Kiki Goti Studio has unveiled its latest work, the “Bells and Whistles” collection, presented earlier this month at COLLECTIBLE Fair within TORO Manifesto’s Main Section. Created for the Mexico City–based gallery, the series challenges conventional ideas of design essentials by transforming traditionally decorative details into structural and functional elements.
Ornamentation as Function
The collection draws inspiration from the idiom “bells and whistles,” typically used to describe unnecessary extras. Instead, Kiki Goti reimagines these details as central to the design narrative, positioning embellishment as both essential and celebrated.
At the heart of the series is the bell motif—solid cast aluminum forms that serve as the legs of an armchair, coffee table, and cabinet. This choice pays homage to the centuries-old tradition of bell-making, where molten metal is shaped into enduring, resonant forms, rooting the pieces in time-honored craftsmanship.
Playful Whistles and Hidden Details
While bells provide structural grounding, whistles introduce a lighter touch. Miniature whistles function as drawer knobs, tucked into discreet corners that surprise users with both playfulness and practicality. This approach underscores the studio’s mission to blend function, ornamentation, and delight within everyday objects.
Materiality and Craft
The series combines walnut, lacquered wood, and cast aluminum, striking a balance between organic warmth and sculptural refinement. By elevating what has long been dismissed as “extra,” Kiki Goti Studio reframes decorative details as integral to both form and function.
A Celebration of Design’s Non-Essentials
With “Bells and Whistles,” ornamentation is no longer an afterthought—it is the very essence of the design. Through playful motifs and meticulous craftsmanship, the collection blurs the line between embellishment and utility, inviting viewers to reconsider the role of detail in contemporary furniture design.
