Affordable Modern Design in Lean Times 
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In an article from the International Herald Tribune, Design Loves a Depression, author Michael Cannell discusses how in a hard economic climate, design is one of the few arts that benefits. After all, necessity is the mother of invention, no?
Modernism’s great ambition was to democratize design. Ikea and Target have shown that the battle for cheap design can be won. The emphasis will most likely shift to greater quality at affordable prices. This time around it will be the designer’s job to discourage consumers from regarding that $30 Ikea side table as a throwaway item.
Livable Modernism
Throughout the history of modern design, excellence has bloomed when budgets were tight. Just look to Eames or Wright for examples of how inexpensive materials can be used to create fabulous, lasting modern designs that will enhance the beauty and value (even!) of your home.
In lean times, good design at an affordable price will come out ahead of high-priced trends that will be passé before you get yours home and show it off. Make the smart choice. See Why Choosing IKEA is Smart for more reasons to make IKEA your choice, now and anytime.
Tags: Affordable Design, Affordable Modernism, Budget, Modern Design, Modernism
Great article, thanks for posting! Constraint breeds creativity. In my design mind, that law is as unmitigable as the law of gravity.
Modern, simple, durable design lends itself very well to responsible & sustainable practice in a bunch of ways. First, by using less material in many cases for a clean look, especially with rectilinear forms. The simpler, the less material used, the less power used to make it.
Durable both in manufactured quality and in aesthetics does keep it out of the landfill, as noted in the article. That’s as important as making it close to home and using materials that are either repurposed or rapidly replenished.
Keeping it out of the landfill is the probably the most immediately understood by the consumer. But it’s the designer’s obligation to green it from the starting block.
Glad to know there is hope in the corners of the down times!