Who says good design has to be expensive?

Have you stopped to notice how often people start their sentences with "in this economy..." It's become such a common occurrence that me and my friends have started a little game where you can use the economy as a scapegoat for any occasion. Jokes aside, I'd like to add one more to the list: "In this economy, you can't afford not to travel in style."

The hospitality sector is finally catching on to the notion that you don't have to spend a fortune to make a space stylish. Travel and Leisure put out a great article this month about some of the beautiful budget hotels popping up around the world. This all points to what I think will be one of the many lessons our country can learn from economic hardship: good design often takes place when we are faced with budgetary obstacles and are forced to be creative.

The Standard Hotel in downtown LA.


The Jane in New York

Mama Casa in Paris

The Ace Hotel in Portland

The Ace Hotel in Palms Springs