Desirable-Designs.

Guido Crepax inspired comic strip furniture- "Valentina nel metro" by Giuseppe Canevese..

2007-10-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Guido Crepax inspired "Valentina la donna è mobile" furniture by Giuseppe Canevese.

The collection "Valentina, la donna è mobile" stems from the theories of the Artistical Movement called Radical Design, which began in the Sixties in Tuscany ( Italy ) before spreading to other parts of the world. At that time, the thoughts behind architecture changed "radically".Objects and products were no longer designed in view of their mere function, but were transformed into an actual "emotional media" in which to encapsulate ideas, thoughts and yearnings . Influences from the world of Art and Philosophy contributed to the creation of absolutely innovative objects and pieces of furniture, projects and prototypes permeated by a new sense of critique on the function of objects.

Available to buy from: http://www.mossonline.com/

Guido Crepax and his donna Valentina.

"Crepax began to work as a graphic artist and an advertisement illustrator while still studying architecture. In 1963 he entered the world of comics, and two years later he created his most famous character, Valentina. She was representative of the spirit of the sixties. The Valentina series of books and strips became noted for Crepax's sophisticated drawing, and for the psychedelic, dreamlike story lines, generally involving a strong dose of eroticism. Valentina, inspired by the silent film actress Louise Brooks, soon became the main character of the series, whose last episode was published in 1995. " Wikipedia.

A few months ago, I saw a picture of a dresser from the “Valentina” by Opus range, in some magazine. Unfortunately, I didn’t note down any details so I’ve been scouring the net in the hope of rediscovering them by typing phrases such as“cartoon furniture” into search engines. Somewhat unbelievably, I eventually got lucky via http://eternallycool.net/ and the rest is history . I really do like this furniture. It’s refreshing to see unique and imaginatively designed furniture that has nada to do with current trends. These pieces, placed in the right setting, have real show stopper potential. The trick to pulling off this range successfully is to keep everything minimal. Anymore than one piece in the same room would be design suicide. It's best placed in a clutter free, large and possibly white painted room . Design wise, this furniture is akin to a great piece of art and should be the focal point of the room. It's best to decorate the rest of the room around the piece as opposed to visa verse. Let’s face it, you purchase this type of furniture because you want it to stand out. So, it would be a terrible shame not to maximise its potential. http://www.ennezero.it/valentina.php

Demelza Hill - Snap and Dine.

2007-10-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

This portable disposable lunch setting will appeal to anyone who loved airfix as a kid. You could even get creative with colours and design and make each plate unique piece of art before placing them on the picnic rug. It's a great design for the scatty for you'll never forget a piece of cutlery again. But, unless Hill manages to get "snap and dine" mass produced to a level where they become cheap chic, I fear this design mightn't be a commercial success.

Perrier Jouet's flowery bubbles.

2007-10-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

I really like Perrier Jouet's flower bottle. Champagne is a luxury item so why shouldn't the

packaging reflect this? You're buying into decadence and pampering and from the minute you see this bottle, your mood is transformed. I'm obviously not alone in my thinking as the "flower bottle" was launched in 1969 and is still going strong . Of course, the fact that the actual content tastes sumptuous and it's one of the world's most celebrated champagne's has nothing at all to do with it's popularity :)

Beautiful hand painted glasses come with the gift set.

Expect to pay circa £80.00.

I could murder a bottle of it now..

Beano and Dandy comic canvases. Make a kid of the 70's happy.

2007-10-19T18:39:00.001-07:00

Anyone, who read these as a kid would want them. Great gift for those difficult to buy for brothers or boyfriends.Printed onto 100% cotton canvas using archival inks and mounted onto a wooden frame.

Available from http://www.55max.com/

20 x 28 inch canvas =£135.00 55 x 39 inch canvas=£425.00

Wheels ahoy!

2007-10-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

ScooterDesk by Utilia.

The ScooterDesk is a mobile station for all your occasional tasks.

Their space saving stackable design means that they'd be a rather handy supplementary table and chair for a range of businesses during peak times. The ScooterDesk is also, a hassle free way to take some work into more unusual locations such as the garden, terrace or even the bathroom.

Available from http://utilia.be/collection/scooterdesk/

The Series X files.

