Categories / Design and Interiors

Habitat’s space age Soap light fitting

Soap
Habitat’s range is never as interesting as you hope, but just occasionally they do produce something that makes a visit worthwhile – like this Habitat space age Soap light fitting.

It’s essentially just a big round light fitting, the kind of thing that sold by the bucketload in the early 70s – and the kind of thing that would look great today if you have a room big enough (and indeed a ceiling high enough) to deal with it.

The pendant light is made from iridescent glass and measures up at W30 x H22 x L30cm. It retails for £75.

Find out more at the Habitat website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech

Crosley retro Traveler radio

Crosley
We’ve covered an endless number of retro radios, but most are DAB radios specifically for the UK. This Crosley Traveler radio is AM/FM – so good for more of the world’s population.

The 50s-style radio is allegedly designed in the manner of "finely styled luggage" and features a wood cabinet and tweed vinyl for the outer, plus a telescopic antenna and "aeroplane" dial for tuning and a full range speaker for sound.

Battery or mains powered, it retails for $39.99 (around £20).

Find out more at the Linens n Things website

Categories / Toys and Games

Twister beach towel

Twister_towel

Twister has been around since the sixties, but does anyone really still play it? Obviously so, because variations of the game keep appearing. The latest of which is the Twister beach towel.

On the beach, by the pool or in the garden, you can play it more or less anywhere thanks to a large 100 per cent cotton towel and inflatable waterproof dice. Or if you can’t find anyone to play with, it’s still a large towel  – and everyone needs one of those in the summer months.

Available now and retailing for £19.95.

Find out more

Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay Watch: 1979 Mini Pick Up

Mini_pickup

BMW might well continue to bring out variations of the new Mini, but it’s fair to say they’re unlikely to produce a Mini Pick Up, like this 1979 model, currently up for grabs in eBay.

In truth, I don’t recall ever seeing one of these before, but I’ll take the seller’s word that this is a genuine vehicle. It’s undergone some restoration, but still needs a few finishing touches. However, it does have its plus points, including a mileage of just 49,000, bucket seats, new carpets and foot pedals and replacement bodywork in keeping with the original.

No-one has bid for the car as yet, so you never know – you might get it for the £250 starting price if you’re lucky.

See more images and the full description at the eBay website

Categories / Design and Interiors, Retro rooms

Retro Rooms: Brian Carson

Brian_carson

Up to Scotland for the latest retro room – Brian Carson’s office/sitting room in Motherwell to be precise.

Brian runs Braw25, which offers retro interior design throughout Scotland. In the picture, you’ll see a Guzzini floor lamp and table lamp, a Grillo telephone and a deco clock. And as the windows have low sills, there’s also two low-level 60s armchairs that don’t block the light.

If you want to show off your home, a room in your home or even just a corner of your room, email us with a picture (or pictures) and some explanatory notes and we’ll be more than happy to show your designs skills off.

Categories / Design and Interiors

Darlings of Chelsea retro Lucia chaise

Chelsea_chaise

The chaise longue hasn’t really moved with the times – and even if you can find one, it’s likely to look like it’s straight out of an antique shop. That’s not the case with this Lucia chaise from Darlings of Chelsea.

In fact, despite the name, it looks absolutely nothing like a chaise longue, with its chair-like shape (which can be adjusted for sitting or lounging), soft foam mattress and headrest cushion, along with this fantastic 60s-style covering.

You can pick one up at the Manchester and London stores, or indeed online, with prices from £385.

Find out more at the Darlings of Chelsea website