We haven’t done any ceramics for a while, so how about these ceramic birds, the work of Bristol-based designer Hannah Turner.
Mixing bold colours, 50s patterns and quirky design, they’re guaranteed to catch a visitor’s eye. And they’re collectable too – so possibly a shrewd investment for the future.
A number of designs available, with sizes varying between 5cm and 10cm. Prices vary too – between £25 and £30 each.
Find out more at the Frank website
People Will Always Need Plates is one one of our favourite design companies – and we can heartily recommend the company’s plates and mugs. But if that’s a bit rich for your wallet, you could invest in something a little more affordable – like this 1930s Homes badge set.
The button badge range is new in, featuring this colourful selection of 1930s homes or if you want something a little more modern, some views of Trellick Tower or London traffic.
Prices vary depending on the set you choose, but all are between £3 and £4.50 per set.
Find out more at the People Will Always Need Plates website
Anna Castellis Ferrieri can lay claim to being the first female licensed architect in Italy, but more importantly, she designed the Componibili Storage Unit.
First produced by Kartell back in 1969, they are still being made today and are just as functional as they were back then. Available in a range of sizes and a choice of colours, they can be used in any room, on their own, grouped or stacked. Kartell have recently introduced a white rectangular unit or a silver rounded unit, in addition to its classic white and red rounded edge designs.
Componibili units are widely available but Espcacio has them in their summer sale with prices starting at around £40 for a two-tier unit and £56 for three-tiers.
More George Nelson – and I make no apologies for that when something is as stunning as this George Nelson Home desk.
They didn’t have desktop PCs in 1955 (the year this was first introduced), so don’t expect this to house one. It should hold a laptop though, as well as being a cool place to write your letters – if you still write letters.
Comprising of chromed metal tubing, white laminate, wooden walnut veneer & coloured partitions, it retails for a not inconsiderable £2936.
Find out more at the Utility Design website
We do love the designs of George Nelson here at Retro To Go, but we’ve focused in the past on his clocks. Well, it’s about time we shifted our eye elsewhere, starting with the George Nelson Coconut Chair.
Another of the man’s designs that defies its age – this originally appeared in 1955, taking its name quite obviously from the look – the designer himself compared it to a segment of coconut, albeit with a reversal of colour.
The chair itself, now reissued by Vitra, comprises of a white fibreglass-reinforced plastic outer shell, with black upholstery sat on a chromed tubular steel base. And prices vary according to your choice of upholstery, starting at £517.50, rising to £3208.50 at Nest.
Find out more at the Nest website
Everyone needs a tea towel – and if you’re in the market for a new one, how about something a little quirky like this Mid Century Chairs tea towel.
Pretty much as the name says – this is a superb reference to a range of mid century seating, or even party game of ‘name that chair’! The tea towel has a black print on a white 100 per cent cotton towel and of course, is machine washable.
And while many of these chairs might be out of your budget, this 78cm x 50cm tea towel shouldn’t be – available now for £9.
