Category: Design and Interiors

A 1960s classic is back in 2008 – Quasar inflatable furniture, courtesy of Branex.

First available in 1969, the Quasar range (designed by Quasar Khanh) was seen as a reaction to traditional  solid structures – becoming a big favourite amongst the hippy generation. But its more than a political statement – Quasar furniture is easily transportable, solid (small strips are added to the structure for support and shape) and made of triple strength PVC. And of course, there’s those space age looks.

The models offered by Branex are the a Chesterfield sofa, a Satellite armchair and a Pouf stool. All are available in a choice of white or orange and, you’ll be pleased to know, with a repair kit, with prices starting at around £75.

Find out more at the Made In Design website

Remember the Karlstad sofa from Ikea? It was ‘inspired by’ the classic 1954 Florence Knoll sofa, but with a more modern twist. And if you liked that, you’ll be pleased to know Ikea has added a new model – the Karlstad Corner Sofa.

As the name suggests, this is an extended version of the original two-seater, offers a two plus three or three plus two arrangement for the corner of your home, available in that ‘Knoll’ finish or a more plain black or dark brown.

No matter what option you go for, it retails for £1,349.

Find out more at the Ikea website

Something different and very stylish in a mid-century sort of way – the Alexander Girard La Fonda Del Sol floor tiles from Flor.

Based on the designs created for the La Fonda Del Sol restaurant in 1961, the colourful carpet tiles are available in sets of six-tile rugs, with four different schemes  to choose from (including a rather smart set of miniature designs). Obviously if you want more (for a bigger area), you can just buy another set.

Available online from Flor, the tiles sell for $159.99 (£80) per set.

Find out more at the Flor website

A 1960s classic, the Piet Hein Sinus Lamp 550 for Holmegaard is perfect for a space age look in your living room.

Designed in 1967 by Piet Hein, the Sinus Lamp 550 was based on a UFO, with the original idea of creating it in mass market plastic. However, Hein wasn’t happy with the prototypes, so it was re-worked in glass – and that version is still in production today.

You can buy a smaller version (330mm), but the larger 550mm version (hence the name) is the one to have, although it does sell for a hefty £1,253.

Find out more at the 95% Danish website