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Areaware

Areaware is an independent design brand based in New York City and Columbus, Ohio. 

A photo of a bookshelf with various objects on it including a small stack of books, a clear glass vase with pink tulips, pillar candles in black and ivory, and a potted plant in a blue glass planter.

Verbal identity

Crafting the tagline

Areaware is made up of a small team of creatives and problem solvers who collaborate with independent designers to make everyday objects with a twist. The brand is serious about design and its designers but doesn't take itself too seriously. Areaware is self-aware and understands its role in the design world: to have fun and make you smile.

 

Areaware objects are friendly, meaning they are helpful and approachable. They make everyday activities like cooking or cleaning a little more fun. They catch the eye because they are distinctive and will reliably fill the comments section with the question, "Where'd you get that?"

 

Areaware makes objects for “designy” people. That is, people who appreciate design and have an eye for the colorful and unique. They like to have a laugh. They play. They understand that design doesn't have to be stiff or formal to be good and that good design should be useful.

Friendly objects for designy people.

A black and white icon of a smiley face.

Articulating brand values

Our Philosopy

 

We believe the best design evokes good feelings, and think everyday objects should be as fun as they are functional. 

Yours for Keeps

We make everyday objects for home, work, and play that are for keeps. Our products are artful and fun, and have a story just as unique as the designers who created them.

How We Work

We collaborate with independent designers to create pieces that bring a touch of delight and charm into your home. Some of our designers are well-known and established in the industry, while others are up-and-coming, bringing diversity and a fresh perspective to the world of design.

Product copy

Writing product copy for Areaware comes with a unique challenge since each item is designed by someone different. The language and tone must be authentic to the product itself and its designer's point of view, all while staying true to the Areaware brand voice. Here are a few favorites.

A cut-out image of a plant trellis. It is white and in the shape of a Roman column.

Plant Trellis

designed by Chen & Kai

 

This is not your ordinary plant trellis. It’s been said that its likeness to Greek legends will guide your foliage’s fate——but that could just be a myth. Honest to Zeus, it will give your indoor and outdoor plants some extra support when they need something to lean on.

A wooden paper towel holder with a paper towels. The towel holder is red with a cream knob on top.

Spool Paper Towel Holder

designed by Sam Stewart

 

This wooden paper towel holder takes a typically humble household item and makes it a countertop attraction. With a shapely form and satisfying colorway, it’s much better looking than the rest. It also comes flat-packed, is easy to put together, and has rubber bumpers on the bottom so that it stands steady. Suddenly, doing the dirty work is rather delightful.

A yellow watering can.

Tango Watering Can

designed by Henry Julier

and Pete Oyler

 

The Tango Watering Can takes a thoughtful approach to a household essential. Its spout, handle, and inset lid work in tandem for functional ease and strike a graceful visual balance — sort of like a dance. You might be moved to take its hand(le) and cut a rug as you give your houseplants and garden the nourishment they need.

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Jewely Jewelry Box

designed by Sarah Burns

 

This jewelry box’s curvy shape, soft colors, and poppy knobs make it a gem in and of itself. Its cork-lined compartment and removable tray keep your most treasured items safe while its inset mirror reflects the main attraction. Do not tuck this one away—just like you, it’s meant to be admired.

A waste bin with vertical black and white swiggly stripes that wrap all around its sides.

Pattern Bin

designed by Dusen Dusen

Fresh colors and poppy patterns cover both the outside and inside of this waste bin, making it especially good-looking. Donned in signature Dusen Dusen prints, it begs to sit out where it can be admired. Who knew trash could look so cute?

A group of colorful wooden wall hooks.

Harbor Wall Hooks

designed by Pat Kim

 

This set of five wall hooks borrows its colors from the wooden houses that dot the coasts of Scandinavia. Created with an admiration for traditional craft and timeless design, they offer sculptural simplicity for your wall and a safe harbor to moor your belongings.

A carved wooden set of a knife and spoon. They both have a chunky, twisted stem.

Twist Spread Set

designed by Pat Kim

 

This wooden knife and spoon spread set welcomes whimsy to your morning toast, PB&J sandwiches, and midnight snacks. Break them out at a party to accompany dips and cheese boards. We can hear your guests now: What a spread! Boasting a delightfully chubby, twisted form, they are likely to be the cutest thing in your kitchen.

A glass butter dish. The dish is green with wavy edges. The lid is clear with a pink round knob.

Everything Nice Butter Dish

designed by Sophie Lou Jacobsen

 

The Everything Nice Butter Dish adds a bit of elegance to the humble stick of butter. The wavy dish is a touch flirty, and the lid has a round knob that makes it easy to pick up. Everything's nice about this butter dish, and everything's better with butter.

Colorful bean-shaped pieces of chalk laying in a row of 4 x 3.

Bean Chalk

designed by Nikolas Bentel

These are not magic beans, but the chalk masterpieces you create with them will look like straight-up wizardry. Thanks to their curly and interlocking shape, you can double 'em up to draw with two of its twelve colors at once. Or, if you're more of a minimalist, keep it simple with a single bean. On second thought, maybe they are kinda magical?

A set of four brass drink coasters. Each one is a different abstract shape.

Together Coasters

designed by Dan Covert

This set of four brass-plated coasters uses abstract, interlocking shapes to signify connection and togetherness. The weightiness of the brass ensures none of those sticking-to-your-cup situations when you pick it up. They will protect your surfaces from watermarks and scratches when you gather together and serve as an objet d'art whenever you're apart.

A wooden wall clock. It is mint green with abstract 3-D shaes in place of the four main hour markers.

Wall Clock

designed by Pat Kim

 

Through three-dimensional, abstract shapes, this clock offers a way to visualize the passing of time in a playful way. Each hour is relatively represented by a sphere, cylinder, cube and bell. Place it wherever you need a gentle reminder to take time less seriously.

A brass keychain in the shape of a crocodile.

Animal Key Ring designed by Karl Zahn

 

This keyring translates simple line drawings of animals into a trusty keeper of your keys. Turn its eye-like screw lock to open and close it. Tote your favorite creature with you wherever you go and your keys will follow. Includes a split metal keyring.

A white ceramic water pitcher with a pleated form.

Pleated Pitcher

designed by High Gloss

 

A sculptural water pitcher with a pleated form and arched handle, designed to be admired beyond its functional use. Display it as an objet d'art—and as an enticing reminder to drink your eight cups a day.

A set of two wooden serving spoons in the shape of flowers.

Serving Friends

designed by Selena Liu

Whoever said food isn’t to be played with hasn’t met Serving Friends. These wooden spoons, carved into charming shapes, bring joy and humor to your dining table. No matter what you’re serving, they'll always be there to serve up smiles.

A set of five colorful crayons in abstract shapes: a swiggle, a zigzag, a circle, a stick, and an 'x'.

Doodle Crayons

designed by Nikolas Bentel

Doodle Crayons ask you to consider how you make art, rather than what you make. Move them this way and that, pull them along on their sides, or push them around flat. Doodle and scribble mindfully or mindlessly to create your own messy musings.

A white terrazo planter designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Racine Planter

designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

 

This planter is part of a collection made in collaboration with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, celebrating the modern forms and natural materials that are pillars of the legendary architect’s work. Each Racine Planter is made with a concrete terrazzo that directly references materials or colors Wright used to create some of his most recognized and influential designs—a humble tribute to considerable architectural masterpieces.

Tone of voice

The Areaware voice is approachable, informative, and sometimes a little bit silly. 

Art Direction

Photography by Emily Simms

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