Sometimes I wonder if the idea of “universal design” gets misinterpreted as “one-size-fits-all,” when it’s really more about flexibility and layering like you said.
Totally agree with this. I’ve seen places go too far one way or the other—either everything’s so “accessible” it feels bland, or it’s all style and nobody can read a thing. In one remodel, we tried using frosted glass for signage because it looked sleek, but the lighting made it unreadable half the day. Learned real quick that you can’t just pick materials for looks. There’s definitely a sweet spot, but it takes some trial and error to find it.
Learned real quick that you can’t just pick materials for looks.
That hits home. I’ve seen “cool” signage that’s basically invisible unless you’re standing at the perfect angle. Sometimes the best design just looks... normal, but everyone can actually use it. Guess boring isn’t always a bad thing.
Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve walked right past a sign because the font was too artsy or the color blended into the wall. I get wanting things to look unique, but if nobody can read it, what’s the point? There’s a reason those old-school street signs with big block letters have stuck around—they just work.
I remember when we redid our kitchen, my partner wanted these fancy etched glass labels for the pantry. Looked great in the catalog, but in real life? Couldn’t read a thing unless the light hit just right. Ended up swapping them for plain black stickers. Not as “wow,” but at least you know where the flour is.
Sometimes “boring” just means practical. I’m all for good design, but if it doesn’t do the job, it’s just decoration.
TITLE: What if all signs were designed for everyone to read?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve been guilty of picking “statement” labels for storage bins, only to realize later that nobody could actually tell what was inside. Sometimes the simplest solution really is the best—clear, bold, and easy to spot. There’s still room for style, but function’s gotta come first, right?
I get the appeal of super-clear, bold signage, but I’m not totally convinced that “function first” should always win out. When we were picking out signs for our new place—like pantry labels, laundry room stuff, even the bathroom—I noticed that if everything was just big block letters, it started to feel a bit sterile. There’s something about a little personality or quirk in the design that makes a space feel lived-in, you know?
I mean, sure, if you can’t tell what’s in the bin, that’s a problem. But sometimes a little style actually helps with memory. Like, I remember which bin is for winter hats because it’s got this goofy snowflake icon on it. If it just said “HATS” in black Arial font, I’d probably have to double-check every time. Maybe it’s just how my brain works.
Also, not everyone reads signs the same way. My partner is colorblind and sometimes relies more on shapes or icons than text. So if we made everything “clear and bold” in just one way, it might actually make things harder for some people. I guess what I’m saying is, there’s a balance to strike between clarity and character. Too much of either and you lose something.
Anyway, I probably overthink this stuff... but after spending hours debating between “cute” and “practical” labels, I’ve realized there’s no perfect answer. Just depends on who’s using the space and what feels right for them.