2007-10-19T17:36:00.001-07:00

Series X by by GRAEME MASSIE ARCHITECTS for OUTGANG.

"Series X, an innovative and exciting range of contemporary multifunctional furniture comprising seat, table and footstool.Each product has a continuous loop form in a unique profile, which enables it to be rotated into different positions offering maximum versatility - upright, recliner and perching stool, coffee table, side table and foot stool, all matching each other's heights and uses.Brilliantly designed, crafted to the highest standards and an absolute visual delight. Manufactured by laminating CNC-cut exterior grade birch-faced plywood sections and finished with a water-based clear lacquer, the products are available in single and double seating sizes in solid timber, fully weather-proofed and perfectly happy used in or outside the home. When being used externally, the products should be waxed on an annual basis prior to the onset of winter.All timber used for the manufacture of Series X has been selected from sustainable managed sources authenticated by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).Standard lengths are 600cm, 1200cm and 1500cm, but non-standard lengths are available on request." via within4walls.

Available from http://www.within4walls.co.uk/

2007-10-16T19:22:00.001-07:00

Technorati Profile

Beam me up in an egg bed, scotty....

2007-10-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

The Lomme Bed.

"Lomme is a restoration project - converting thousands of hours of unsatisfactory, interrupted sleep into deep, replenishing, natural rest."http://www.lomme.com/

Allegedly, Lomme spent two years researching sleep problems to create this futuristic luxury sleeping pod. Their website states that it features light and sound therapy which I believe in layman terms equates to; built in speakers, ambient LED lights and a USB port to plug your iPod into. Superfluous adjectives aside - it's a damn nice bed.

Transporter by Alberto Frias.

“I kind of sat down and meditated, and the sun was shining on me, and I was immersed in the light,” said Mr. Frias, a Las Vegas architect, recalling a day in 2002. “And I had this feeling of expansiveness, of being in the present moment — a trance like state.” via "The New York Times". This fibreglass space capsule comes with a water bed, sub woofer speakers and an array of bright flashing LED lights by Colour Kinetics, designed to synchronise with music. Ambiance sorted, the pod owner can concentrate on zoning out through whatever methods deemed appropriate and wait to be transported to a seriously higher astral plane. You never know, you might meet Mr.Frias there.

Gotta love this guy, really. If you want a night out, count me in. You sound like fun ;)

Those with claustrophobia or prone to epileptic fits need not apply.

http://desirable-designs.blogspot.com/

If I spill tea on Microsoft's interactive coffee table, will it clean it up for me?

2007-10-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Microsoft's "Surface' coffee table is an interactive touch sensitive computer. Multiple users can interact with the machine by touching or dragging their fingertips , photo's, a paint brush etc. accross the screen. It's also, designed to work in unison with other pre bar-coded gadgets and objects such as phones, cameras, music players and keycards.The possibliltes for this gizmo are endless, excluding perhaps, actually functioning as a coffee table.

Think, the fictional technology seen in the film" Minority Report" minus the gloves and you've got the gist.

The "Microsoft Surface" video below reveals all.

If you fancy a giggle watch "Microsoft Surface - The Parody" by the cheeky sods at SarcasaticGamer.com. It's really funny.

Available from Ikea as a flatpack http://www.microsoft.com/surface/

Touch-feely and versatile. Love thy wardrobe...

2007-10-14T11:39:00.001-07:00

Blend by Karim Rashid

Available as a storage cabinet or wardrobe with a choice of ten different coloured laquered finshes.

http://www.horm.it.com/

I think this design with it's curvy exterior would look great as a fridge? Using different materials, obviously.

Armoire by Pinch.

The Armoire is a collection by Pinch consisting of three different designs featuring a range of wood finishes and colours.

The Alba.

This white wardrobe is my personal favourite from the collection.

Double wardrobes available from £3,840.00 and singles from £2,525 .

Marlow Armoire.

Frey Armoire.

This classical looking wardrobe is available in solid timber and painted finishes. I'm not actually sure why I added the "Frey" wardrobe to my blog as it's really rather dull. Don't buy it.

If you prefer to use the Armoire as as a linen cupboard, kitchen cupboard , media or even a bathroom unit that's not a problem. Pinch have created a wide variety of interior options to cater for individual needs. And, if you can't find what you're looking for, requests can be designed bespokely.

http://www.pinchdesign.com/

Will they fly off the shelves...........?

