amy gave me this one for my birthday. One of her professors is one of the authors. A quick funny look at some of the things we do. A little satiracal but I enjoyed it
March 23, 2010
I like the paintings.
This book reads like a blog. Later you learn why.
This book reads like a blog. Later you learn why.
April 11, 2012
This book will assist my discussions with clients on the value of design. I enjoyed the simple language approach to explaining shape, color, arrangement PLUS fonts. (yes everyone loves fonts.)
October 28, 2011
The layout and illustrations alone make the book worth reading. The authors discuss the history and uses of things we see every day but take for granted.
April 10, 2015
Good points and written well with dash of humour to boot. (Plus great paintings)
Read
February 8, 2016The essays by these two women are hit or miss for me, though they are clearly knowledgable in their fields. I loved their personality though, and the essays that I enjoyed, I REALLY enjoyed.
July 19, 2016
This is an incredibly cute book, and just as incredibly clever. The illustrations are also brilliant. This is a really fun read that will make you rethink the place of design in day to day life.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews