Categories / Books, Design and Interiors

Essential Reading: Modern Design In Metal by Richard Stewart

Modern_metal Yesterday, we kicked off our Essential Reading series with Modern Design In Wood by Richard Stewart, a must-have for anyone interested in wood-based design in the 1970s. And if you liked the look of that, you’ll love the companion Modern Design In Metal by Richard Stewart, which is even better.

Again published in 1979, Modern Design In Metal is pretty much a must-have for anyone interested in 70s design. Covering everything from sculptural pieces to interior design, it flags up all the big names as well as some minor players worth seeking out. The name items include sculpture from Barbara Hepworth, Georg Jensen jewellery, Garrard candelabras, Heals tableware, David Mellor cutlery, Pieff and Merrow Associates furniture (including a stunning Merrow desk), Flos and Artemide lighting and even some early electronics from Sinclair amongst the miscellaneous items.

A superb reference, not to mention a fascinating read. Again, this is long out of print, but Abebooks should throw a couple of copies up.

Search for a copy at the Abebooks used book website

Categories / Pets

Retro caravan for your dog

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Does your dog need luxury transport for its next holiday? The retro Nomad caravan could be for you.

Yes, that’s right, a dog caravan – with wheels, a lockable door, interior carpeting and co-ordinating wallpaper. It’s the work of Italian designer Marco Morosini, with just 10 available, each numbered and signed by the designer.

And if you want one for your pampered pooch, you’ll have to pay $5,000 (£2,500) for the privilege.

Find out more at the Dog Is A God website

Via Gizmag

Categories / Design and Interiors

Art deco Jean Renoir sofa and armchair

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The aptly-named Retro Sofas specialise in period sofas and armchairs, available to buy from one of its London showrooms or online. And when we say period, we mean the primarily the 1920s and 1930s, with this Jean Renoir sofa and armchair typical of the range.

The Jean Renoir is a classic 1930s sofa with swept arms and a choice of colour and contrasting piping, available as an armchair or as a two or three-seater sofa, all made from high-quality leather and using a solid wood frame.

And as it is factory direct, the sofas and chairs are good value too. The Jean Renoir armchair retails for £395, the two-seater for £595 and the three-seater for £795. According to Retro To Go reader Brian (who recommended them), ‘the products are wonderful and the service is fantastic’, which is always good to know when buying online.

See the full range at the Retro Sofas website

Categories / Watches

Paul Smith 70s-style PS20 watch

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I’m very much liking the 70s vibe of this Paul Smith ‘Half Dial’ PS20 watch.

Yes, this Swiss-made watch is just like the space age-style watches of the 1970s, with a chunky bracelet, brushed stainless steel and a quirky face design, not to mention a quartz movement, water resistance and an etched back.

It’s also limited edition (although we don’t know to how many) and available in three colour schemes, retailing for £275.

Find out more at the Paul Smith website

Categories / Architecture, Toys and Games

People Will Always Need Plates architectural colouring book

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We’ve covered the wonderful crockery, badges and bags of People Will Always Need Plates, but we haven’t mentioned this wonderful stocking filler – the architectural colouring book.

Everything from studio flats and bungalows to modernist penthouses and prefabs, split-level maisonettes, mansion block apartments, georgian townhouses and brutalist towers, 23 buildings in total for you to colour in at your leisure with felt tips, pencils or crayons.

Just the job when the TV gets boring over Christmas – and it’s just £5.

Find out more at the People Will Always Need Plates website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Multiholk – retro-styled bird box cottage

Multiholk
Looking for a bid house as good looking as your own home? Check out the Multiholk bird box cottage.

Available in a range of colours, the Multiholk is a bird nesting box that also functions as a seed dispenser and bird table. They can dispense two kinds of bird food at the same time from the container inside and by inserting a bottom plate in the house you can turn the table into a nest when spring arrives. The nest is also ventilated to prevent chicks from overheating in summer and there are steps to climb on under the entrance as an aid for when they are fully fledged and need to get out.

Available online, you can pick one up for £34.99.

Find out more at the Strawberry Fool website