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September marks the beginning of a subtle but notable shift in the year, with school starting, vacation time ending, and a cool air signaling a change in season. This year, it also marks the Cleverest Awards—our annual list of 50 objects you need to know about.
The Cleverest Awards 2022 combs through the most beautiful, can’t-live-without-it useful, and fresh products that made their debut this year. AD’s editors—experts at spotting home goods that are worth the hype—look across categories to select the most exciting new finds for the bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, the office, and more, with items that focus on everything from decoration to organization to technology. Think of these pieces as the perfect way to upgrade every aspect of your life and prepare for a productive fall.
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Tech
Who knew it was possible for a vacuum cleaner to actually be chic? Sure, we’ve coveted Dysons for their suction power and Roombas for their self-sufficiency, but Airsign is the first vacuum that’s equally pleasing for the aesthete and the clean freak. Sleek, compact, affordable, and powerful, the Airsign vacuum is an immediate mood booster on chore day. —Rachel Davies
Especially in an apartment where natural light may not be plentiful, plant parenting is full of guesswork. The Cura system was designed to remove that trial and error. What looks like a horizontal selfie ring light is in fact a smart home–integrated device that offers lighting options for different plant types and the ability to water plants on schedule with an app-enabled water pump add-on. —Rachel Davies
Since the outset of the pandemic, air quality and cleanliness have been on the brain far more than usual. For those of us trying to clean up our air, multipurpose air purifying fans, like this robustly tested sleek LG version, offer the ability to do so without packing a space with both a clunky air purifier and a fan. —Rachel Davies
Not all vacuums are created equal—at least that’s what I’ve learned after using the Dyson Absolute Outsize for the past few months. With a runtime of up to two hours and a design that lends itself well to cleaning every hard-to-reach nook and cranny of your home, Dyson’s cordless vac has eliminated the messy wires and extension cords I typically associate with one of my least favorite chores (and even made it inexplicably satisfying). —Audrey Lee
Last year the Syng Triphonic speaker was introduced, impressing people with an incredible wireless listening experience. (It really is wild how the spherical object can deliver such good sound.) This year, the company added a new dimension to the design, introducing a ceiling mount that allows you to attach the Cell Alpha to any ceiling, at any angle, and any height, for unparalleled room coverage. —Zoë Sessums
Wellness
Go beyond the filtered water pitcher with the Pentair Rocean Reservoir, a sleek, sustainable, and innovative water filtration system that provides water at the touch of a button. Certified to reduce 76 contaminants—without taking up too much valuable counter space—the water filtration system’s design keeps minimalist aesthetics and wellness at the forefront. —Zoë Sessums
For those who are still keeping their indoor workouts alive—and those thinking ahead for the colder seasons—this futuristic exercise bike has a curved HD touchscreen that allows you to simulate the feeling of cruising around the world or simply attending your favorite studio cycling class. Get motivated and impressed. —Zoë Sessums
2022 has been a year of great collaborations, and Aesop’s haute hair and body care collection with fashion designer and brutalist-architecture buff Rick Owens was no exception. From elegant candles to a handy all-in-one travel set approved by the fashion figurehead, the collection lets you experience Aesop the Rick way—which includes a string of wearable ceramic beads designed to be doused in fragrance. —Audrey Lee
There’s no shortage of celebrity fragrances, candles, and cleaning supplies, but the line that Friends star Courteney Cox launched this year is particularly elevated. Her products are part cleaning supply and part room fragrance. The cipres mint scent is particularly delicious, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since I tried it earlier this year. Also, the packaging is very sleek. —Rachel Wallace
Vitruvi first attracted attention with their wide range of well-designed and easy-on-the-eye diffusers, but with the new Cloud Humidifier the brand adds a new way to create an ultra-comfortable space. Dishwasher-safe, quiet, and compatible with their humidifier sensor, the Cloud Humidifier is unlike so many other humidifiers on the market. —Rachel Davies
Pets
