Author: modculture

Jørn Utzon is perhaps best known for his design of the Sydney Opera House, but his work wasn’t exclusively on such a large scale – some 10 years before his crowning glory, he designed the Jørn Utzon Tivoli pendant lamp.

Yes, amazingly, these futuristic pendant lights date back to the late 40s and is still available today in a choice of finishes. The two above show a white aluminium finish and a polished inner frame. There is a third version available with a polished outer area.

It hasn’t dated for 60 years – and it’s unlikely to date in the near future. So not a bad investment at £235.

Find out more at the 95% Danish website

I like the idea of quality storage you can build up as and when finances allow – like these Loop the Cube storage units, designed by Andrew Tye.

Very much carrying that space age vibe, these plywod cubes are available with a walnut or white finish and in two sizes, so you can mix the looks to create your own shelving to suit your space and/or pocket.

Prices start at £150 per cube.

Find out more at the DesignShop UK website

I think we mentioned a couple of week back that B&Q was going all retro for 2008 – and the stock is already starting to trickle in, with items like this B&Q Quentin pendant light.

It oozes the 1970s – the pink and orange colour scheme does that on its own, but the geometric pattern also hammers the point home. The whole thing is made of laminated cotton and can deal with a bulb up to 100w.

Available instore or online, it retails for £17.98.

Find out more at the B&Q website

This might look like something from the atomic age, but the Pejl by Ehlén Johansson is actually a very modern design.

Very clever too – you can hang your coats on any one of those retro-styled knobs, as well as being able to store your hat and scarf via the middle hole. And of course, it ticks the boxes for looking stylish.

It’s made of lacquered steel wire, with the knobs made from birch. There’s also four colour choices – red, green, yellow and white – all of which retail online for £66.79.

Find out more at the Scandinavian Design Center website