'Antiques of the Future'

That's the title of Philadelphia architect and designer Lisa S. Roberts's new book.

Annie Groer wrote about it and the concept behind it in a story which appear's in today's Washington Post Home section, and follows.

What's New in Old

The word "antique" often means very old and very pricey.

Not to Philadelphia architect and designer Lisa S. Roberts. Since the early 1980s, she has amassed more than 300 high-style objects for the home. This month, 75 of them appear in her hip, accessible guide, "Antiques of the Future" (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, $29.95).

It features such classics as Karim Rashid's 1996 plastic Garbo trash can ([above]; $12), Philippe Starck's 1998 Dr. Kiss toothbrush and pedestal ($15) and Jonathan Ive's 1998 Apple computer ($1,200). Her entire collection can be seen at http://www.antiquesofthefuture.com.

To qualify for future antique-dom, objects must have been in a museum show or permanent collection; created by a noted architect or designer; made by a design-oriented firm; widely published; or given major design awards. Although many of her favorites were made by the millions (Oxo veggie peelers, Voss water bottles), she predicts they'll gain value when out of production.

Roberts, who makes two Washington appearances next month, urges new collectors to read design magazines (listed in the book) and shop at such style-conscious venues as Target and New York's Museum of Modern Art. But they absolutely must not open the package or use any item.