Ameri-pean

Do you find yourself yearning for that super-silky cappuccino? Lusting after a sexy chaise? Then you might just be an “Ameri-pean” at heart. “Ameri-pean” is a term that’s been coined to describe a metamorphosis in American design. American design, once considered clunky and stodgy, is now moving closer to the high-end design that’s been popular in Europe for years.

As American design evolves, more American consumers are starting to appreciate, and even demand, well-designed goods. But these come at a price—literally. Don’t have the budget to outfit your dwelling with the high-end furniture and sleek accessories you see featured in the glossy architectural mags? Not to worry. In the true spirit of America, high design has become mass-produced, making it affordable for—you guessed it—the masses. Now that’s democracy at work!

It has become trendy, over the last several years, for high-end designers and architects to create a brand-name line of accessible goods for the general public. Stores like Target promote and sell these lines. In doing so, Target has not only upgraded its image, but also given an additional edge and range to its merchandise. Michael Graves has an entire line of relatively inexpensive home accessories with designer flare. You can upgrade everything from your dog’s chew toy to your teakettle. Seriously.

Other retailers, both traditional and online, are jumping on board the concept of design for the mass as well, offering clean lines at reasonable prices.

Design Within Reach Design Within Reach (DRW) is just what it sounds like: design pieces that are relatively affordable. DWR carries all the big boys (and girls) in design, which makes the retailer a little pricier than some of the others. But, you can’t really get design classics anywhere else within a budget. According to their website, DWR specializes in “fully licensed classics” and strives to make them available to the public. These classics include the Charles and Ray Eames Chair and Ottoman, or the Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Buying these pieces will set you back some, but they are made from the original designers’ exact specifications. The site is educational, too—it presents information about the careers of major designers alongside their famous products. More current designers and products are also featured on the site and in their showrooms. DWR has a kids’ line as well, called DRWjax, for your budding modernist.

Design Public Design Public may also be on the pricy side, but the witty sidebars accompanying their product categories can almost make you overlook the cost.