Opposite Aesthetic: Cast Iron

Before I talk about the opposite of my project’s aesthetic, I have to reestablish the actual aesthetic as it has changed slightly since the first post. The aesthetic I am now going for is of light, aluminum, outdoors gear. For example, my aluminum spoon would work well with this … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Opposite of Ornate Peacock Chair

The original Peacock Chair is very ornate, with an extremely large and ornate back, most of which isn’t strictly functional. From a functionalist perspective, the “The ReTired Recliner”, which is a chair I made for CVEN 5544 (Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery), is an o … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Brutal Nouveau: A Theoretical Shift

Mid-Century Modern embraces clean lines, organic materials, bold colors in emphasis and function over form. Everyday objects become objects of beautify themselves. Clutter is minimized and ornamentation is minimal. The opposite of these characteristics is highly ornamented, form … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Looney Tunes Upcycle Progress

My Upcycle Project is coming along nicely. To recap, my plan is to build a little sculpture based on the Looney Tunes aesthetic. This will feature a cardboard box as a base. I have decided to use a shoebox for this because I have many of them that I keep for storage. I will paint … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Opposite Aesthetic: Rustic Modern Wood Mosaic

The aesthetic of my upcycle project is Rustic Modern. This aesthetic blends warm tones, various textures, and a mix of natural materials. This style often incorporates overall geometric patterns that are visually appealing. The imperfection of the natural material is frequently h … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Less is Less – Opposite the Bookframe

Traditional paper books were once the primary and most efficient means of publishing large amounts of information; they’ve since given way to various other mediums. Specifically in delivering written language, digital publications have begun filling that once exclusive role. Wher … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Designed without true function in mind: The opposite of Neuroaesthetics

As discussed in previous posts, the aesthetic I have selected for my upcycle is neuroaesthetics. Neuroaestetics describes the study of the underlying neural processes which compose our response to an aesthetic experience and the use of these responses to tailor an aesthetic to el … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Industrial Aesthetic

For my upcycling project, my objective is creating an object that combines the nature and modern aesthetic. When encompassing what is opposite than this aesthetic, what comes to my find is an 1800’s steel mill. In my mind, this is opposite of nature and opposite of nature This ph … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Modernist Aesthetic in a Chalk Bag

Modernism Definition: “Sharp, clean-cut geometries. An open space, minimalist look.” (Jagelski, 2021). Sleek and dull, modern design contrasts the characteristics of the vintage americana aesthetic. Modernism is a common design choice for houses in the 2000’s. Characteristics in … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Rustic Pokemon TCG Box

My upcycling project is focused on an opulent Pokémon TCG deck box. Specifically, I used black acrylic to show the high-level feel that would come from opulence (think a nice grand piano). The accent colors for the design on the front were metallic/pearl colors to elevate the gra … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Opposite Aesthetic – Maximalist vs Minimilism

The aesthetic I am going for is what I think is a blend of maximalist and minimalism. The design of the coasters themselves is minimal and simple, yet the “look” of the coasters will have more color and vibrancy to them. I would like to essentially recreate Jackson Pollock’s artw … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Opposite Upcycle Aesthetic: Artificiality and the Supernaturalism

Currently, parts of the world is growing like an onion, adding more manmade layers to spots deeply rooted in man’s creations. What was once a few acres of trees, or desert, or grassy plains could now be the site of an Amazon fulfillment center, or a Walmart supercenter. As the ar … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Automated High-Tech Self-Watering Planter

(featured image generated by DALL-E AI) Inspiration While my upcycle project focuses on sustainability by repurposing a 2-liter bottle into a self-watering planter, this project will take a completely opposite approach. Instead of DIY rustic, this upcycle will embrace high-tech p … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Modern Film Slide Lampshade (Opposite Upcycle Aesthetic)

(featured image generated by DALL-E AI) My upcycle project is strongly rooted in the past lives of the objects I’m using. The film slides I acquired date back as far as the 1950s. To me, the older they are, the better. The aesthetic focuses heavily on the nostalgic feeling these … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Hallyu-Inspired Water Bottle Sling: What is the Opposing Aesthetic?

