“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” These words rang true when Dickens introduced A Tale of Two Cities in 1859, and – almost 150 years later – they still apply. Especially to those who are in tune with the state of consumerism. Instead of the traditional Haves and Have Nots, in today’s world of overabundance and extreme contrast there have emerged two newer camps: the Wants and Want Nots. These aren’t people living in extremes (of poverty, fear, etc.) but they are most assuredly adopting policies of extreme living.

On one hand, there are those who are unashamed about squeezing any bit of luxury into every facet of their existence. Two such examples of what they might find attractive:

• Garages. What are normally considered areas of neglect and shame are now being outfitted as luxuriously as the local upmarket car dealership. “Your showroom for treasures,” is the tag line of Vault, one such company that services those eschewing oil stains and frayed carpet remnants for color coordinated, high-performance floors and shiny custom cabinetry. (The Problem: With a garage so nice, you may have to get a new car.)

• Portable Toilets. For those who stare in dread at brightly colored, molded plastic port-o-potties and imagine billions of bacteria running amuck within their humid interiors, here’s a solution: luxury traveling loos. (No, I’m not making this up.) Now companies like IGLOOS provide far from plebian accommodations – think wood paneling and high-end plumbing fixtures – to attendees of upscale events and corporate gatherings. (The Problem: Instead of not wanting to enter, now you might not want to leave.)

 
On the opposite extreme are those who, surrounded by fashionable this and mass-marketed that, have had it up to their foreheads with things and stuff and are now driven towards a “less is more” approach:

• Freegans. If you thought that base jumping and rock climbing were extreme, you haven’t encountered this committed group of anti-consumers. Freegans – a take-off on the word vegan – reject owning homes or even buying food, instead squatting in vacant properties and diving into dumpsters for shelter and sustenance, respectively. With the goal of expending the minimal amount of resources and curtailing waste, it’s a sustainability pledge to the nth degree. (The Problem: G-E-R-M-S.)

• The Compact. Less radical in their approach, a group called The Compact embraces more practical methods to express their concern for our planet’s future. Swap meets and garage sales replace big box stores and strip malls, while trips to cobblers and tailors replace seasonal shopping sprees. Allowable are true consumables such as tissues, soap, and the like. They’ve just said no to shopping. (The Problem: Temptation.)

 
Me” I’ve never been one for extremes. Moderation is more my style. Though I tend to save, stack, and reuse any box that crosses my threshold, I guiltlessly enjoy the items they first contained. So in the war between the sybaritic and the monkish, I guess I’m hangin’ with the sensible. (I’ve been called worse.)

Laura McDonald, ASID / IIDA
Interior Designer / Founder
laura@plinthandchintz.com