10 miniature clay homes created in self-isolation

Instagram users have shared the tiny clay versions of their ideal homes they created to keep busy while in isolation.

The clay sets were created for a competition that Brooklyn designer Eny Lee Parker launched on Instagram, just as New York began to tighten measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“I started three weeks ago when New York City started to quarantine,” Parker told Dezeen.

“I knew that for me, I’d have to keep myself busy so my mind wouldn’t focus on the bad news happening everywhere,” she said. “You need a balance of being well-informed, and keep living while finding positivity to stay sane and safe.”

Parker kicked off the Clay Play contest with her polymer clay creation and then called for others to make their “ideal room”.

“I thought of ways to start a challenge that people could do while being home,” Parker continued. “Polymer clay was my go-to since I focus on ceramics, and creating an ‘ideal room’ seemed fitting since we are all in our homes.”

Parker, who bought clay for seven people to encourage participation, has since received 46 entries to the competition from architects, designers and set designers. They include a sunken, curved seat facing a round window, a mirrored room and a lounge covered in plants.

She has whittled entrants down to nine finalists and opened the competition to a public vote on her Instagram. Two winners will be announced tomorrow; first-place will receive a small version of 00 lamps and second-place will be awarded her Daisy Sconce light.

Listed below are 10 designs, including Parker’s and the nine finalists.

Anna Kamerer