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Each year we look forward to the Cleverest Awards, a moment to spotlight 50 products for the home that stopped us cold in our tracks. We highlight super functional, surprising objects that brilliantly fuse form and function. And while last year we were navigating a life in lockdown, this year we are adjusting to the new normal—which raises the question: What’s next?
This year the Cleverest Awards 2021 digs into the products that got us through multiple quarantines, and the items we’re still excited to use. Plus, we decided to get all our favorite creatives and tastemakers involved. We sent a questionnaire to designers, ceramicists, creative consultants, vintage shop owners—and everyone in-between—to ask them about the purchases that have changed their life during this unusual time. This spectacular curation of the 50 Cleverest Awards 2021 products will hopefully help you navigate the new normal—whatever that means. Get to know the winners below.
Home Tech
“Not the sexiest answer, but the Dyson V8 cordless vacuum changed my life and I will never go back to a corded vacuum again. Spending so much time inside, I find keeping a tidier place helps me focus more when I’m working and the convenience of the cordless Dyson makes vacuuming not feel like such a chore.”—Leah Ring, designer and founder of Another Human
“My dog sheds like nothing on this planet and without this lovely machine I would lose my mind. Emotional support robot.”—Ryan Belli, designer
“I bought Samsung’s The Frame TV (as someone who doesn’t normally splurge on technology). It’s been a game changer in my home decor, because what once was a giant black box with multiple cords streaming out is now a beautifully framed work of art on the wall! I purchased it at Best Buy and am absolutely ecstatic about it.”—Camille Nichelini, founder of Resident Objects
“We bought a TV, which I never thought we would do. Pre-pandemic, I was out most nights and on nights that I would decide to spend at home, I liked curling up in bed with a laptop perched on my knee. However, a few months into COVID and deep in hibernation, we decided to splurge and get a used Frame TV on Facebook Marketplace. I love it because it doesn’t actually look like a television and hopefully now that the world is opening up again, we’ll hardly use it—but I’m still very happy we have it!”—Zoe Cohen, cofounder of Wiggle Room
“I have lots of plants and the humidifiers are a lifesaver.”—Lalese Stamps, founder of Lolly Lolly Ceramics
“I feel really connected to my Philips Hue light bulbs. I have them in every room in the house. I love coming home and deciding what mood I’m in by choosing the color of my hue lights. It’s typically a hot pink or deep blue.”—Lalese Stamps, founder of Lolly Lolly Ceramics
“Believe it or not, the ring light is an almost brand new purchase and it came in handy on a Stevie shoot where I shot a bunch of testimonials from some of my closest friends on how they use Stevie products to enhance their lives. It lit the entire project for us—it gave the perfect Stevie glow.”—Courtney Trop, owner of Stevie
“I love this Sonos sound bar. When I’m in the house cooking or hosting and it’s noisy, I can still hear my music or podcast crystal clear. Especially with the surround sound, people are always asking where it’s coming from and how it sounds so great. It’s also super sleek and pretty—it blends into the house nicely. It’s been one of the best purchases this year!”—Lexie Park, food artist and founder of Nünchi
“The new window unit AC from Midea: The compressor sits outside, you can close the window almost completely, and it’s not terrible looking like most of them. A must-have item if you are a renter in New York.”—Lula Galeano, architectural designer
“In recent years, I’ve been on the verge of becoming a full-on insomniac. At this point, I’ve tried every type of sleep aid I could get my hands on that isn’t a prescription drug because I would prefer to snooze in the most natural way possible. When I finally thought I had a good routine going, my sleep schedule reached new levels of disruption as my anxiety reeled from the uncertainty of the pandemic. While I had my initial doubts about getting smart technology involved, the T&N + Snooz White Noise Machine proved to be the ideal sleep companion. The app program is so straightforward and the fan itself is quieter than any other active device in my apartment without making turbulent motions in the air. There’s so much noise pollution in New York City, but this soundscape lulls me into a gentle slumber!”—Sydney Gore, digital design editor at Architectural Digest
Decor & Lighting
“It has to be Gustaf Westman’s Curvy Mirror. It’s one of my favorite purchases last year. Like most of us, I spent a lot more time at home during the pandemic. This trendy, Instagrammable mirror became a mood booster and a fun way to upgrade my OOTD selfie game.”—Vivid Wu, creative consultant, fashion stylist, and content creator
