Designing for the Times

I thought this article in the NYTimes yesterday was interesting and spot on--the headline is Design Loves a Depression.

It's all been too much. Give me a few classics that will last over time.

While pregnant, I was overwhelmed with all the stuff people said I had to buy. As it turns out some of the stuff is necessary (crib, changing table, bottles, pacifiers, etc) but some just isn't. Instead of buying a bottle warmer appliance, I put bottles in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes. That, or I leave them on the radiators. And I'm happy to say there's one less appliance in my life and on my countertop. Two less if you consider that we don't have a microwave and don't think we need one.

Heading into the New Year, Zen Simplicity is my mantra, and my goal is to take good care of what I already have. Bring on the new design, I just hope it's useful and made to last.

[photo from the NYTimes: Left, Tony Cenicola for The New York Times; right, Museum of Modern Art]