Who out there enjoys the constant chore of cleaning your cat’s litter box? For those who feel disdain with every scoop, please do yourself a favor and get the Litter Robot. The highly rated, automatic, and self-cleaning litter box keeps the stink out of your home and even offers additional insight on your cat’s health when with its connected AI features. —Zoë Sessums
Many of us love the idea of adorning our dogs in the most adorable of sweaters and shirts, and with her beaded dog accessories, Susan Alexandra has brought the category to another level. Handmade and perfect for coordinating with one’s own SA purse or jewelry, these playful offerings have finally given the canine set accessories that match their own cuteness. —Rachel Davies
Bedroom
Thuma’s bed frame is one of the most-beloved and sought-after options in the sleep market, so it comes as no surprise that the brand’s entry into the world of mattresses got our attention. Made of the three luxe layers, the medium-firmness bed offers pressure point relief, is naturally cooling and breathable, and is incredibly supportive. Plus, it’s Greenguard Gold–certified, meaning it produces low chemical emissions. —Zoë Sessums
Oprah and I are both big fans of bamboo bedding brand Cozy Earth, which is still my go-to summer bedding this year after I first tested them among many other cooling sheets in 2021. Giving my OG set a run for their money is the newly released linen bamboo sheets from the brand, crafted in a strategic blend of 70% bamboo and 30% linen. Mirroring the lived-in look of linen with the oh-so-soft feel of bamboo fabric, I think this ultralight bedding is the perfect way to bring an ethereal look to your bedscape—especially if you don’t always love the rigid feel of certain linens. —Audrey Lee
Loftie is already known for its innovative alarm clock, and this year they debuted an aesthetically pleasing yet functional lamp. The elegant piece of lighting has features like adjustable mood lighting, a sunrise alarm, and a sunset wind-down to improve your bedroom routine. Even better, the lamp can be paired with the Loftie Clock for light-guided breathwork, coordinated wind-downs, and multi-sensory wake-ups. —Zoë Sessums
Designed by New York–based creative director and designer Jeanette Reza, the polymorphous knot pillows are a fun, versatile, and sculptural object that’ll add color and texture to your interior. The exclusive collaboration with Ssense offers an array of funky colors and fabrics that maximizes the tubular designs. —Zoë Sessums
Designed in-house and crafted in Indonesia, Parachute’s nightstand collection was another standout release for us this year. Drawing inspiration from natural shapes, materials, and the ethereal beauty of California, this timeless oval stand is perfect for keeping anything bedside handy like a light stack of books, melatonin gummies, or your fave eye masks. —Audrey Lee
Kitchen and dining
This soft resin vessel will instantly break the ice with its trippy colors that seem to melt into each other. Originally designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design, the Babel Ice Bucket is sure to become a staple that satisfies all your entertaining needs. —Sydney Gore
Forever dominating the check space, MacKenzie-Childs made way for a new color within their iconic check family this spring. Sterling Check is considered by the brand to be “chic, neutral, and modern,” much like the millennial demographic that the brand is targeting with this 25-piece collection. Whether or not you’re a tea drinker, the kettle is a staple, and will upgrade any kitchen countertop with the hand-painted muted silver checks accented with subtle hints of yellow and blue. —Sydney Gore
Surely I’m not the only person out there with a ceramics collection that requires additional shelving units to store everything. Gustaf Westman is one of the many talented designers who blew up during the pandemic when the wiggle trend took flight. The Chunky Cup is another testament to how he continues to think outside the box. The concept of a glazed ceramic cup and saucer is nothing new, but his approach to the simple design makes it all the more fun. For those that might not have the budget for one of his signature mirrors, tables, sideboards, or room dividers, this is the perfect product. —Sydney Gore
Our Place’s new cast-iron pan is the epitome of great looking stove-to-table cookware (would you expect anything less from the brand that came out with the viral Always Pan?). When I tested it out for myself, I was impressed not only by how easy on the eyes it was, but also by how easy it was to maintain as well. If you’re looking to elevate the taste and look of mouth-watering dishes like egg frittatas and garlic butter steak (more on that in my full review), I highly recommend it. —Audrey Lee
I can’t wait to get more use out of my Fly By Jing hot pot set once it gets chilly again. Created for 2022’s Lunar New Year, this fiery starter set has everything you need to bring the heat to family meals or dinner with friends, including an elegant table-top electric hot pot in FBJ’s signature red and two sachets of the brand’s best-selling Fire Hot Pot Base. —Audrey Lee
