The Orgone Chair was designed by Marc Newson in 1983, which at 26 years old does just about qualify it as retro.
The original limited set was made from aluminium, but plastic versions soon followed for the mass market. Whilst lacking the exclusivity of the original, the plastic versions have a certain space-age charm, particularly in the white pictured here.
Made in Design are selling the plastic versions (which they describe as “affordable”) in black or white, priced at £634.
Harlands Organic Furnishings specialise in eco friendly fabric and upholstery, but they also sell some other interesting products. Browsing their website, I was particularly taken with these Recycled Glasses.
Available in either green or plum, both colours have an attractive smoky look., which probably has something to do with them being made from recycled glass, but looks good too. Choose from wine glasses or tumblers, priced £10 and £8 respectively.
Buy online at Harlands Organic Furnishings.
Mini Moderns has created a range of wallpapers called “Colour Me” which have been designed to be coloured in when they have been hung. With the most retro appeal, is the “Sitting Comfortably” design, which features line drawings of a series of classic chairs.
If you like the idea of colouring this yourself, then choose the “snow” colourway, which is black outlines on a white background. If you like the chair design but doubt your artistic ability, then it is also available in buttercup and bitter chocolate (cream and brown in plainer language).
It costs £38 per roll and can be ordered online from Mini Moderns.
Designed by Achille Castiglioni in 1962 the Toio Floor Lamp was inspired by a car headlight.
The Toio has a rather more industrial look to it than many other lighting designs from that decade. It comprises of an adjustable stem with a telescopic head, with a steel base painted in a choice of white, black or red. .
It costs just over £775 from Nest.
If you are lucky you may pick up a chest of drawers like this from a secondhand furniture shop, but for those of us who never find such gems, Heal’s have a range of bedroom furniture that mimics the vintage style.
Given the descriptive if unimaginative collection name of vintage, it comprises of the wide chest of drawers pictured above, a five drawer tall chest and a wardrobe. All of the pieces are made from a Walnut solid and veneers and are supplied fully assembled, which is always a relief.
Prices range from £778 to £1091. Visit the Heal’s website to view the whole collection.
This alarm clock by Newgate was inspired by the pocket watches of the 19th Century.
Unlike the pocket watches of old, you don’t need to wind this one up, as it runs on one LR44 battery instead, which is probably a little more convenient for the modern lifestyle. Its size makes it ideal to take with you on your travels.
It is available to buy from Graham and Green priced just over £43.
