Post 4- 2025 : Opposite Upcycle Aesthetic

Featured Image: Stacks of Wheat (End of Summer) by Claude Monet For my upcycling project I created a piece called “Flatiron Sunrise” which used the pointillism aesthetic, which was prominent as part of the Neo-Impressionist movement. As the name suggests, the neo-impressionist movement was spawned in reaction to the impressionist movement, and is very much…

My upcycle project targeted a functional and maximalist aesthetic with a hockey theme. The opposite of this would be a non-functional minimal aesthetic. The perfect example of this would be growing lawns. This originally began in England back in the 11th – 17th centuries. In these times, many civilians tried to have as much land…

While the aesthetic appeal of decopunk comes from its liberal use of golds and rigid geometry, urban decay demonstrates what happens when decopunk breaks down. Decopunk aspires to present power and opulence in society. Conversely, the urban decay aesthetic (also known as urban rot, urban death, or urban blight) is a visual demonstration, or even…

Exploring the Opposite of My Upcycle Project Aesthetic My original upcycling project follows an Industrial Vintage aesthetic, characterized by rugged, utilitarian designs that embrace aged materials, exposed textures, and a mix of metal and glass. This aesthetic highlights history and craftsmanship, often using distressed finishes, dark tones, and functional, no-frills construction. However, if I were…

Modernity What defines modernity? At its core, modernity embodies the relentless drive for innovation, efficiency, and clarity. A philosophy that champions the stripping away of excess to reveal the fundamental essence of design. In minimalist modern styles, this pursuit manifests in clean lines, unadorned surfaces, and open, unencumbered spaces. However, while this approach seeks to…

The opposite of my Upcycle project aesthetic, which combines futuristic elements with steampunk, is one devoid of any industrial intricacies or technological fads. Rather than featuring interlacing gears, brass fittings or a union between Victorian era mechanics blended with sleek innovation, the opposite aesthetic portrays a focus on minimalistic and more naturalism and even a…

For my upcycling project, I am repurposing old skateboard decks into colorful plywood to make a jewelry set. This project draws inspiration from Bauhaus and De Stijl aesthetics, emphasizing geometric patterns, sharp lines, and bold color contrasts. Defining the Opposite Aesthetic The aesthetic I chose for my upcycle project is a blend of Bauhaus and…

My upcycle project aesthetic combines Modern Minimalism, Industrial, and Futuristic aesthetics. The opposite of that would be Maximalism, Naturalistic, and Traditional aesthetics. Modern Minimalist vs. Maximalist: Minimalist design focuses on clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. The opposite would be maximalism, where the design is detailed, decorative, and visually complex. The CU Buffaloes logo would be…

My upcycle project adheres to the “Modern Rustic Charm” aesthetic, which is characterized by the use of rustic, natural materials in conjunction with various modern design hints. This makes it somewhat difficult to find a clear antithesis, as the aesthetic itself consists of elements that oppose each other. While strong arguments can be made for…

The opposite of my Upcycle project’s modern bohemian aesthetic would be like something more industrial and minimalist. While modern bohemian design emphasizes organic shapes, earthy tones, natural textures, and a relaxed, eclectic feel, an industrial minimalist aesthetic would be characterized by rigid lines, cold and raw materials, and a more structured, simplistic approach. If I…

I picture the aesthetic of childhood nostalgia to be warm, cozy, and slightly fuzzy around the edges. I recall my childhood memories as glowing and simple, filled with sunshine and sparkles. To me, the aesthetic of childhood nostalgia is comforting and associated with a sense of innocence, simplicity, and wonder. In my mind, an aesthetic…

My up-cycle project is a recycled book transformed into a coffee holder/coffee coaster holder. My original idea was to have it also serve as a small plate for coffee shop snacks, however, that would most likely require a bigger book so I nixed the idea for this specific project.  My aesthetic is light academia.  This…

I will be discussing my upcycling project: a key holder inspired by the design and aesthetics of late ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s technology, particularly the Apple II. The Apple II featured cream-colored plastic casing with a splash of color in its rainbow logo, which influenced my design. For this project, I’m repurposing a used computer…

For my upcycle project, the aesthetic I am applying to my design is French Gothic, specifically the aesthetic of stained glass windows often seen in cathedrals of the French Gothic style. This aesthetic can be characterized by the use of vibrant colors, specifically tones of blue, red , green, as well as transparent glass. These…

Old English is an aesthetic that focuses on thick patterns mixed with rich color tones such as royal blue or forest green. Intricate designs fill buildings and other pieces of art in this style creating a natural looking structure that can stand the test of time. An obvious opposite aesthetic could be described as bland…

As a refresher, I am making a 3D printed piece of a building inspired by many classic Japanese architectural trends. My CAD progress on this can be seen below for reference. It mainly follows the structure of Japanese buildings that I identified in previous posts, while adding a flare like the Torii inspired gate with…

