The Good Design Journal
10 Design Upgrades for Better Hydration Habits
"Thousands have lived without love, not one without water." — W.H. Auden
It’s a dramatic way to start a conversation about glassware, but he had a point. Water is the only non-negotiable. Yet, for something so vital, we treat it with a surprising amount of indifference. We sip it lukewarm from chipped mugs or chug it guiltily at 4 PM from scratched plastic bottles.
If you want to change the habit, you have to change the vessel.
We’ve curated 10 design upgrades that give water the respect it deserves. From the precision of a carbonator to the tactile grip of a mouth-blown jug, these are the pieces that turn a biological necessity into a daily ritual.
1. Precision Engineering for Fizz
AARKE Carbonator 3
Forget the plastic gadgets of the past. This is a seamless stainless-steel enclosure that operates with the precision of a high-end espresso machine. It turns tap water into sparkling with a satisfying mechanical action and a controlled spray beam, earning its permanent spot on the benchtop.
2. The Filter Pitcher, Reimagined
AARKE Water Purifier
Finally, here's a water filter that doesn't look like a piece of hospital equipment. It swaps the disposable plastic cartridge for a refillable stainless-steel hopper filled with granules. You get clean water without the landfill guilt, poured from a heavy, hygienic glass carafe that belongs on the dining table, not hidden in the fridge door.
3. Architectural Glass
FERM LIVING Ripple Water Jug
Mouth-blown glass usually feels fragile; this feels substantial. The distinctive vertical ripples catch the light and provide a confident grip, transforming the mundane act of pouring tap water into a small moment of theatre. It boasts ample capacity despite its compact footprint.
4. Geometric Energy
FERM LIVING Ripple Low Glasses
Varied geometric shapes create a dynamic energy between these glasses when they are stacked on a shelf. They are mouth-blown and lightweight, yet the ripple texture gives them a satisfying presence in the hand. It’s a design element that happens to hold water.
5. Frozen in Time
FERM LIVING Momento Glass Stones
They look exactly like melting ice, but they never dissolve. Keep these solid glass stones in the freezer to chill a drink without dilution. It’s a niche, high-design flex that turns a simple glass of water into an art installation.
6. The Mirror Finish
&TRADITION Momento Jug
Spun metal with a high-gloss polish creates a distorted mirror effect on the dining table. The tubular handle curves gracefully for a balanced pour, making this stainless steel vessel feel more like a sculpture than a pitcher.
7. A Lesson in Balance
FERM LIVING Still Carafe
Inspired by traditional tea rituals, the sphere-shaped coloured glass stopper rests like a bubble of air at the neck. It seals the contents while adding a delicate geometric punctuation mark, turning the desk-side water bottle into a moment of calm.
8. The Commuter's Upgrade
DESIGNSTUFF Vaeske Drink Bottle
Hydration usually involves bulky cylinders that fight for space in your bag. The Vaeske’s slim profile slides effortlessly into backpacks and cup holders. High-quality stainless steel keeps the temperature steady without the bulk, making it the perfect companion for a busy day.
9. Solving the Geometry Problem
DESIGNSTUFF Spiral Twist Ice Cube Tray
Square cubes don't fit in round bottle necks. This silicone tray solves the physics by freezing water into long, spiral shards. It’s a specific engineering fix for your water bottle that you’ll appreciate every single morning.
10. Proof of the Human Hand
OYOY Kuki Highball Glass
The soft bubble texture and subtle variations in form ensure no two highballs are identical. Mouth-blown for a handcrafted finish, they bring a casual, tactile playfulness to the table, perfect for when "sleek and minimal" feels a little too cold.
Is the Aarke Carbonator worth the investment compared to a standard soda maker?
If aesthetics and longevity are your priorities, yes. Unlike standard plastic models that often yellow or crack over time, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is built with a seamless stainless-steel enclosure. It’s designed to be a permanent fixture on your benchtop rather than an appliance you hide away, and the precision nozzle delivers a smoother, more controlled carbonation than cheaper alternatives.
Are mouth-blown glasses like the Ferm Living Ripple series dishwasher safe?
Technically, yes, many mouth-blown glasses are dishwasher safe, but we recommend caution. The Ripple series is delicate. To avoid clouding or accidental breakage from knocking against heavier pots, a gentle hand wash with a long-handled brush is the safest method to maintain that crystal-clear finish and distinct texture.
How do I filter tap water without using disposable plastic cartridges?
This is a common sustainability hurdle. The Aarke Water Purifier solves it by swapping the industry-standard plastic cartridge for a refillable stainless-steel hopper. You simply top up the filter granules when needed. It creates zero plastic waste and sits in a glass carafe that is hygienic and beautiful enough for the dining table.
What is the best way to chill a drink without diluting it?
If you are drinking high-quality spirits, white wine, or iced coffee, melting ice ruins the flavour profile. Glass stones are the design-led solution. Kept in the freezer, they hold a deep chill and cool the liquid without releasing water, maintaining the integrity of the drink while adding a sculptural element to the glass.
The Path of Least Resistance
Willpower is a finite resource. It usually snaps somewhere between the 3 PM sugar craving and the end of the workday. Design, however, is permanent.
When you upgrade the infrastructure of your day, like swapping a dented plastic bottle for weighted glass, or lukewarm tap water for sparkling, you change the feedback loop. You stop fighting against friction and start gravitating towards the experience. It’s simple behavioural science: we use the tools that feel good in our hands.
We’ve stocked the Kitchen & Dining collection with the pieces that make that choice automatic.
