This charming new electrical outlet looks like a smiley face

When you think of an electrical outlet, the first thing that likely comes to mind is a simple, rectangular device mounted on the wall—purely functional, often hidden from sight.

Architect and designer India Mahdavi has different ideas, though. Working with the high-end electrical brand 22 System, Mahdavi reimagined the outlet as a cheerful pop of color that’s reminiscent of a smiley face.

[Photo: Thierry Depagne/22 System]

Omer Arbel, co-founder of 22 System and design brand Bocci, asked Mahdavi to bring an unexpected element of joy to this everyday utility by creating a distinct colorway for the existing outlet face—transforming it from a discreet necessity into a bold design statement. Her vision led to the Smiley, an outlet with a fluorescent yellow hue that infuses playfulness into an otherwise technical product. 

Mahdavi says she wanted something that could stand out even in the dark. Instead of concealing the outlets, as people typically do, she aimed to celebrate them, making them an intentional part of the space. Mahdavi not only provided input on the product’s color but also crafted a narrative around it—one that challenges traditional notions of how electrical outlets fit into homes.

[Photo: Celia Spenard-Ko/courtesy 22 System]

“How could we perceive it differently, perceive it in a more homey, familiar, and maybe more feminine way? Instead of having these technical, sophisticated elements, how can you make them your own? How can you use them in your own home?” Mahdavi says. To show off the outlet, she transformed her classic Oliver armchair into a multi-socket appliance adorned with vibrant yellow outlets.

[Photo: Thierry Depagne/22 System]

Mahdavi believes the pandemic heightened our awareness of the unseen, prompting deeper consideration of the objects around us. People started asking more questions like: How was it made? Who designed it? How is it presented? What is the story behind it? This shift in perspective encouraged Mahdavi to reimagine an often-overlooked necessity as an object of intrigue and design.

“It was about how do you turn something that is not supposed to be seen into something that is really seen,” says Mahdavi.

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