2007-10-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Sudoku nerobianco by Mario Bellini.

Available in polish aluminium and blackwhite wood finishes from http://www.horm.it/

Solaio by Carlo Cumini.

The columns are available in natural beech, whitened beech stain and beech with mocha staining. The shelves are MDF panels and are available with the colours listed below with textured finishings.

Colours: White, silver, mocha, graphite, black, green tea, warm gray, rubine red and gold.

www.horm.it

Sendai 2005 by Toyo Ito.

Available with 3 or 6 polished laminated stainless steel shelves. Solid oil-varnished, turned black valnut and alder wood structures, with turns, each at a different angle and a different diameter.

http://www.horm.it/

Really nice investment buy this. The polished steel reflects the surface and ecologically friendly wood.

Ripples by Studio Tecnico Horm.

2007-10-14T09:55:00.001-07:00

Tempered glass top table and matching seats.

Frame in plywood composed of 5 different types of heartwood: walnut, mahogany, cherry, oak, ash and vegetable oil finish.

I haven't seen this table and chair but from the pics it appears timeless. Let's face it , nature never goes out of fashion.

Available from: http://www.horm.it/

Dotty about dots.

2007-10-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Polka dots by Toyo Ito.

These units designed by Japanese born Toyo Ito are available from http://www.horm.it/ .They come finished in either whitened beech or beech with mocha stain. The frame and front are in beech, the circles are made with frosted methacrylate. It includes glass shelves, lights and adjustable feet. I really must get around to having a gander a Toyo's designs. In paper they appear more than great but it's difficult to judge a piece without feeling and seeing it . If I had to judge his polka dot collection, I'd go for understated statement furniture which is a grand feat to achieve. Toyo has definitely peeked my interest.

Tide by Karim Rashid.

2007-10-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Available in yellow, white, silver, mocha, graphite, black, red rubin, gold, green tea and warm grey lacquered finishes.

Available from:www.horm.it

Dazzling Daydream - Swarovski (again) and Kludi.

2007-10-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it seem like Swarovksi have their crystal fingers in every pie these days?

PASSION “Passion” – uses granite, limestone, ceramic, crystal, glass and chrome to produce an elegant, male friendly luxury bathroom.

“Delight” - consists of limestone, crystal, glass, wood and chrome and creates a bright, calming ambiance.

Bow chica Wa Wa.

2007-10-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.ustogether.eu/

usTogether combines the best of new British and Irish designers to produce different products for the market. They've started with bathrooms and WOW - they've certainly achieved their objective. I saw these products at the "100% Design" exhibition and they're completely and utterly stunning . Such seamless, flowing lines...... drool.

Apparently, Middle Eastern buyers are snapping them up. In fairness , they're the perfect bathroom addition for high end boutique or five star hotels. Watch out for them appearing in posh hotels all over Dubai or fitted on private Saudi jets sometime soon.

I've never wanted to be filthy rich but I'm actually feeling depressed that I may never even get to soak in one of these beauties.

Are Apple ditching their signature white colour?

2007-10-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

The new iMac has an anodized aluminum frame. The iPhone and iTouch are only available in black. The Shuffle was never available in white and the iPod was revamped sporting either black or silver colour options. Are they retiring the colour that set them apart from other computer manufacturers?

Jeez, just when interiors are mostly white and glossy they dump the colour that would match the trend. Must be a man at the helm there.

But never fear "colorware" are available to customise your toys. Offering a broad range of colours and a mix and match colour service to personalise your iPods, gaming consoles, laptops and other accessories, there's no need to suffer black gadgets again. http://www.colorwarepc.com/

On the other hand, having seen the "future iMac concept" by Kromekat - why bother! http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=1248178&member According to Adam Benton courtesy of Renderosity "The iMac features a 30" ultra-thin LCD screen, which is totally transparent when the iMac is not in use. The screen can also be set to various levels of translucency, and can fade during sleep modes etc. The keyboard is also totally transparent, low profile and a curved ergonomic design, with light sensitive illuminated keys. Everything is of course, wireless".

I wonder when that's available?

Console tables by Johnny Egg.

