# Upcycled Plastic Furniture Cheap Ass Elites by Saran Yen Panya Marries the Rich with the Poor By Meghan Young | Published 2013-01-11 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheap-ass-elites References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/cheap-ass-elites-by-saran-yen-panya/) & [spazioswing.it](http://spazioswing.it/en/mostre_arte_contemporanea_benevento/mostre-in-corso/saran-yen-panya-cheap-ass-elites-21-12-2012-15-02-2013/immagini/) The Cheap Ass Elites series is not one's average collection of furniture. Each piece has been constructed out of [everyday, mass-produced plastic products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-coenen-1) such as [laundry baskets, storage crates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trashy) and more. Nevertheless, these unorthodox materials have been paired with high-end elements, inspiring its somewhat contradictory name. Created by Bangkok-born designer Saran Yen Panya, the Cheap Ass Elites series essentially show "where the rich and poor merge," as quoted on Design Milk. Panya elaborates, "For this project, [the chair is a perfect object](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-flap-chair) in aspects of both function and communication. The object itself represents different hierarchies and tastes clearly in its usage and aesthetic." This is made evident in the various shapes, sizes and colors used for her own chairs. The Cheap Ass Elites series is currently on display at Swing Gallery in Benevento, Italy. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 26% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Upcycled Furniture:** More designers and businesses embrace the use of everyday materials in creating functional yet aesthetic furniture design. - **Inclusive Design:** Designers now strive to create pieces that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of social status or income. - **Sustainable Home Decor:** Consumers and designers are becoming more environmentally conscious, opting for functional yet eco-friendly home decor pieces. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Furniture Design:** Furniture manufacturers can consider utilizing everyday materials to create unique, aesthetically pleasing and functional pieces while promoting sustainability. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can now expand their horizons with unconventional pieces that challenge traditional design aesthetics while promoting inclusivity. - **Environmental Sustainability:** Sustainable businesses can incorporate upcycling and recycling in producing eco-friendly home decor options to create a better environment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Waste-Incorporated Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knoll-chairs.md) - [Unexpected Boundary-Pushing Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atypical-chair.md) - [Organic Plastic Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crafting-plastic-collection.md) - [Chic Recycled Waste Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xox-chair.md) - [Recycled Plastic Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bristol-plastic-factory.md) - [Chic Recycled Material Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vale-furniture-collection.md) - [Sustainable Side Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/re-up-side-tables.md) - [Sculptural Recycled Plastic Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-chair.md) - [Recycled Dynamic Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bultan-chair.md)