“After years of pining over what I affectionately dubbed the Noguchi polka dot light, I finally bought myself the Akari UF3-Q floor lamp for my birthday this past year. It gives off a beautiful warm glow, and has totally transformed our living room into a more intimate, elevated setting.”—Zoe Cohen, cofounder of Wiggle Room
“It is so incredibly comfortable and easy to convert into a stylish couch.”—Ani Bradberry, neon artist and architectural communications worker
“It’s helped me be a little more organized, and is just so beautiful to stare at.”—Jasmine Archie, photographer and founder of Pretty Shitty Cakes
“I just got a bell from Sukrachand that was made in Thailand by artisans from Ban Pa Ao. It was amazing to see his whole journey in Thailand via Instagram, and it feels really special to have a piece from this community. It’s also a type of brass work that is done in India as well, so I have a few objects of the similar work made in a village in South India—shows how interconnected we all are.”—Arati Rao, founder and creative director of Tantuvi
“They are very well-designed with warm indirect light illuminating white mesh wire or red-and-white colored paper. The effect is gorgeous and it’s great to not have to plug in a light to enjoy the evening.”—Ani Bradberry, neon artist and architectural communications worker
“I was lucky enough to get one of Studio Guapo’s limited-edition Guapo League lamps, which was a collaboration with lighting designer Matt Rosner. Matt Pecina of Studio Guapo is a close friend of mine and it’s so cool to be able to own a piece of work designed by a friend, especially one as unique as this.”—David Eardley, artist, designer, and the founder of Pink Essay
“It’s an incredible floor-length mirror that completes my bedroom and gives me absolute confidence looking into it in the morning while picking out my outfit for the day.”—Camille Nichelini, founder of Resident Objects
“Comfort at home is here to stay.”—Ryan Belli, designer
“Hanging a mobile in my apartment has completely shifted my mood! I love the movement and the way it fills my space. I went with something neutral colored, which is extremely unlike me, but feels really elegant.”—Jordan Sondler, illustrator and mental health advocate
“Last fall, I bought a small String shelf for my kitchen to store my cooking books, and I found that having them in an easier-to-grab spot made me use them more. My still-growing collection doesn’t fill out the shelf yet, so I rounded it out with a ceramic incense holder that my aunt made, a speckled seafoam-green pitcher from a nearby potter, and a Kristian Vedel–designed wooden bird that my mother insisted she send me. It’s definitely added more warmth and style to a space in which I spend a lot of time.”—Tyler Watamanuk, writer and producer
“We recently purchased their down pillows, and I’ve never slept on anything so comfortable in my entire life. 100% worth the money. We hadn’t had new pillows since college!”—Aiden Bowman & Josh Metersky, cofounders of Trueing
“My boyfriend and I were recently looking for ways to add storage to our open-plan apartment. It’s awesome that it feels bright and airy but there are only a few very small closets. Enter the GODISHUS, which gave us an extra closet for under $75. We were able to organize and hide some things and we put this together while watching an episode of Physical, so it was pretty easy. I may switch out the knobs for more exciting ones but I also love how seamless this already feels in our kitchen/dining area.”—Shannon Maldonado, founder and creative director of Yowie
“When I was pregnant with our second daughter, we weren’t sure if she was going to be a Pisces or an Aries and for some reason the suspense gave us both a passing interest in astrology for the first time in our lives. We were so eager to meet her and find out what she would be like, and knowing her sign seemed like a handy shortcut. Who knows if it will last now that she’s here (and a Pisces!) but we stocked up on the Madelaine Buttini zodiac candles from Coming Soon. The imagery is fun and trippy, the messaging is positive and celebrates femininity, and they smell delicious. Our toddler loves when we read her the zodiac write-up on her (Capricorn) candle, so I guess we are now zodiac people.”—Phoebe Sung and Peter Buer, textile designers and founders of Cold Picnic
“One bright spot in an inconceivably shitty period of time is the Plunger by Staff. To me, it perfectly encapsulates the turning inward we witnessed among product designers who reinvented home goods that might have been overlooked were we not inside. Did I need a designer plunger with a purple acrylic handle and cleverly designed drip tray? No. Did it make me smile? Absolutely, especially when I learned that it was a tribute to founder Charlie Weisman’s grandfather, who was a lifelong plumber.”—Rachel Fletcher, commerce editor at Architectural Digest
