These Daisy Wall Decorations by Umbra make an interesting change from the now ubiquitous decals.
The set consists of nine moulded plastic flowers with white petals and a red centre, in three different sizes. They can be displayed as they are, which I personally rather like, but they can also be used as photo frames by placing a photograph in the centre. The flowers are easy to mount on the wall using the supplied magnet and tack.
The Daisy Wall Decorations cost £23.50 from Red Candy.
The team behind the Pedlars shops have extended their enterprises to include managing a truly spectacular holiday home. Balbegno Castle is a 1560s castle located in Kincardineshire, which the Pedlar’s people have spent the past two years redecorating with the products sold in their stores so a beautiful old building now has a stylish retro interior.
The Castle has 6 bedrooms (sleeping up to 13), open fires and a croquet lawn, but its most distinctive feature is the Great Hall, which features an usual vaulted heraldic ceiling depicting the coat of arms of 13 Scottish peers. As well as the distinctive decor, Balbegno comes equipped with all mod cons (DVD player, broadbamd, dishwashers etc).
The price of renting Balbegno Castle starts at £2750 per week. There is still some availability this summer, which costs £3950, which may sound a lot but isn’t so bad if you can split it between a large group. Details of availability for 2010 and 2011, along with more information on the property and local area can be found on the Balbegno Castle website.
Whilst there are plenty of products available to help you sort and store your recycling, not many have a retro style.
Back in 2008, we featured the Ovetto Recycling Bin and now we’ve come across this Retro Double Recycling Bin. Whereas the Ovetto had a space age design, this product’s look is more fifties-influenced with its curved edges and enamel finish. It would look good next to some of Smeg’s kitchen appliances. The bin has two compartments, each containing a 13 litre bin, so you can separate your glass from your plastics.
It is available to buy from Rose and Grey via Not on the High Street, priced £295.
This Bird Lounge Chair was inspired by the 1952 design by Harry Bertoia, but as an “inspired by” product the price tag is a little lower than for an original, which might be a good thing at the moment.
Like the Charles Eames chairs from a year before, the Bird Lounge Chair uses wire to great effect to create a sculptural piece. This version is completed with a seat made from Italian leather in a choice of six colours.
It costs £459 from Art Deco Design Shop.
Reminiscent of the sunburst style clocks by George Nelson in the 1950s, this Eliptical Clock has a similar shape.
It is made from plastic in shades of beige and dark grey, with its shape made up of pipes and spirals. Measuring 24cm in diameter, it costs £37.50, which seems rather good value to me.
Buy it online at Nordic Elements.
The Italian company Cattelan Italia was only founded in 1979, so this Spiral Table obviously can’t have a heritage dating back to the 60s, but it is that period that its design suggests.
The top of the coffee table is made from a spiral of glass, which looks stunning. It is available with a choice of finishes to the glass; frosted, clear or painted black, red or brown. Personally, I think it needs the painted finish for the design to make the most impact.
The table costs £1225 with silver lacquered steel legs. Add an extra £85 for chrome legs. Buy online from Mac and Mac Interiors.
