Bloom

Bloom is a modular furniture piece designed by Prerna Sharma that explores how playful, tactile interactions with objects can bring more joy, presence, and connection into everyday life. It is made of a system of interchangeable pieces that can be reconfigured for the user to mix and match to their liking.

Originally conceived from the isolation and monotony of the pandemic, the project responds to the feeling of repetitive routines and disconnected living by encouraging users to physically engage with their environment. The project's central question was simple: what if an everyday object could interrupt that monotony and draw you back into your own space? The answer took the form of a system of interchangeable cork forms that can be stacked, rotated, and combined into an evolving range of seating configurations.

The forms are deliberately soft and rounded, shaped by research into human psychology and our emotional attachment to objects. Curved geometries lower psychological barriers; they feel approachable, safe, and tactile in a way that angular furniture rarely does. The result is a collection that actively engages the user, encouraging physical interaction and a sense of presence.

While primarily designed as modular seating and stools, Bloom is intentionally versatile and can also function as a side table or nightstand. The individual forms create stable flat surfaces that are ideal for holding books, a lamp, a glass of water, or personal objects beside a bed or sofa. This adaptability reinforces the project’s broader goal of creating furniture that evolves with the user’s space and routines rather than serving a single fixed purpose.

The project also incorporates sustainability into both production and distribution. Bloom is made using cork and was envisioned to be manufactured in small batches using locally sourced materials, helping reduce emissions associated with international shipping while supporting local makers and communities.