“Linen bedding is a first for me, but suits the beach town homemaker I aspire to be, and maybe always have been.”—Jordan Sondler, illustrator and mental health advocate
“I’ve been more and more interested in scents lately, and I recently purchased the 529 Candle by my friend Asia Grant’s home and body brand Redoux. The candle has notes of sandalwood, orange blossom, ginger, amber, and saffron, and is currently my favorite and the most necessary object in my studio.”—David Eardley, artist, designer, and the founder of Pink Essay
“The lightweight bamboo allows me to easily change the wave-like shape I want and it stays in place. Love using it in my Zoom meetings or photoshoots as a backdrop, or putting it at the corner for an elevated midcentury look. Either way, it brings the minimalist beauty and sustainability of fine finished bamboo to my home decor.”—Vivid Wu, creative consultant, fashion stylist, and content creator
“I gotta give credit to Eric Mayes for introducing a very thoughtful apparatus for the act of candle burning with his Ring Stand. It kind of opens up your reality a bit to what else can be re-imagined. He’s also presented it with an Artemide clip lamp and it’s equally as clever.”—Jared Blake, cofounder of Lichen NYC
“I’ll usually just lug around a chair and step on that to get to something high up, but it’s kind of a pain and sometimes the chairs shouldn’t be stepped on. Hasegawa makes two- to six-step ladders. The three- or four-step is perfect because it’s high enough to change a lightbulb, can serve as extra seating in a pinch, and is surprisingly aesthetically pleasing. It won’t be unsightly if it’s out and about in your living space.”—Ed Be, cofounder of Lichen NYC
“We’ve recently taken over a warehouse and production space. The Tebur desk is essential because it assembles and reassembles with four simple legs that screw into the top, making it perfect to tuck away when not in use or easy enough to lug to your next destination.”—Ed Be, cofounder of Lichen NYC
“This stool from Amazon is so helpful. The top and bottom both contain super impressive storage compartments, and I think it is pretty cute looking. I use it in my studio and often photograph candles on it.”—Janie Korn, sculptural candle artist
“During the pandemic I moved my studio to my apartment. Rather than line my floors in paper as I had before and which looked terrible, I bought this Sorbus brand foam mat that puzzle pieces together for super easy assembly. It protects my floor from the wax and comes in a wood grain pattern, so it actually looks pretty attractive for an active workspace. Plus, it is cushioned so if I work standing up, I feel much more support in my feet and back. It was a small purchase, but it shocked me in the level of aesthetic and practical improvement it provided!”—Janie Korn, sculptural candle artist
“I recently acquired a piece by Megumi Arai. It’s a hand-stitched noren (traditional Japanese hanging) made of both found- and naturally-dyed fabrics from a recent show of hers. I have a strong emotional bond to this piece for several reasons: Firstly, Megumi is a dear friend of mine, and her art practice has been particularly blossoming over the past year or so, something that I am so happy to see, and I feel so honored to be able to own one of her pieces from this stage in her practice. Secondly, noren hangings are used to mark a transition, not just in space but also time. I think it is safe to say that the past year was deeply transformational for all of us, and so this symbolic piece is the perfect thing to mark this juncture. And lastly, the aesthetic beauty of the piece, its colors, patterns, fabrics, and overall composition, just fill me with pure joy every time I look at it.”—Sophie Lou Jacobsen, designer
Kitchen
“I feel deeply connected to this kitchen aid. It’s a vessel that can nurture and heal just about any knot in your stomach and can also provide nutrients we need in order to move forward. I also like that it’s an object that gathers people together.”—Beverly Nguyen, stylist and founder of Beverly’s NYC
“I bought a mini food processor. I make all my salad dressings in five minutes, interesting dips, and it has really changed prep time with chopping vegetables much faster.”—Arati Rao, founder and creative director of Tantuvi
“It’s not that I never thought I would need camping gear, but I just haven’t naturally been drawn to it. Over the past year I developed a much higher appreciation for camping, as being outdoors with friends and appreciating stillness and nature was a huge part of the lockdown.”—Sophie Lou Jacobsen, designer
“I got into Golde’s Cacao Turmeric Superfood Latte Blend during lockdown and now it’s become a part of my daily morning routine. It tastes so good and makes me feel like I’m getting a healthy start to my day.”—Paige Hanserd, designer
