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Future Classics

Smart Design : Episode SDN-407 -- More Projects »
Imagine if you knew which modern objects would become the antiques of tomorrow. Lisa Roberts proves that you can indeed spot future classics if you know where and how to look for them:
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    One of the most famous designers right now is Philippe Starck (considered the "bad boy" of French architecture because of his outrageous buildings). He also designs products and these fly swatters are called Dr. Scud. Perforations form a subtle person's face.
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    Karim Rashid, one of the most well-known industrial designers today, designed these "kissing" salt and pepper shakers that are just as exquisite when separated.
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This is called the "knotted rope chair" and it was designed by Marcel Wanders, an up-and-coming designer who uses technologies in a very unusual way. The material used is like macramé that's been knotted and coated in chrome. Weighing only three pounds, it can hold up to 175.
  • What will be valuable 20 years from now? Roberts thinks that a future classic is something that represents the best of design in its time. One of the ways to spot them is to read magazines and to listen for who the hot designers are and what products they are making.

  • As you shop for future classics, do your homework. Read magazines and talk to store owners to see what's getting published and what's winning awards. That way you can find out what's hot today and what might be especially hot in the future.

    Air chairs (plastic indoor/outdoor chairs) (Dane Decor Downtown)
    Louis XV ghost chair (clear chair), knotted rope chair, rainbow chair (Minima)
    thermos (Copco by Karim Rashid in fuchsia, gray, orange), Wovo trays, barware (corkscrew, bottle opener, jigger, bottle toppers and shaker) (Copco by Karim Rashid) (Foster's Urban Homeware)
    teapot (Michael Graves) (Target)

    • Resources
    decorative project materials
    Dane Decor
    Website: www.danedecor.com

    furniture
    Minima
    118 N. 3rd St.
    Philadelphia, PA 19106
    Phone: 215-922-2002

    decorative project materials
    Foster's Urban Homeware
    Philadelphia, PA
    Phone: 267-671-0588

    decorative project materials
    Target
    Website: www.target.com
    Guests
    Lisa Roberts
    Antiques of the Future
    Website: www.antiquesofthefuture.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Design : Episode SDN-407
    •Cottage Chic
    •Future Classics
    •Flooring
    •Stools
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