# Second-Hand Suitcase Seats Katie Thompson Takes Household Furniture on a Trip By Brian G Randles | Published 2010-10-19 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/katie-thompson References: [treehugger](http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/10/recreate-junk-suitcases-to-chairs-typewriter-lamps.php) & [recreate.za.net](http://www.recreate.za.net/) South African company REcreate specializes in taking [old luggage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsonite-2), milk bottles, typewriters and other back-of-the-basement items into [unique pieces of furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rosana-sousa). Designer Katie Thompson is the brains behind RECreate. Even though she is not the first person to take a crack at the art of [recycling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/j395-chair-series), Katie Thompson definitely has a knack for turning so-called "junk" into household gems. Check out the featured gallery to see these interesting pieces for yourselves. **Implications** - Consumers relish in products that offer a wide range of desirable qualities. Consumers are often torn between contemporary and vintage and businesses that can effectively offer both will appeal to a wide audience. Consumers will likely invest in products that satisfy a different range of preferences and tastes. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 98% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% 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 - **Upcycling Design:** Designers can capitalize on consumers' desire for unique and eco-friendly products by transforming old and unused items into new and functional pieces of furniture. - **Retro-contemporary Fusion:** Industry players can cater to consumers' fondness for both contemporary and vintage styles by combining both elements in their products, creating a unique and appealing niche in the market. - **Sustainable Consumerism:** The trend towards using sustainable materials and reducing waste can encourage businesses to create eco-friendly products, providing a competitive advantage and appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Furniture Design:** Designers and manufacturers can leverage upcycling design to create unique and eco-conscious pieces that stand out in a crowded market. - **Interior Decorating:** Interior decorators and stylists can incorporate upcycled furniture into their designs to add a unique and sustainable element to their projects. - **Sustainability Consulting:** Consultants and experts in sustainable practices can advise businesses on ways to incorporate eco-friendly materials and production methods into their products and operations, providing a competitive advantage and reducing environmental impact. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Side Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/re-up-side-tables.md) - [Recycled Shoe-Made Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remix-maison.md) - [Waste-Incorporated Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knoll-chairs.md) - [Recycled Plastic Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bristol-plastic-factory.md) - [Abandoned Bikes-Turned Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/objects-from-frames.md) - [Contemporary Upcycled Bright Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remix-maison-1.md) - [Upcycled Aircraft Luggages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emirates-2.md) - [Upcycled Plastic Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crafting-plastic.md) - [Upcycled Aircraft Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emirates-4.md)