What is the opposite of your Upcycle project aesthetic? For my upcycle aesthetic, I chose an old western aesthetic. Thinking of an opposite to my project’s aesthetic, my mind immediately drifted towards futuristic-like or alternate-reality-like aesthetics such as the steampunk aesthetic. This is a direct opposite to the old western aesthetic mainly because of the…

My plastic forest project has shifted a bit from a trashy aesthetic to more of a modern / contemporary art aesthetic. I am planning on painting the board that the all black tree supports will sit on black, with 3D printed white text reading “plastic forest”. Again, this will follow a contemporary art aesthetic with…

My original upcycle project is focused on eco-conscious, DIY, and rustic aesthetics. I will be creating a cactus planter that shows the natural and sustainable look of a cactus planter made of reclaimed materials including plastic bottles and cardboard (see image (1) for what I am attempting to model after for this project). I will…

In my upcycle project, I am aiming to create a rustic aesthetic that highlights imperfection and natural wood structures. My design and the material I have chosen are shown below.           Wood rounds, live edge wood slab, and sketch of my rustic design  I would say that the opposite of this…

I think black and gothic would be the most obvious answer for the opposite of my cute and pink aesthetic, but I wanted to explore other options. I looked up what the opposite of pink was, and Google said green. That got me thinking about how the green and grunge aesthetic could be a really…

Drawing by Author My original project is designing a stool built around reused bike parts that match the aesthetic of the 1970s ‘Bike Boom’. This aesthetic mirrors the hipster grunge of that era, and the paint jobs all featured popping colors. Bikes were heavily used to replace cars in urban areas, invoking feelings of clean…

For our upcycling projects, the aesthetic is just as important as the function. Our original concept for the hanging lantern was inspired by the energetic, high-contrast world of nightclubs, which involved bold neon lights, sleek materials, and sharp geometric shapes. But what if we were to create the opposite? What would that look like, and…

Exploring the Opposite Aesthetic: From Upcycled Rust to Sleek, Colorful Geometric Designs In the world of design, there’s beauty in contrast. With the focus of working with upcycled materials—rusty metal, reclaimed wood, or weathered fabrics— the appeal is in breathing new life into things that have seen better days. This project points me toward a…

My upcycle project follows the Unexpected Red Theory, where a bold and intentional use of red disrupts an otherwise neutral or natural setting to create a striking visual contrast. But what would be the opposite of this aesthetic? If my project embraces warmth, vibrancy, and energy, then its opposite would focus on coolness, calmness, and…

For my project I’ve chosen to channel a very rustic aesthetic using earth tones and wooden framing surrounding license plates that I’m trying to display on my wall. Below is my basic design layout using a piece of plywood and wooden scrap that I plan to paint/stain brown. With this project I’m hoping to evoke…

Featured image: AI-generated image through chatgpt.com In my previous post about the progress in creating Genshin Impact flower artifacts, I mentioned my aesthetic criteria. I am focusing on a minimalistic design that can be easily made or crafted using clay or silicone. My goal is to blend the game’s aesthetics with real-life elements to enhance their…

Mid-Century Modern was a design aesthetic that was related to modernism, and utilized modern construction techniques such as mass-production which gave a wider audience access to well designed furniture and other household items. It prioritized function over form, and it was typically characterized by simple, clean lines with little to no embellishment. It made use…

    For my upcycling project, I chose to create a mosaic out of paper of “The Great Wave of Kanagawa”.  The style of a mosaic is putting pieces together to make a masterpiece in which can be defined into picture, shape, object, something identifiable.  Mosaics are found to decorate walls and floors and were…

My original Upcycle project is a work stand for a sheet metal shrinker/stretcher tool. A metal shrinker/stretcher is a popular tool to use when working sheet metal into complex shapes as it allows for a worker to form compound curvatures in the thin metal. I decided to build a work stand for this shrinker/stretcher as…

For my upcycle project I am creating a Scandinavian minimalist ski jacket from an old sleeping bag. Scandinavian minimalist clothing is designed to not be flashy and utilitarian. The articles of clothing lack unnecessary details and branding, as well as utilizing earth tones and grayscale colors. The jacket I am created is designed to mimic…

The Pop Art aesthetic, which I am referencing in the style/aesthetic of my upcycle project, can be characterized by bold colors, textures and effective communication. It appeared as a form of advertisement with each element vibrantly drawing the eye. Its intention was to comment on the socio-political atmosphere of consumerism, which began rapidly growing in…

My upcycle project is guided by the principles and aesthetic of space age design. Visually, this aesthetic prioritizes streamlined, flowing lines and smooth geometries inspired by spacecraft and jetliners. Materials are lightweight and high tech both in terms of structure and function.The aesthetic as a whole leans towards the future; it is advanced and elegant…