Nothing is sexier than safety, and have you ever seen a more alluring fire extinguisher? Made in Austria, the minimal design of this matte emerald extinguisher makes it display-worthy, but if you'd rather keep it concealed with the rest of your tools, it is lightweight and not too bulky. —Sydney Gore
The Aarke is the chicest carbonator out there, and the Pro version brings the innovation. With a smooth and simple one-handed operation, the cordless and energy-efficient device will bring brilliant engineering to your bubbles. —Zoë Sessums
I’m instantly enamored with everything available from the MoMA Design Store, so it was easy to love this multipurpose kitchen tool that stacks together in the shape of a wine bottle. With eight tools in one, the bottle includes a funnel, a juicer, a grater, an egg cracker, a shredder, a can opener, an egg separator, and a measuring cup. —Zoë Sessums
Impress your dinner party guests with this absolutely whimsical hand-knitted tableware set that feels both very modern and like something your grandmother made from the softest merino wool. —Zoë Sessums
We were absolutely charmed by tongue-in-cheek linens this year, and this set of cocktail napkins from Sydney-based brand Maison Balzac are a prime example of this fun flair of the moment. Inspired by the South of France and made of Oeko-Tex linen, these napkins are sweet and sustainably made. —Rachel Fletcher
This has to be the most original concept for a tablecloth that I’ve ever seen. Measuring 70-by-70 inches to accommodate a table of two to four guests, each cloth is made from a selection of Egyptian cotton striped shirts with a structured collar and central placket. —Sydney Gore
For the culinary kids in your life, Material’s Kids Set shrinks the brand’s best-selling tools into miniature versions. The smaller silicone spatula and whisk are available in color-blocked punchy pinks, blues, and pops of green. Plus, the set includes a cook deck and cooking card game for added fun. —Zoë Sessums
Bathroom
Quiet Town’s supremacy in the shower curtain space is nothing new, but with the newest offering from their no-waste project Re:Canvas, they’ve really outdone themselves. Available in five different very trendy colorways, the curtains were handmade in Brooklyn from canvas extras produced in the US. —Rachel Davies
If staying devoted to the check pattern is wrong, then I don’t want to be right. We love Brooklinen’s playful iteration—launched just this summer—in the form of brightly colored robes and towels. These short and sweet cover-ups have a slight throwback silhouette, and they can be worn indoors or out so you can keep the poolside vibes going strong all year long. —Rachel Fletcher
Once you experience the life-changing power of a bidet, it’s easy to understand the merits. Japan-based brand Toto debuted some revamped bidets this year—the Washlet C2 being one that caught our attention—bringing an even more streamlined model to its offerings. With all the luxury and less of the bulk, it’ll give your bathroom a serious upgrade. —Zoë Sessums
There are a lot of products one needs for the home that do not bring joy in purchasing. Toilet cleaning products were pretty high on that list for me, until I found the simple delight of the Staff toilet brush. With a bright translucent green handle and a smiling pink face, the design is an instant mood booster. —Zoë Sessums
Redoux rarely drops new scents, so this special collaboration with Are.na is kind of a big deal. The scent profile for this limited-edition cleansing bar is white grapefruit, coriander, frankincense, rosemary, and sweet orange, making it luminous and introspective. —Sydney Gore
Living room
Not even the seemingly trend-resistant Eames chair could resist the checkerboard treatment in 2022. Though, in classic Eames style, it was ahead of the curve. This particular check, Maharam Checker, was designed by Alexander Girard in 1965, and is available in nine charming color combinations. —Rachel Fletcher
Another refresh of a more modern classic, the Italian-made Bellhop—designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby—received a fashion-forward update earlier this year that was inspired by the little black dress. Matte, a touch mysterious, and with a sophisticated look, this cheerful little lamp is equally practical: It can last a full 24 hours on a single charge. —Rachel Fletcher
One of the standouts from the six-piece collaboration between Trnk and Studio Anansi is the Prism Shelf. It’s a striking interpretation of a common object, and this iteration is woven with history, drawing from the pyramids of the African continent. Made to order in Portugal and constructed of weighty limestone slabs, it’ll stand tall in its chosen spot for years to come. —Rachel Fletcher
