I’ll be the first to admit that the Otium Sofa by La Palma does not look the most cosy but what it lacks in obvious comfort, it makes up for with its sleek appearance.
Designed by Mario Ruiz, it is made from walnut on a stainless steel base. It has principally been designed for commercial use such as waiting rooms and reception areas, where you perhaps don’t want people to get too comfortable. Two cushions designed for the sofa are available separately.
It costs £2,750 from Made in Design.
La Redoute is already promoting its Autumn Winter 2011 collection which includes this Summer of Love Duvet Cover.
Made from 100% cotton, the cover has a brown background printed with the words “peace” and “love” in retro typefaces, along with hearts, stars and CND signs. The catalogue website claims it is a tribute to the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco, but then gets things a bit wrong by mentioning the 1970s, by which time the Summer of Love had definitely ended. The duvet cover is available in three sizes (140cm, 200cm or 240cm) which are priced £27, £39 and £55 respectively. A matching flat sheet is also available.
Buy online at La Redoute.
Etsy seller, The Modern Stylographer specialises in pop culture inspired illustrations, which includes a series of Eames Inspired Midcentury Prints.
Pictured here is my favourite featuring a Starburst Clock, but the others designs are worth a look too, featuring a variety of Eames iconic chairs. As well as the simple illustration of the Eames design, each print also features a short product description. The prints measures 6 inches squared and cost $10 (around £6.50) each.
Order them online from the Etsy store.
Spotted Sparrow has produced the great Victorian Collage Cards range, which combines Victorian imagery with 1980s pop references. An unusual combination, but it works well.
There are eight designs to pick from, some more credible than others. As well as the Last of the Famous International Playboys design pictured here, I like the designs based on Love Will Tear Us Apart, Lips Like Sugar and You Spin Me Round (featuring a Penny Farthing). The cards cost £3.50 each which includes the option of having your own personalised message printed inside.
Go to the Spotted Sparrow website to see the whole range.
Audrey Hepburn has had been things named after her, but Kartell’s Audrey Chair is certainly one of the less obvious tributes.
Designed by Piero Lissoni, the chair has an aluminium frame and is available with a variety of seat colours. It is versatile enough to work in a variety of settings. And its name? Apparently like Ms Hepburn it has an elegant silhouette, with clean and simple lines.
The chair is available to buy from Utility Design with prices ranging from around £175 to £333.
Free Range Designs’ Chaise Longue combines the feel-good factor of product made from recycled parts with the decadent luxury always suggested by a chaise.
The piece was made originally as a commission for the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales, but can be made to order in around 5 weeks. It is made from recycled wood from skips and scrap woodpiles, but polished and oiled so you would never know its humble origins. It has a novelty coin slide down the backrest, intended to carry a message about modern over-consumption, although perhaps a little rich coming from an item costing £2,900.
Visit the Free Range Designs website to order.
