A selection of designs with soul (14 photos)

We're used to thinking of the things around us as simply functional. But sometimes designers decide to add a touch of magic to an ordinary eraser or garlic holder. In this collection, we'll show you 13 finds from around the world—from Japanese stationery to Italian staircases—that prove that beauty lies in the details.

A sharpener in the shape of a young, then mature lion





A garlic holder in the shape of a Bulbasaur



It's a Pokémon, you recognized it right away, admit it.

Kindergarten fence design





Fish staircase by London design studio Barber & Osgerby



Door handle in Coffee shop



Spiral staircase. "Eye of the Tower", Verona, Italy



"DIY Mount Fuji" eraser from Japan



The more mistakes you make, the smaller the mountain becomes. So this eraser also serves as a motivator to avoid making mistakes.

This is a drill holder.



Water drainage in Taiwan



Benches near the National Library in Kuwait



A contact lens holder received from ophthalmologist



A bench with a caring lamppost like this one



The prehistoric nautilus has been reborn as a modern shell



Railings in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany