And now for something entirely practical…This Vintage Fabric Kneeler isn’t an iconic design, but for any keen gardeners whose knees aren’t as young as they once were, it could be a godsend.
Its deep foam cushion is covered with a floral patterned vintage cotton barkcloth from the 1960s. It has a handle for easy storage and is comfortable enough to double as a regular cushion.
It costs £21 from The Laundry.
A classic designer look for a fraction of the price – that’s what you get with the Dwell Ripple rocking chair.
Based almost entirely on the classic Verner Panton Relaxer (which was introduced back in 1974), the Dwell version loses the wooden arms and opts for a faux leather finish all over in black or white, with metal rockers on the rear.
A reissued Panton Relaxer will cost you the best part of £900 – but the Dwell Ripple is on the market for just £99.
Find out more at the Dwell website
Dutch ceramic factory Cor Unum has been around since 1953, but the Diablo mug actually dates from the 1960s.
It’s part of a series of designs that were reissued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the company – and now being sold at the V&A as part of its Cold War Modern exhibition. A unique earthenware design in black, red or orange, you can probably entertain yourself by watching your friends spill their coffee all over their front when using it. Or more practically, you could use it as a small vase.
Coffee or flowers, it’s a very stylish item – and one can be yours for £30.
Find out more at the V&A website
The most stylish table light I’ve seen in a very long time – the Dick Van Hoff modernist Work Lamp.
Despite those 1930s-influenced looks this is a fairly modern design from Dick van Hoff for Makkum in 2007. Construction-wise, it has a glazed ceramic base and shade (in varying colours), an oak stem and that vintage-style switch, which shows how much those little details matter.
There are two sizes available, with the larger one (at least) available at Liberty, selling for £365.
Find out more at the Dick Van Hoff website
Back in print after 40 years, Cooking In A Bedsitter by Katharine Whitehorn should still offer some culinary inspiration for anyone dealing with a cramped kitchen.
Take your pick from typically quirky period recipes like Swedish Sausage Casserole, Lamb Tomato Quickie and Shrimp Wiggle, along with other cheap, cheerful and above all quick recipes for the busy flat dweller. And there’s advice too, should you need pointers on how to maximise space, how to run a dinner party on a budget and of course, what colour of wine to serve with your choice of food.
Practical advice and an entertaining read, you can pre-order the new version now for £6.74, with a release date of 4th September 2008.
I can take or leave a lot of the modern-day Alessi designs, but the vintage pieces are another matter. Often timeless and modernist-inspired, they mix functionality with style for a price that doesn’t necessarily break the bank. This Alessi Citrus Basket is a typical example.
Dating back to 1952, it’s the work an Ufficio Tecnico design in mirror-polished steel, with plenty of room for your fruit of choice. And even when the fruit runs out, it’s good enough to display around your living room.
Yours for £72.
Find out more at the Nest website
