"Generation Ikea... give it to me now, give it to me for a buck, I don't care how well it's made or how long it will last."
~ jacksonlalonde
The idea of Generation Ikea is interesting to me as I sort through my feelings of over purchase, under use. Finding this commentary and discussion (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/surveys/discuss-are-you-generation-ikea-085923) was my indication that I need to think a little more clearly regarding the idea of fulfillment through inexpensive design.
Can ikea be seen as a down spiral into our disposable nation, or have they managed to create low footprint "design within reach"? There is an aspect to their flat package/shipping, and recycled creations that appeals to me. This has always been an internal struggle though - I see indy artists through websites, selling their work for large amounts of money. $75 for a 5x7 hand painted card. $175 for a hand sewn dress. That's not to say that these things aren't worth it - because goodness knows when I stumble upon the money, I will pay those prices… or at least try to paint/sew them myself. But what about the thought of low footprint creation of goods, shipping, and design at a reasonable price? Where else can I get a can opener (that works - sorry dollarama) for $1.99?
Should we blame IKEA for the generations need for constant renewal? The need to replace a duvet cover every year or season? A college kids need for a new couch every year, because they've tortured theirs in the former? Is it possible to hold on to IKEA furniture for long enough to make it 'yours'? IKEA produces affordable product
Then I begin to wonder - is Ikea the furniture version of Urban Outfitters? Is IKEA a method for unfashionable people to insert themselves directly into the stream of consciousness that the outer limits walk through multiple thrift stores to create?
For now, I'll stand up for my Ikea. My bed has made it through 6 moves, lots of 3-2-1 bonding (with old roommates), three dorm rooms, a lot of heart ache, and two duvets - not just IKEA duvets either! Mind you, my $3000 mattress that I invested in after first year rests upon that frame mightily… but if I can hold onto an IKEA bed frame without snapping it in two for that long, then anyone can.
IKEA shelves with VV boutique (read: value village) tarnished silver pedestal platters - eat it Martha Stewart.
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~ jacksonlalonde
The idea of Generation Ikea is interesting to me as I sort through my feelings of over purchase, under use. Finding this commentary and discussion (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/surveys/discuss-are-you-generation-ikea-085923) was my indication that I need to think a little more clearly regarding the idea of fulfillment through inexpensive design.
Can ikea be seen as a down spiral into our disposable nation, or have they managed to create low footprint "design within reach"? There is an aspect to their flat package/shipping, and recycled creations that appeals to me. This has always been an internal struggle though - I see indy artists through websites, selling their work for large amounts of money. $75 for a 5x7 hand painted card. $175 for a hand sewn dress. That's not to say that these things aren't worth it - because goodness knows when I stumble upon the money, I will pay those prices… or at least try to paint/sew them myself. But what about the thought of low footprint creation of goods, shipping, and design at a reasonable price? Where else can I get a can opener (that works - sorry dollarama) for $1.99?
Should we blame IKEA for the generations need for constant renewal? The need to replace a duvet cover every year or season? A college kids need for a new couch every year, because they've tortured theirs in the former? Is it possible to hold on to IKEA furniture for long enough to make it 'yours'? IKEA produces affordable product
Then I begin to wonder - is Ikea the furniture version of Urban Outfitters? Is IKEA a method for unfashionable people to insert themselves directly into the stream of consciousness that the outer limits walk through multiple thrift stores to create?
For now, I'll stand up for my Ikea. My bed has made it through 6 moves, lots of 3-2-1 bonding (with old roommates), three dorm rooms, a lot of heart ache, and two duvets - not just IKEA duvets either! Mind you, my $3000 mattress that I invested in after first year rests upon that frame mightily… but if I can hold onto an IKEA bed frame without snapping it in two for that long, then anyone can.
IKEA shelves with VV boutique (read: value village) tarnished silver pedestal platters - eat it Martha Stewart.
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Though my bike was just stolen, I still love Toronto. For reasons such as this - free movies!
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I love contests - I will enter contests until the cows come home… a chance at free things?? YES!
What's better than contests? Contests where I have the option of getting $1000 of band aids! Judging from my track record of being a disastrous klutz, this is a huge giveaway.
So here you are!
Happy Weekend!