2007-10-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Flocked console table.

Suspension console

I love the way he uses shocking colours inside his units to contrast with the outer dark materials. Available from http://www.johnnyegg.com/

2007-10-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

Coffee Tables by Johnny Egg.

2007-10-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Available from http://www.johnnyegg.com/

Mirror Drink Bar by Johnny Egg.

2007-10-11T20:56:00.001-07:00

You may need to consider hiring a cleaner before buying this handsome piece.

Available from http://www.johnnyegg.com/

Flocked mirrors by Johnny Egg.

2007-10-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

Pink flocked and Aubergine mirror & chandelier

Flocked Victorian mirror http://www.johnnyegg.com/

The lovely Johnny Eggs' twisted designs.

2007-10-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

I've met Mr. Egg twice now. Once, at the "Grand Designs" show and a few years later at the "100% Design" exhibition. He treats the average "Sunday driver" of design shows, the likes of me , who oft frequent these venues, as if they're a huge buyer, and makes individual time to show and chat about his products.

Egg appears to be one step ahead of interior trends. His mirrored twisted furniture collection caught my eye at the show a long time before it became "en vogue". His latest glamorous baroque "ish" designs are also very "Now".

This guy has style and creativity. I just don't understand why he's not more well known as a designer - strange. He's perfect for lignet Roset.

Mantra by FEG.

2007-10-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

I love this bed. It's designed with the Feng Shui principles in mind, such as the very low base and rounded contours. Allegedly, it's covered with a material which mitigates the damaging effects of electromagnetic fields. All that possible boloney aside, it's just one good looking bed.This bed isn't calling me, it's screaming and yelling my name. I can just imagine myself all snuggled up under the duvet ....Available in wenge and teak to fit a 160 x 200cm mattress, or in wenge to fit a 200 x 200cm mattress. Mattress not included. Available from: http://www.europebynet.com/

It's not rocket science - Thelermont Hupton

2007-10-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

The thumb tray - Functional serving tray with thumb hole.

Thumb bowl (from the 'not at the table' range).

Ideal for parties or T.V dinners.

The Lap Mug - designed for lounging. The knee mug.

The Edge Plate. Available from:http://www.thelermontupthon.com/

Sand and Birch.

2007-10-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

"Sand & Birch Design Studio was founded in 2003 when Andrea Fino and Samanta Snidaro decided to join their different cultural backgrounds and experiences together for a unique project: to re-interpret the concept of furnishing and to bring other meanings, other senses and other lives to Objects. The Diamond Sofa is an example of how this project has become reality by turning a sofa into a piece of jewellery without losing its original functions." http://www.sandbirch.com/

The Diamond Sofa.

The Diamond sofa is made from a mirror-like aluminium. The wide strip will be encrusted with Swarovski crystals and not real diamonds as the name suggests. I believe, there's a choice of a fluorescent or an LED light for the attached lamp. Only 100 Diamond Sofa's will be made so I would think that only those with serious funds and status need apply.

M'ama non m'ama

Again this is made from a mirror-like aluminium structure and different coverings are available. Rather a sweet and apt name.

It has a metallic structure, polyurethane inside and covered with Alcantara.

Swarovski patners with Phillips for BLINGing results.

2007-10-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

The Active Crystals range.

Mirage Headphones Cushioned, ear-hook headphones in flexible transparent silicone and high quality fabric-type cable with fully faceted oval-cut Silver Shade crystals on outside.

Affordability rating: £70.00

Icon Headphones In-ear headphones with polished stainless steel body and high quality fabric-type cable. Soft and flexible earpiece made of transparent silicone with fully faceted dome-cut Silver Shade crystals on outside.

Affordability rating: £50.00

Glittery extension cable for easier access from the memory key to a computer port.

Lock In USB Memory Key USB memory key disguised as a lock. The Lock-In,Lock-Out,the Heart Ware, and the Heart Beat all hold 1 GB of data, which equates to approx. 250 songs or 1,000.00 photo's and come with password protection and high-speed USB 2.0 interface.

Affordabilty rating: £105.00

Lock-out USB Memory key.

Heart Ware USB Memory Key

Heart Beat USB Memory Key

Jeeves & Wooster by Jake Phipps.

