Category: Design and Interiors

No, this isn’t a relic from a sixties summer house, this is a very modern example of home design – the Esperanto Panatela Chair.

It’s a piece of casual seating made of steel and high density foam, brought to life by the textiles of abstract painter turned designer Tim Kurtz. The fabric used here is just one of six hand printed cloths to choose from – all incredibly stylish and echoing a bygone era.

The chair ships fully assembled, but as far as I can see, only to US customers. If outside, contact the retailer. The price is $800 (around £400), with a larger Robusto mini sofa retailing for $850 (around $425).

Find out more at the Pique website

Probably not the classiest clock on the market, but this Sixties Blocks op art wall clock could well fit the bill if you’re going for a black and white look.

Made by NeXtime, it’s got a 17-inch diameter, with monochromatic graphics printed on a glass dial and metal hands for the time. The design itself mixes dots with shapes, but I can’t help but think that a dotted theme throughout would have been more eye-catching.

If you like it, you can pick one up for £29.99.

Find out more at the CorVus website

As far as design goes, it’s the quirkier the better for me. And it doesn’t get much more quirky than these SCP Chemistry Lab vases.

Yes, these are almost exactly like the kit you used in the school chemistry laboratory. But they’re not made for the lab, they’re intended as decorative items for your home. Ok, everyone will think you’ve stolen them from the local schol or chemical factory. But you’ll know different – and you’ll have the most-talked about vases on the street.

They retail from £11.50 each.

Find out more at the SCP website

The word ‘timeless’ is very much overused, especially by Retro To Go! But if there’s one instance where it’s absolutely appropriate, it’s for describing Arne Jacobsen Cylinda tableware.

Check out the pictures of the tea pot and coffee pot above and you’ll see why. This range is now over 40 years old and still looks years ahead of just about anything on the high street – that’s why it’s also found in the collections of numerous design museums too. The look is all about cylindrical shape and that satin-polished stainless steel finish, with each piece having its own characteristics through slight amendments to the design.

Obviously it’s not cheap, but it earns its money by operating as a stylish piece of design to display, as well as being practical for everyday use. And of course, you can build a collection over time. The tea pot and the coffee pot pictured here each retail for £195 each.

Find out more at the Finnish Design Shop website