# Dirty Dinner Tables The Ecological Table Brings Mess and Meal Together with an Earthy Touch By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-06-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecological-table References: [notcot.org](http://www.notcot.org/post/40757/) & [jippiet](http://www.jippiet.com/2011/04/groen.html) Meals can get messy, and though it's nice to approach a clean eating surface before dinner begins, the Ecological Table serves up a different surprise. Jip Piet Hilhorst designed this earthy piece of furniture using moisture-rich dark soil. I imagine there must be some inner structure to keep the heavy dirt in such a sturdy rigid form, but the observer can see no indication of any additional support. Four thickset square legs hold up a compact tabletop which features a delectable selection of live leafy greens. The concept of a clean surface is abandoned in this organic rethinking of a common object, offering tiny plants and herbs that come built into the Ecological Table. Perhaps the underlying message of this biological bench is a suggestion of healthy and sustainable nutrition? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Organic Furniture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating furniture pieces that incorporate organic elements such as live plants or sustainable materials. - **Living Surfaces:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing surfaces or tabletops that feature built-in plants or other living elements to bring a touch of nature into interior spaces. - **Sustainable Dining:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing dining experiences or products that promote healthy and sustainable nutrition, encouraging people to connect with nature through their meals. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Furniture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing new furniture designs that cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly and nature-inspired pieces. - **Interior Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating living elements and organic materials into interior design projects to create unique and environmentally conscious spaces. - **Food and Beverage:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating innovative dining experiences or products that emphasize the connection between food, nature, and sustainability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sensory Stimulation Dining Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oasix-table.md) - [Mycelium-Based Artful Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ephemeral-table.md) - [Compacted Earth Restaurant Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quisimangia.md) - [Integrated Planter Worktables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantable-office.md) - [Mycelium-Crafted Organic Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/duk-series.md) - [Subtly Smart Dining Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/etto-table.md) - [Terrarium Stool Seating Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wild-stool.md) - [Stunning Nature-Inspired Tablescapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seedlip.md) - [Sprouting Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wood-chair-on-grass.md)