The “What’s In, What’s Out for 2009” list thing.

Recovered Eames Chair, Apartment Therapy

The “What’s In and What’s Out in 2009” lists are starting to appear. Not to be too protestant about it, since environmentalism in its more puritanical moment can make you want to stab yourself in the eye with a fork—a plastic fork—but these lists can get anxiety-provoking. Where is all our old stuff supposed to go? Do they seriously think we’re going to repaint the whole place again? If decor is just like fashion, which the shelter magazines would like to suggest, then interior design styles are going to have a 3-year lifespan, max, much shorter if you’re trying for cool. The words “cash grab” come to mind, esp. on the part of the paint companies. But actually, no doubt thanks to the economic downturn and signs of ecological collapse, quite a few of the trend lists have gone sort of lo-fi. Apartment Therapy‘s list is as usual relatively DIY, low footprint, re-use and recycle, and pro-vintage. Other lists here and here and here. One blogger said “I always dread these lists, because without fail, they make me feel like the girl in the back of the classroom who eats her hair.” Her facetious list is here. Photo of one trend, the midcentury modern Eames lounge recovered in bright fabric (an Afghani suzani), from AT.  Below, AT‘s feature on making your own DIY wallpaper using photocopies, featuring artist Jenny Holzer’s hallway at left and a papered file cabinet at right.

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What’s in, in short? DIY, crafts, buying from Etsy, repair, refurbishing and repurposing, and thrifting. But honestly: who cares?

4 comments on "The “What’s In, What’s Out for 2009” list thing."

  1. Eames must be rolling in his grave at the sight of that ridiculous combination! What an insult to modern design. Throw an afghan on a chair if you must, but seriously, spend your precious time and resources on something besides over-kill on the “re-do, re-use, re-purpose” thing!

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