Large or small, desk or floor, Habitat has a Photographic lamp for you.
Based on vintage photographers' lamps, the range includes clamp, desk and floopr lamps, all with the same distinctive head, with the non-clamp versions also offering up adjustable heads and a pendant that is height adjustable.
The finish is a powder-coated metal, with prices varying depending on size – starting at £29, topping out at £169 for the 168cm-tall giant floor version.
Simple and chic strapless dresses have been popular since before the 1950s, and continue to prove a versatile style in womenswear. This Scarlet Silk-Blend Dress from Temperley's Alice diffusion line subtly combines a healthy dollop of retro influence with modern style points.
Taking inspiration from the fifties use of sweetheart necklines, this dress adds a modern twist by squaring off the bustline. Contrasting the curves of vintage silhouettes with some angles, the retro appeal is still kept intact with a high waistline and pencil skirt shape, along with a cutesy polka dot print.
It's available online from Net-a-Porter for £246.
If you didn't fancy the plain black version, there's now there's a more colourful way to prepare your coffee when using the Lavazza Mio Modo coffee maker.
Take your pick from any of the bold colours above, adding some brightness to the already retro look of the original. It should make a tasty coffee too, using capsules and cutting edge extraction technology to produce a full-bodied and creamy espresso, a steam arm for cappuccinos and lattes and a hot water function for the tea drinkers. But I'm guessing if you're a tea drinker, it's not the best way of spending your cash.
Still the same price as the black model – expect to pay around £119.
Find out more at the Lavazza website
Via Switched On Set
As you put the kettle on for another cup of tea and find yourself dreaming of different times and places, fuel your fantasies with the coastal collection from Welbeck tiles.
The range is inspired by old postcards and uses images from perhaps the golden age of British holiday going, featuring scenes from places like Skegness, Margate, Newquay and Barry Island amongst many others. Other tiles show the reverse of the postcards, complete with the requisite 'Wish you were here' type of messages.
All the tiles are hand-made in Cornwall which is reflected in the price as the postcard tiles cost £40 each. They are shown in the image above alongside tiles from some of the other Welbeck ranges: full details and prices can be found online.
Find out more from the Welbeck website
You can rely on Graham and Green to provide a touch of glamour to your home and this Art Deco side table from their Spring range is no exception.
The table is as alluring as you'd expect from the name, with a circular top and base, joined by tulip-shaped stems. In tribute to the Deco style, the stems are mirrored. The only question is whether the rest of your lounge is sophisticated enough to go with it…
It costs £235 from their website
Above image courtesy of Lee Garland
One day, you'll tell your grandchildren about the large concrete buildings of the 1960s, how they once dominated their landscape before the local authorities knocked them all down. Including Preston bus station.
Preston bus station was built in the late 60s, a huge structure with room for 80 double decker buses, 1,100 cars and subway access from the city via three routes. It's not exactly looking its best right now, but if you're ever in the area, you really should check it out – before it goes, which is likely to be in 2011.
