A 60s classic that still looks eye-catching over 40 years on – the Artemide Nesso table lamp.
Designed back in 1967 by Giancarlo Mattioli and pretty much essential for anyone chasing a space age look, the Nesso features a body and diffuser made of injection molded ABS thermoplastic – just turn it on and watch the whole thing glow.
Still available in two late 60s colours too – white and orange – priced at £154.99.
It might look like a piece from the 60s, but the Le Klint 101 pendant light actually dates back to the 40s.
The 101 is the work of architect Kaare Klint, produced in 1944 and generally known as the ‘Fruit Lantern’ (due to its shape). It’s still made in a very old fashioned way too – hand-folded from a single sheet of plastic, arriving assembled with a 2m white flex, ceiling rose cover and lamp holder.
All of that is priced from £210, depending on your choice of size.
Yesterday I said that the Karimoku K sofa was the most stylish piece of seating I’d seen in a long time. Well, one day later and it’s got a competitor – the Autoban Built By De La Espada Box Sofa.
Taking it’s prompts from 1950s modernism, this box-like sofa is available in both walnut or oak and in two sizes (compact or large), all with that cushioned cream interior, very much reminiscent of the Knoll sofas of that period.
As you might expect, it’s certainly not the cheapest sofa on the market – prices start at £2,245.
Find out more at the De La Espada website
The most stylish piece of seating I’ve seen in a long time – and the Karimoku K two-seater chair has just been reissued.
Originally introduced in Japan back in 1962, this is the longer version of the first in-house Karimoku design, with the armrests and frame made of polished rubber tree wood (for its consistent grain), coupled with plush leather upholstery that’s perfect to kick back into.
Very reminiscent of the era, but at the same time perfect for today’s modern home, you can pick it up for around £1,100. Contact the website for your nearest retailer.
We feature plenty of design classics, but not too many modern light fittings with a classic look. Why? Well, there aren’t a great deal of well-made original lights with character out there. Unless you check out Original BTC.
This London-based company is owned and run by Peter Bowles (not the vintage actor I hasten to add) who also designs all the lights on offer. In general, the designs (which range from the fashionable to the functional) are a modern take on a classic look, with an attention to detail and price tags that aren’t out of general reach.
The metallic Paxo pendant above is typical, styled on the industrial lights of the early 20th century and available in a choice of plain or colourful finishes. Complete with cord and fitting it retails for £103. Check out the website for the full range.
Another Alvar Aalto design has just been reissued, this time the 403 Hallway Chair.
Dating all the way back to 1931, this stackable chair was originally designed for the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland, offering a stylish moulded birch plywood construction with a colourful lacquered (or painted) finish.
Take your pick from white, black, orange, yellow and green, with prices starting at £298.