While the opposite of an exploded view aesthetic might sound complicated, it is simply a seamless design. Think of putting your exploded view back together, and everything fits perfectly with no cracks or seams. Not every item in the exploded view counts as being potentially seamless, it needs to be seamless before it is exploded.…

For my upcycle project, I am making a tissue box/lamp that follows the Frutiger Aero/Frutiger Aqua aesthetic. In this post, I will explore what my project might look like if I chose the opposite aesthetic, dark academia. Frutiger Aero is an aesthetic that emerged in the late-2000s, characterized by sleek, glossy visuals, organic shapes, and…

In my last few posts, I’ve been all about making boho vintage candles using thrifted glassware, old wax, and fun decorations like dried flowers and pebbles to create a cozy, artsy vibe. The aesthetic of my Upcycle Project is Boho Vintage. This is an aesthetic that combines sustainability with a mix of handmade and vintage-inspired…

For my upcycle project, I’ve chosen to create a toolbelt out of a recycled pair of jeans in the reworked industrial aesthetic. My materials include many different metal components, belt buckles, jeans, and an assortment of fabrics. This project will end up being very rugged, denim, and hopefully, the design will be very useful. I…

Exploring the Opposite Aesthetic of My Upcycle Project My Upcycle project is based on a nautical aesthetic, drawing inspiration from lighthouses, the sea, and maritime themes. The materials I have chosen—soda cans, old wood, and other repurposed items—will help bring this vision to life, emphasizing a weathered, rustic, and functional design that aligns with the…

Working through my upcycle project and reflecting on my learnings and research on brutalism, I think of something that stand out from the environment, with a bland and near dystopian-like unsettling delivery and various harsh shapes and angles. Art Nouveau is a very contrasting aesthetic in comparison to brutalism do to its roundness and form-less…

(Minimalist Screwdriver Stand Design) For my upcycle project, I am designing a watchmaker’s screwdriver stand inspired by the Japanese stationery aesthetic, a style that emphasizes minimalism, refined proportions, and a balance between form and function. My design incorporates natural materials like bamboo, smooth Delrin, and knurled aluminum, creating a cohesive look that is both functional…

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 opposite of the Peacock Chair aesthetic, as it’s completely functional,…

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 highlighted within this aesthetic to connect with the piece’s craftsmanship. The opposite aesthetic of…

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. Where the written (or drawn) content remains, the pages and bindings have begun to fall away…

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 elicit a desired behavior (Nalbantian, 2008). Essentially, the resulting aesthetic is a…

For my upcycling project, my goal is to create something that blends natural and modern aesthetics. When I think about what’s completely opposite of that, an 1800s steel mill is the first thing that comes to mind. It’s all hard edges, smoke, and machines—no nature, no warmth, just industry. It feels cold and mechanical, the…

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 modernist homes possess neutral colors, smooth textures, and rectangular geometric designs.  Fig 1. 2020 Modern Studio (Baldwin,…

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 grandeur feel of the box. The design itself…

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 artwork for my coaster design. His…

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 artificial intelligence renaissance continues to…

(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 precision and engineered aesthetics. My inspiration for this project comes from my love for efficiency,…

(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 photos evoke, as each one…

  The Coquette aesthetic. Coquette Blue Bow Princess Dress W696 from The Kawaii Mori Store, photo from [1]The E-girl aesthetic, photo from [2] added by Quiben M. to the E-girl gallery on Aesthetics Wiki.My project’s aesthetic is slightly modified and unique. It kind of contrasts itself in a way… (which is what I was aiming…

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, this alternative design would focus purely on efficiency, affordability, and uniformity. Figure 1: Injection Molded Knife Stand The most important…

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 vintage retro aesthetic is created by the materials used…

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 Maximalism is the rebellious teenager who listens to heavy metal at full volume. What is Brutalist Maximalism?…

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 two seemingly distinct styles, which revealed unexpected connections in their approach to form and space. Hyperbolic Lampshade by Gabriele…

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 based heavily in materials that can be mass produced for…

The opposite of the “earth core” and “solarpunk” aesthetic would be a hyper-industrial, high-tech, and synthetic look, one that emphasizes [1] Deepaiartificiality rather than nature’s reclamation. Instead of soft, organic textures and earthy tones, this alternative aesthetic would highlight the rigid, mass-produced nature of the materials. The design would feature sharp geometric lines, smooth reflective…

Naturalism focuses on the incorporation of elements found in nature. The opposite of this aesthetic could be many things, with the common denominator being industrial elements not found in nature. This could be seen in industrial or brutalist aesthetics. But I also think maximalism could be considered an opposite aesthetic, as naturalism frequently shares some…