This Italian group’s site has some fascinating Recession Design (2009-2010), that, even if you hate it, have to admit it is pretty ingenious. There’s a PDF as well that you can download that provides some designs on how you could make the items you see in the images that come with the site. I think it may be too functional for alot of North Americans, but the aesthetic is not that different from alot more high end, modern Italian furniture. Take a look.
Smart People I Know 