My project’s aesthetic is slightly modified and unique. It kind of contrasts itself in a way… (which is what I was aiming for anyways). I wanted to capture the K-pop concert fashion trends that I have seen in person and on social media. My project has both light and dark sides to … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Opposite Upcycling Project

The opposite upcycling project to my magnetic wooden knife holder would most likely resemble a mass-produced, injection-molded knife holder that technically achieves the same functionality. However, while my project emphasizes craftsmanship, sustainability, and visual appeal, thi … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Upcycle Progress – Futuristic Memphis Aesthetic Fruit Bowl

What excites me most about this design is how it blends futuristic and organic elements. The bowl doesn’t just hold fruit—it becomes an art piece, a sculptural form that feels alive, as if it’s constantly shifting and flowing. The spirals, curves, and bubbly protrusions make it l … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Collage Cards: Opposite Aesthetic

My Collage Card Aesthetic In my initial post about my upcycling project, I determined the aesthetic would be maximalist, vintage, and whimsical. The maximalism comes from the quantity of items pasted on the card, meaning there are plenty of things for your eyes to follow. The vin … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Presentation Critiques

Presentation Critiques Our critique method is adapted from Lerman, Liz. Critical Response Process: A Method for Getting Useful Feedback on Anything You Make, from Dance to Dessert. EBook., 2002. Step 1: Statements of Meaning These are often, but not always positive statements, ca … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Brutalist Maximalist Aesthetic – The Opposite of Scandinavian Design!

If Scandinavian interior design is all about warmth, minimalism, and organic textures, then its complete opposite has to be Brutalist Maximalism—a bold, unapologetic fusion of industrial toughness and dramatic excess. If Scandi is the well-behaved straight-A student, Brutalist Ma … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Upcycle Project Progress: Ball Shelf

As I was finalizing my plans for my upcycled ball shelf, I realized that it was important for me to have my materials before I finish the design of my shelf. The pieces of wood that I source matter a lot with how my shelf will look, its size, and shape. Because of this, I... | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Brutal Bee: Upcycle Opposites

My upcycle project merges the aesthetics of Hyperbolic Distortion and Bee-Core, drawing inspiration from their shared principles of spatial manipulation, organic curvature, and natural algorithms. While exploring their opposites, I noted the intriguing similarities between these … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Opposite of Upcycle Aesthetic

The aesthetic that I focused on for my upcycle project was the “ski bum” aesthetic. This aesthetic reflects a mindset where skiing is the number one priority. This mindset is accompanied by bright colors, fun fabrics, second-hand clothing, and a care-free attitude. There are a fe … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

1960’s Office Aesthetic

What is the opposite of a Parisian Jazz Aesthetic? Is it Mongolian rap, or maybe Canadian heavy metal? Im not exactly sure, but I know that Parisian Jazz is often characterized by its bright, vibrant colors with a flowery, light aesthetic that is not afraid of being original. Fig … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Upcycled Ski Rack Update

For my upcycling project, I decided to make a ski rack out of reclaimed barnwood. The original idea was to use a slab of Barnwood with cork padded pegs to grab the skis by their sidecut. While this idea would’ve likely worked well, I found an old scale head while digging through … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Post 3: Upcycling Progress

This past week, I’ve gotten a pretty good start on my western saloon style cabinet dartboard. Last tuesday, I went to Recourse Central – a salvage yard with everything from cabinets, to old fireplaces, to refrigerators. Here I looked for a cheap cabinet which could fit my 18″ dia … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Opposite upcycle Aesthetic

The contradicting aesthetic to my tropical tiki aesthetic would be the aesthetic of industrial life. This would include a lot of concrete, and gray tones. The tropical aesthetic would be made with natural forming materials such as wood or bamboo, while the Industrial aesthetic is … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Upcycle Progress – Rustic Desk Organizer Fabrication

Upcycle Progress – Rustic Desk Organizer Fabrication For my Upcycling Project, I am making steady progress on my Rustic Desk Organizer, designed with a Natural & Rustic aesthetic in mind. This project embraces sustainability by repurposing tin cans, reclaimed wood, and twine to c … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

The Dive in to Neuroaesthetic Design

The deep dive into neuroaesthetics has been quite an adventure; I honestly found myself in the land of analysis paralysis with all the opportunity for creativity and demonstration of this unique aesthetic. I started reading the book Your Brain on Art as I started this class, and … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

The psychology of design – how to embody an aesthetic with no visual consistencies

Visit the post for more. | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Industrial Aesthetic, Anti-Nature

The opposite of the “earth core” and “solarpunk” aesthetic would be a hyper-industrial, high-tech, and synthetic look, one that emphasizes artificiality rather than nature’s reclamation. Instead of soft, organic textures and earthy tones, this alternative aesthetic would highligh … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Neuroaestetics; the hidden aesthetic

As presented in class, I am deeply passionate about our subconscious connection with our surroundings and the impact it has on our behaviors. Back in 2022 I received my masters degree in Human Factors, which is essentially the study of design and human performance, and how to bes … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Upcycle Progress

