During the pandemic and even after, there were a lot of people who started becoming plant parents, growing their own plants and flowers in their backyards, on window sills, or even in just one pot. I am not one of those people, specifically because I seem to kill green things accidentally. But for those who love growing things and are looking for beautifully designed and convenient tools to help them, this germinator might pique your interest.
OV is a germinator designed by SOMbyMOS, which is basically a beautifully crafted plate to grow your sprouts using an innovative felt substrate system. You can even choose from several material options for your base to match your space’s aesthetics and to reflect your own personal style: marble, wood, grey stone, or plastic.
Designer Name: Som by Mos
Usually, some germinators use traditional mesh or plastic grids, but this one uses a felt substrate so your sprouts will stay fresh as they grow. It’s gentler on those that are more delicate and also creates better moisture distribution. Plus, it also looks more refined than the typical germination systems in the market. The choice of the base also adds an element of great design, especially if you want to marry form and function.
The marble base brings sophistication with its cool, smooth surface and natural veining that makes each piece unique. The grey stone option brings earthy texture with subtle color variations that add character. The wood variant has a more organic appeal with its warmth and natural grain patterns, while the plastic option has a more contemporary and accessible look without compromising on aesthetic quality.
This germinator is able to embrace its dual purpose beautifully. When you’re growing sprouts, you can watch as it evolves into a living piece that adorns your home. It’s probably fun to see those tiny seeds eventually become vibrant greens day by day, transforming from dormant potential into actual nourishment right before your eyes. But here’s what makes the OV special: when you’re not growing anything, it can still become a beautiful, decorative object, so you don’t need to hide it somewhere and just bring it out when you want to use it as a germinator. It deserves to stay displayed on your counter or shelf, earning its keep as a design piece even during its “off-duty” hours.
The OV comes from Barcelona-based multidisciplinary studio MOS, and their design philosophy really shines through here. They focus on turning “the ordinary into extraordinary” through thoughtful simplicity, and growing sprouts, something that usually happens in plastic containers tucked away in dark corners, becomes this elevated ritual you’ll actually want to engage with daily.
What SOMbyMOS has created is more than just a functional tool; it’s what they call a “growing ritual”. The process of tending to your sprouts becomes meditative and rewarding when your germinator is this beautiful. You’re not just checking on seeds; you’re interacting with a design object that brings joy to your space.
For those interested, the OV is available at various price points depending on your chosen material, ranging from €55 to €121, making it accessible whether you’re just starting your design collection or you’re a seasoned collector looking for something unique and functional.
Even for someone like me who struggles to keep plants alive, I can appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the OV’s design. It acknowledges that the tools we use in our daily lives should be beautiful, not just functional. While I might not trust myself with growing anything (the sprouts would probably stage a revolt), I can absolutely see the appeal for those who have that green thumb I clearly lack.
If you’re someone who loves the ritual of growing your own food, appreciates Scandinavian-inspired minimalism with a Mediterranean twist, or simply wants to add more intentional, beautiful objects to your home, the OV offers exactly that. It’s a reminder that even the simplest activities, like growing sprouts, can become something special when we surround ourselves with thoughtfully designed objects that bring us joy.
