A good old-fashioned armchair like the one your Gran used to have, that's what you get with the SCP retro-styled Eadie armchair. Although this is almost certainly more stylish.
A mix of midcentury and tradition, this Donna Wilson design (which was produced for the London Design Festival 2009, specifically Liberty's 'Britain Can Still make it' exhibition) could have come straight out of the 1950s. The retro-styled fabric adds to the effect too, although you can opt for something different if it's a little bold.
For your money, you get a European hardwood frame, jute webbing, Hessian straps, 'sustainable' upholstery, a full feather cushion and turned beech legs with a gentle taper. All of that will set you back around £1,970.
Jonathan Adler describes it as 'casual modernism', but we think there's more of a midcentury vibe going on with the Shelter Island Chair.
It's certainly an ideal seat for a sun room or conservatory, mixing a white metal frame with hand-woven rattan and a couple of cushions for both style and comfort.
The only problem is getting one. If you're in the US, you can pick one up online for $495. But in the UK? Well, you can get some Adler items at the V&A, but as yet, we've not found anyone selling the furniture. If you know any different, do let us know.
A contemporary play on a classic look, this wooden briefcase from Sam's Garage takes its cue from luggage from the 1950s and 60s. The briefcase is made out of bent plywood and uses a silkscreen applied geometric design at either side of the case. The result is very tactile and, though it may be not too practical for carrying around, is a pretty good look for storage in the home.
The version shown is appropriately called the retro edition but they sell two further cases each with very different looks: one with a pretty bird design and the other with the markings of a shipping container. Each case costs $185.
Buy them online
Like most of his designs, the Noguchi Dining Table looks surprisingly modern.
This table, featuring a base made from chromed steel wire rods, was designed way back in 1954. It is currently being produced by Vitra who offer it in two sizes, 1210cm or 900cm diameter. The table is available from Nest, priced £2,076.90 for the smaller size and £2,171.20 for the larger.
Buy online from Nest.
There's never been a better time to invest in some designer classics than Saturday 21st November 2009. Why? Because that's the date of the Knoll Sample Sale.
For one day only, you can get heavily discounted gems from the Knoll catalogue, headed up by a black Barcelona Chair, which will be marked down from £3,600 to £749. Yes, get there early. If your favourite item isn't there, Knoll is also knocking 15 per cent off all new furniture ordered on the day too.
It runs from 10am to 4pm at the Knoll Showroom, 91 Goswell Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 7EX – there's a map over the page if you're interested. Alternatively, check out the Knoll website to compile a shopping list.