“If I’m using it, it means I must be having a chill morning. It’s not great but it’s perfect. I tend to eye most things; I don’t measure or time my personal cups so it’s all feeling and different each time. It’s a nice morning routine, something needed.”—Jared Blake, cofounder of Lichen NYC
“It’s amazing because the kettle sits on a base that keeps the water warm. I get easily distracted or pulled in lots of different directions as a business owner, so it’s nice to come back to warm water for my tea or coffee.”—Lalese Stamps, founder of Lolly Lolly Ceramics
“It feels like a luxury item and it works very well. Super functional and a nice touch in the kitchen, designed beautifully even if you decide to leave out on the countertop. We love the fact that it is compostable itself!”—Ashley and Christion Lennon, cofounders of Museum of Peace & Quiet
“I splurged on an oversized, fancy bowl from Il Buco that reminds me of sponge painting my bedroom walls as a kid. Surprisingly, the motif makes any salad feel instantly impressive, equally so for any bowl of fettuccine.”—Jordan Sondler, illustrator and mental health advocate
“Hands-down our little Italian olive oil can. It looks like the Tin Man’s hat—mixed with something Achille Castiglioni might have had in his kitchen. Even the brand name, Cousin Patricia, recalls an intimate family meal in Umbria. Ultimately, we’re happy since there are no drips, and now I can buy my olive oil in bulk and decant. Life is good.”—Aiden Bowman & Josh Metersky, cofounders of Trueing
“I feel a very strong emotional bond to my milk frother, which is from a brand called Chinya, and is the best milk frother I’ve ever used, heating milk the perfect amount and with just enough foam. It brings me so much joy every time I use it, i.e. daily, hence the emotional bond. I bought a back-up just in case it ever breaks because I’m paranoid about the model being discontinued.”—Harling Ross Anton, writer and brand consultant
Lifestyle
“I bought a Theragun. Listen, I’m a person who needs a massage a week (I love touch) and the Theragun is a great proxy that gets into all the crevices that need relief. I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys and wants more massages and muscle relief.”—Fariha Róisín, writer and multi-disciplinary artist
“I feel like my life has been a journey for the perfect water bottle, and I avoided getting a S’well one because of all the hype, but honestly it does live up to its reputation. I really wanted an orange one, so I had to go on a deep internet hunt to find it since it’s not currently in production.”—David Eardley, artist, designer, and the founder of Pink Essay
“Journaling has become a huge part of my life in the last year. Having a space for self reflection and to get my thoughts, ideas, frustrations, excitements, etc., out has been so important for me.”—Victoria Ashley, founder of Laundry Day
“At the beginning of every summer for the last five years I have tried and failed to become a Birkenstock Arizona girl. I’d go to a few different stores and try on a few colorways, but I’d always leave empty handed and disappointed. I loved this shoe on everyone but me, and I felt like I was trying too hard to fit into a trend. This year, a friend suggested I try on the Boston style and dare I say: This was my crunchy Cinderella moment. Somehow this was the Birkenstock I was meant to wear. One that looked good with socks, bike shorts, jeans, and maybe even the right dress. There is no turning back now, and I am already planning to purchase my fall pair.”—Shannon Maldonado, founder and creative director of Yowie
“2020 was a tumultuous year for me, like everyone else, and I found myself moving many times (you don’t want to know the actual number). At one point, my partner and I were living with his family and craved some extra space. This tent became our oasis. It’s an escape, it’s an extra bedroom and living room, heck, it’s even a rental property. Shelter Co. just relaunched as The Get Out and the designs and colors take it to a whole new level.”—Zoë Sessums, digital design writer at Architectural Digest
“Drinking water is tough for me and this made it so much easier.”—Lula Galeano, architectural designer
“The Light Phone is perfect for a screen time detox. Not a cure for smartphone addiction, but it has helped manage our daily screen time. Its sleek and minimalist design makes it easy to use without distractions.”—Ashley and Christion Lennon, cofounders of Museum of Peace & Quiet
“I will admit that TikTok made me buy this one, and I am never going back. I have very thick hair and haven’t even owned a hair dryer in my adult life because of how much time it takes me to blow-dry and style it. Ever since I started using this tool I constantly get asked my secret to my shine and it has totally changed up my beauty routine—best $40 I’ve ever spent.”—Victoria Ashley, founder of Laundry Day
