Category: Design and Interiors

Don’t mess with a classic? Well, I think I can forgive Vitra when the end result of its revamped Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman looks this good.

The white Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is more makeover than re-design, with nothing physically changed from the original 1956 seat. The new version, which has been developed in collaboration with the Eames Office and Hella Jongerius, just makes things a whole lot lighter. That means off-white leather upholstery, an aluminium base, plywood shells with a pigmented walnut veneer and all the minor details, down to the zips on the cushions, changed to fit in with the new colour scheme.

One thing does remain unchanged – the hefty price tag. You can pick up the white Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman for £4,879.

Find out more at the Nest website

Use UK offers good design and an eco-friendly approach to manufacturing, as well as a rather nice selection of 70s-style lampshades.

All of the company’s shades are handmade from 100 per cent recycled cardboard and in limited edition designs – only 30 of each are available. There’s also a choice of size, which means you can use them for ceiling lights or smaller table lights.

We like the Taj (pictured here), which might be a bit much for some rooms, but if you want to add a splash of colour, it’s a cheap way of doing it. Alternatively, you can choose a more subdued colour range for the patterm from the 27 on offer.

Prices start at £32.

Find out more at the Use UK website

Mid-century doesn’t necessarily mean vintage – not when you can pick up stylish items like this Rolly table, designed by Matt Carr for Umbra.

It’s a side table made from solid walnut and with a distinct 1950s vibe, thanks to that curved wood shape and rounded legs, not to mention the sliding panel that gives access to a hidden storage compartment.

Available online, it retails for just over £300.

Find out more at the Amaroni website

Before anyone sees your business card, they see your business card holder. And if you want them to think ‘good taste’, you should have a look at this Eames Dots business card holder and pen.

Both the card case and the pen feature the classic Dots pattern by Charles and Ray Eames, which dates back to 1947 (when it won a MoMA textile competition). Today the design adds a good dose of style to two functional and usually forgettable items.

The card case retails for $34 (around £17), with the pen selling for $67.50, which is around £34.

Find out more at the Museum of Contemporary Art store