cleat socket

As wireless as our world has become, there are still many cords snaking along the floors and walls of most of our homes. This designer has taken a fresh look at the issue of storing cables, hiding cords and turning conventional electric accessories into artistic decorative elements.

tile socket

Oboiler designs ask basic questions about our use of conventional outlet objects, such as the near-universal two-screw white cover plate we see everywhere. Could these be used more broadly as electric outlet wallpaper or other decor? Could we remind ourselves of the value of energy by turning a socket into a hidden wall coin bank?

rope cord

Here’s what they have to say about the Plaited Cord, above:

“In an effort to keep the fantastic art of ropework alive and to solve the problem of overwhelming electronic entanglement, I am attempting to link the two as a repurposed technology solution.”

“The tall clipper ships of yesterday are hard to find now. The men who sailed them are slowly disappearing along with their arts and very specialized skills. One of the most tragic victems of this trend is ropework.”

“The simple act of securing two bits of string is enough to confound most people. In the heyday of sailing, there was a knot for every part of the ship. This old world technology that has been placed by the way side may find the perfect place in todays electronics industry.”

coin socket

Wall socket plates come in all shapes and sizes but their designs tend to involve layering a new aesthetic on a standardized fixture. These unique electrical socket peripherals and accessories by Oboiler challenge the very basic ideas we have about plugs, cables, cords and sockets. Some of these are functional – providing new ways to wrap and store cords – while others are more conceptual, twisting cables into unusual or unique configurations. What do you wish your wall socket could do?

picket fence cord control