Categories / Gadgets and Tech, Toys and Games

Commodore 64 emulator heads to iPhone

C64

Have fond memories of the golden age of gameplay? Or simply want to know why your older brother bangs on about games not being as good as they used to be? Either way, you need the Commodore 64 emulator for the iPhone.

Yes, you can turn the clock back 25+ years by picking up this iPhone app, which turns the touchscreen into an old school console, throwing in five games to start you off – Dragon’s Den, Le Mans, Jupiter Lander, Arctic Shipwreck and Jack Attack. Once you've exhausted those, more games will follow for a modest cash outlay.

Indeed, the actual app doesn't break the bank – available now for just £2.99.

Apple website

Categories / Homeware

Content by Conran Kendal shelving unit at John Lewis

Kendal shelving

Modular style shelving has a long and distinguished design pedigree with fine examples from George Nelson and the Eames', and the flexible combination of having shelves for display and cupboards where you can stash bits away remains extremely useful. The Content by Conran Kendal shelving unit is an attractive and affordable twenty-first century adaptation of this principle.

The classic shape and look of this piece means you'll probably keep it for quite a few years. As a further incentive to hold onto it, its light oak veneer will apparently look even better as it ages. The unit costs £475.

Buy it from the John Lewis website

Categories / Homeware

Supernova vase by Pretty Random Objects

Supernova vase

This Supernova vase by Pretty Random Objects has more than a touch of fifties style with its attractive muted pink glaze, clean shape and hand carved starburst-esque design. At £35 it also seems good value for a handmade piece. 

Pretty Random Objects is the company name of Joanna Mendicino, a San Francisco based ceramicist who is one of the makers featured in the new homeware section on the Hannah Zakari website. The site is well worth a browse for prints and more pots, as well as the jewellery and accessories they've traditionally stocked. 

Buy it from Hannah Zakari

Categories / Design and Interiors

eBay watch: Louis Weisdorf 1960s Konkylie pendant light

Weisdorf

It's not unique, but you might have to do some digging to find a light as quirky as this Louis Weisdorf Konkylie pendant light.

Designed in 1965 by Louis Weisdorf for Lyfa, this Scandinavian piece oozes space age style, using its gold, orange and yellow fins to throw out cool light effects, whilst staying interesting even when the light is switched to 'off'.

According to the seller, it has a couple of light scratches, but nothing beyond that in terms of wear. Even so, the £520 'Buy It Now' price is a little rich – perhaps one to keep an eye on in case that price drops.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Pietro Chiesa 1930s Luminator floor lamp for Fontana Arte

Luminator

If a design still looks futuristic over 70 years after its first appearance, it is probably safe to say that it's unlikely to age much in the coming years. That's what you get with the Pietro Chiesa Luminator floor lamp.

This modernist gem dates back to 1933, yet still looks like nothing else on the market, a nickel-plated brass structure that throws out indirect light from the top – a modern(ist) take on the burning torch if you like.

You can control the light with a dimmer, but you can't do much about the price of this 190cm light – a hefty £1,430 for the Fontana Arte reissue.

Find out more at the Panik Design website

Categories / Homeware

School Days Desk

Schooldaysdesk

The School Days Desk from Urban Outfitters is another reason for us outside of the USA to bemoan how many great products the store has that aren’t available outside of the States.

The desk looks like a great second-hand find but is actually brand new. It has a traditional wooden top, resting on metal legs. It is ideal for resting your laptop on or using as a side table.

If you happen to be in the USA, the details you will need are that it costs $98 plus shipping costs and can be ordered from the Urban Outfitters website.