Eny Lee Parker, a New York–based talent named one of AD’s Ones to Watch in 2020, crafts delightful and functional clay objects. Her chunky and creature-like Oo Lamps quickly became a sensation around town, but one-of-a-kind sculptures don’t usually come cheap. This summer, Eny Lee teamed up with lighting brand Mitzi to bring her distinct designs to a wider audience. The pieces start at under $150 and max out at less than $1,000, so fans of Eny Lee can now find something unique for their space at a more accessible price point. —Rachel Fletcher
The Zeph Chair—like most Herman Miller seats—is one of those ideal combinations of beautiful midcentury-modern aesthetics and research-backed ergonomics. The product is a collaboration between the iconic brand and Berlin-based design studio Studio 7.5, and is available in dozens of color and upholstery combinations. Even better, the playful chair’s seat is made of 50% post-consumer recycled content and zero fabric waste. —Zoë Sessums
Every time I visit one of my favorite neighborhood shops in New York’s Lower East Side, Coming Soon, I always make a beeline to the Cold Picnic section. If you’re looking to indulge, the brand’s dessert collection is a lovely treat composed of nostalgic designs inspired by and named after Taiwanese and English desserts like mochi, taro, sherbert, and more. All of the rugs are produced in delicate bamboo silk yarn that takes on the glistening appearance of luxurious crushed velvet, so what could be sweeter? —Audrey Lee
We know and love Sabai for their softer furnishings—namely their sustainably made sectional sofa—but this year the New York City–based brand branched out into harder stuff. The City Table is their debut product, but it is made with the same attention to eco-conscious craftsmanship as their seating. The appealing table is made from recycled steel and fallen wood sourced in Baltimore, and it is manufactured in partnership with Cambium Carbon. —Rachel Fletcher
We took note of lighting brand Gantri when it first came on the scene and each new design continues to keep our excitement. For the Granada Collection by designer Carlos Jiménez, the geometric diffusers—inspired by the artisanal lights that line the streets of Granada—show off paper lantern–esque designs that are very versatile and bring a warm glow. —Zoë Sessums
If you have nothing to hide, these handmade rugs are essential for living your truth in a clutter-free zone. The Perforated Rug is made out of 100% New Zealand wool, and is available in six colors and five sizes. —Sydney Gore
We love a good collaboration, so when Golde teamed up with Subtle Art Studios, we instantly adored the limited collection of their signature coasters. The sweet and superfood-inspired designs are a checkerboard delight. —Zoë Sessums
Outdoor
Seth Rogen’s launch of Houseplant gave stoners the country over a reason to rejoice, and though the company sells weed itself, the thoughtfully designed home goods really steal the show. A standout product of the line is the ingenious Houseplant Stack Lantern that operates as a lantern and a built-in (but detachable) ashtray—a must for any cabin vacation or nighttime backyard hang. —Rachel Davies
Made to offer a soft and cushy lounging experience and to provide the best possible absorption after a dip, you can rest easy on beach day with a Tekla beach towel. These blockstripes are the perfect mix of preppy cool and timeless, and the meticulous production process behind them ensures that they can indeed be enjoyed during many summers. —Rachel Davies
At this point I feel like I have an honorary degree in the study of pizza ovens (i.e. I have made a lot of pizza in a lot of different pizza ovens). So, I was quite surprised—and excited—that the new Gozney Dome impressed me like no other. Even though it takes up a bit more space than the portable Roccbox (another Gozney model) or the reliable Ooni, it is superior in every other aspect. Not only is it good for pizza-making, but the Dome can also be used to roast, smoke, steam, or bake. You can use wood or gas, impressing all your guests either way. —Zoë Sessums
For any water lovers out there, this ultra light, super stable, and incredibly versatile watercraft is a winner. The Switch is part paddle board and part kayak, and it weighs less than 20 pounds, so you can tote it around easily for solo or tandem use. —Zoë Sessums
We’ve raved about the Solo Stove since its debut, but the company just keeps making improvements. The latest version of the signature smokeless fire pit includes a removable ash pan to make cleanup even easier. Get one now to keep enjoying the outdoors as the weather cools down. —Zoë Sessums
This is the only chair you should be taking outside, and the fact that there are five colors to choose from makes it all the more appealing! The poppy yellow color debuted this year, and it’s an instant favorite. —Sydney Gore
