New Flexible Furniture Trend is Green for those Constantly Seeking Change

At IMM Cologne, one of the year's largest international furniture fairs, it seems many new products are about curing boredom.

Yes, those with Attention Deficit Disorder--arguably a major cause of landfill waste--take note. Chairs, tables, shelving and more have embraced a wider definition of the meaning of life--or rather, function. Designs come multi-use, change-able this and adjustable that. With a click and a snap, innovative and down-right tech-savvy bells and whistles allow those requiring constant change to interior design to completely metamorphosize a room.

Photo left:Confluences seating by Phillipe Nigro for Ligne Roset. Photo right: Soma shelving by Kettnaker. Photos courtesy of IMM Cologne.

Take the Confluences seating collection by Phillipe Nigro for Ligne Roset. Each lounge piece stands alone, or can be fit together in different combinations like a puzzle. Or the Soma shelving by Kettnaker, which has siding that can be taken off and rearranged in different color combinations. Although neither of these pieces are green per se, they offer a certain flexibility that could extend the product's life cycle.

The Growing table by Pure Position. Photo via IMM Cologne.

Children can now benefit from tables which grow with them. The Growing table by Pure Position is height-adjustable with surface compartments that can be rearranged.

The Lillstol paper chair by Swedish design firm Gylldorff & Svalin. Photo via IMM Cologne.

Perhaps the greenest item on this list, the 100 percent recycled pressed fiber paper Lillstol chair by Swedish design firm Gylldorff & Svalin doubles as a pallet for scribbles.

Clearly, the most eco-friendly solution is to stick with what you have. But in this modern world, interior renovations are undeniable: From the people and businesses with cash to spare who needlessly and regularly throw out the interior design for a fresh one, to major interior design revamp offenders. This list ranges from Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain and his $1.22 million office renovation, to the White House, to children who just outgrow something. Flexibility can give us the fresh look we covet, without the needless waste.

More on Green Furniture From TreeHugger and Planet Green
FlexibleLove: Expanding Furniture to Seat 16
Certified and Recovered Wood Design Furniture by Arqom
How to Get Green Like Steelcase
Buy Green: Office Chairs
How to Go Green: Furniture

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