My upcycle progress is taking a brief hiatus until Wednesday due to job applications, upcoming midterms, and last minute job interviews. However, I did do some idea generation. The first idea was to make any cuts into the back side of the book and maybe leave the first few pages … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

LED Backlit Wall Decor: A Modern Aesthetic

For my upcycling project, I’m planning to create a wall decor piece with LED backlighting. The design will focus on a sleek and modern aesthetic, incorporating clean shapes and soft lighting to create an eye catching visual effect. The LEDs will provide a glowing backdrop, adding … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Progress update on upcycle project

I have decided to make coasters out of an old hockey stick. I need to cut them to size I am looking at making a 4.5×4.5 inch box of cut sticks then hot glueing them together and casing the sticks with wood. Next I fill the wood casing with epoxy to make an even surfaces... | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Stuffed Animal Recreations: Upcycle Progress

My upcycling project follows the aesthetic of nostalgia/childhood nostalgia. I will be making a small series of stuffed animals out of recycled and found materials that will be recreations of the actual childhood stuffed animals that my friends and I cherished growing up. I would … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Headcover progress

Thank you for tuning back in. My concept drawing is above and gave me a lot of insight to what I need to look for when designing this project. It will definitely be difficult to make it exactly how I drew it, but I am interested to see if I can get the colors and... | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Ethernet Key Door Holder Rack Update 1

Upcycle Project: Ethernet Key Holder Rack For my upcycle project, the Ethernet key holder rack, I have started gathering the necessary materials to fully carry out my design. Below is a conceptual sketch of two key components that work together for this project: the router itself … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Fender Mirror Design Update

For the fender mirror, I was able to find and source a material for the body to house the recycled components that would be best suited for its strength and outdoor application. ABS plastic is one of the most common plastics used today for its positive engineering characteristics … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Mid-Century Modern Lamp Update 1

For my Upcycle Project, a mid-century modern lamp, I have started with sketching the lamp, and its various components to help determine the parts needed and the layout of the lamp. It also allows me to explore different shapes and layouts, and I ultimately settled on a modified b … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Decopunk Assassin’s Teapot, Update 1

With twelve days remaining until our due date, the creation of my assassin’s teapot is progressing smoothly and steadily. While there have been some unexpected hurdles, such as sourcing materials, I have been able to adapt and move forward without major disruptions. As previously … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Upcycle Project Progress

I am a day late in posting this because I was taking the FE exam yesterday so that took a bit of precedent. So far since last post I have gone deeper into the design of the wall hanger, including sketching more and getting some CAD drawn up. You can see in the featured image... | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Plastic Forest Project Update

Upcycle progress For my plastic forest project, I have struggled to find areas where I can source the tree supports from without having to make my own. I have a finalized idea of how I want the model to look, featuring an ascending central location where the tallest tree will be … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Upcycling a Sleeping Bag into a Lightweight Ski Touring Jacket Update

For my upcycling project, I am transforming a sleeping bag into a lightweight ski touring jacket. I purchased an EcoPro LW210 lightweight warm-weather sleeping bag from Goodwill to maximize fabric yield at a low cost. I have already deconstructed the bag by removing the seams, se … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Upcycled Bicycle Stool

I am currently making progress on my upcycle project, a stool made from vintage bicycle parts. I’ve acquired a vintage bicycle seat from an old tandem bicycle. It is made with tanned leather and metal springs, and currently, it’s fixed to a seat post of 1-inch diameter, which for … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Pixel Art 3D Print Upcycling: Progress Update on Grid Mapping & Material Gathering

I haven’t started physically building or shredding 3D prints yet, but I hope to get to that this coming weekend. As of now, I’ve gathered all the materials I should need: a picture frame, a clear acrylic sheet, and all my 3D print scraps. Soon, I’ll start sorting the prints by co … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Cyberpunk Stereoscope Materials

My progress this week has been largely focused on gathering materials for my cyberpunk stereoscope concept, which has unfortunately not been the most productive. Gathering upcycled materials that fit a cyberpunk aesthetic was surprisingly challenging due to the smaller proportion … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago

Soda Can Tab Guitar Strap – Upcycle Progress Update

This past week, I was able to source all the materials and tools I believe I will need to create my soda can tab guitar strap. The materials/tools are as follows: Soda Can Tabs – Main aesthetic material Spool of Black Nylon String – Guiding lines for first step of assembly Black … | Continue reading


@aesdes.org | 1 year ago