Category: Design and Interiors

If you prefer a genuine classic as opposed to an Ikea copy, how about something that screams the 1960s – the Eero Aarnio Bubble Chair.

It was introduced in 1968, very much in the style of the Ball Chair, but a little more stripped down. The idea was to make a chair that allowed in the light, but swallows the sound – so you still feel isolated from the outside world. The shell is made of acrylic, with a chromed steel bar around the edge. There’s also a two metre chain and hooks for hanging and a silver fabric or leather inside cushioned seat.

You can still buy the Bubble Chair, but it’s not cheap. An officially-sanctioned version should cost you around £2300.

Find out more at the Finnish Design Shop

Ok, this isn’t quite a copy of the design classic, but the Tirup chair from Ikea has obviously taken its design influence from Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair.

Designed by Carl Öjerstam and available in a black/white or black/yellow colour combination, it’s made from moulded high-resilient polyurethane foam, which should mean it keeps its shape – and offer a comfortable place to sit. It’s also got a chrome swivel base and a 100 per cent cotton cushion cover.

If you can’t afford a design classic, this should keep you going until you can. It retails for £215.

Find out more at the Ikea website

If you’ve got the outdoor space, it’s always worth doing your bit for the birds  – and you can do it in a quirky fashion with this vintage caravan birdhouse.

It’s made of wood with a sheet metal roof and a retro look that birds surely can’t ignore. And if they take to it, you’ll have the added benefit of feeling good about yourself and your contribution to nature, as well as having the coolest birdhouse on the street.

Available from Firebox, you can pick one up for £19.95.

Find out more at the Firebox website

Iittala has produced some stylish designs over the years – we’ve previously covered the company’s Alvar Aalto Savoy vase on these very pages. But they’re not just a company of the past, they have some impressive new designs too – including this Taika tableware range.

I think it’s fair to say these designs are very Scandinavian, with parallels to a designs produced in the area in the 50s and 60s. But it’s actually a new design by illustrator Klaus Haapaniemi. They’re certainly big and bold, with all the pieces having the feel of nature about them – birds and flowers throughout.

Whether you choose to display or use these ceramic items is up to you. They’re certainly not cheap – so you’ll not want to risk dropping them. Prices for each piece vary, with mugs coming in at 16.40 Euros, while large plates sell for 30.90 Euros. The rest falls somewhere between those two price points.

Find out more at the Finnish Design Shop

And thanks to Jenni for the tip-off!

We like Celia Birtwell’s designs here at Retro to Go, so were pleased to see this limited edition dishwasher vinyl she has designed in partnership with Fairy (for hands that do dishes).

It seems like a great way to glam up your dishwashing, making it something beautiful as well as functional. Celia has worked with the red and green colour scheme of the Fairy bottles, but has created a cute heart shaped design, complete with love birds and flowers.

The cost is only £5 and the proceeds go to the Make A Wish Foundation, so you are doing a good turn as well as decorating your dishwasher.

Find out more on the Fairy website.