2007-10-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

Idiosyncratic pendant lighting for the playful. Quintessentially British design.

Jeeves bowler hat is lined with a refined gold interior, whilst Wooster's top hat has a silver lining. They have a black wool felt exterior. ABS vacuum metallised diffuser and brass electrical fittings and cord with standard ceiling fitting.

Affordability rating - Jeeves:£210 Wooster:£225

The perfect gift for a lawyer friend. Or, perhaps, that very naughty pal of yours....

2007-10-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

Doormat designed by Cory O'Malley.

Feck Off !!

2007-10-05T16:26:00.001-07:00

Feck Off Doormat by Peter Mac Cann

Sure, it would look only grand outside your front door. Particularly, if you're a true blue Jackeen or a Redneck.

Really cool ceiling art by David Wiseman.

2007-10-01T22:07:00.001-07:00

http://www.dwiseman.com/

Luxury & Customised Mobile Phones

2007-10-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

One of only ten Nokia N95 diamond encrusted phones available for a mere £12,000.00.

If you find the above, out of your price range, for some bizarre reason, you could opt for the equally blingy but gaudy 24 carrot Gold collection. "Upgrading your customised diamond phone could not be easier. If you decided you want to upgrade your phone to a new one, just give us your old phone with diamond and we will take off all the diamonds on the old phone and add it to the new phone.This means you don’t have to pay for the diamonds again; all you will be charged for is labour and work." quote from Amasu. Darn decent of them really.

http://www.amosu.co.uk/

Motorola in Stainless Steel with Zirconia Diamonds - £695.00 from the Fashion Collection. http://www.amosu.co.uk/

It's about time by insightoutsight

2007-10-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

Design imitating real life. This is my kind of artificial intelligence.

Icon rugs collection by Modern Rugs.

2007-10-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

Jim Morrison Rug

Che Guevara Rug

Bob Marley Rug Audrey Hepburn Rug

100% New Zealand wool rugs.

Sizes & Prices150 x 200cm (5ft 0" x 6ft 8") - Modern Rugs price £399.00 and free delivery.

Available to buy from http://www.modern-rugs.co.uk/page/icon_wool_rugs_286.cfm

Brighton Art Fair 2007

2007-09-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

I decided to "pay" a visit to the Art Fair held annually in Brighton today. They charged us a fiver each entry fee which I found a little cheeky. Isn't that like "River Island" charging you to enter their shop? I appreciate that you buy tickets for "Grand Designs" etc. but they lay on plenty of workshops, lectures and a host of amenities. At the least, I would have presumed that if you bought a painting the entry fee would be redeemable. Despite my silly grumblings, we had an enjoyable day and I discovered some rather interesting artists.

Dion Salvador Lloyd I accidentally kept referring to him as "Dali" to my boyfriend due to his middle name. When I came home I looked up his web site and apparently he was indeed named after the great man himself. He came from an artistic family and was surrounded by art from an early age, hence his middle name. Dion Salvador Lloyd paintings made the exhibition worthwhile for me. There's something about them that actually draws you into the painting. More info from his website http://www.dionsalvador.co.uk/

Richard Friend This cheerful charming gentleman's art stood out from the crowd. His seriously bright choice of colours hung in thick black frames made you stop and stare. Initially, I couldn't decide whether I loved or hated his paintings. Unfortunately, I uttered said sentiment to the artist absent-mindedly and I'm still feeling rather ashamed over my words as I write this blog. If you ever read this Mr. Friend - I hope I didn't offend. Sorry.

Fair dues to the guy though, he was either too nice, very thick skinned or genuinely didn't mind as he remained friendly and appeared unfazed. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that I really liked them. He's layered the oils to varying degrees so his picture have real depth. More from this nice man at http://www.richfriend.co.uk/

Tony Owers

Part of his statement purloined off his website reads .... "work is an examination of impermanence and the concept that everything is in a continuous state of change. All things are transient and as they change so they leave traces or memories of an earlier presence.My references are the palimpsest, graffiti and the urban landscape. I am also interested in the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi Sabi, which values the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete."

Tony Owers hails from London but lives in Brighton, well Hove actually, for the last ten years. And, you can see his love of all things Brightonian in his paintings. He's even included a parking meter in one and I believe, a parking ticket in another. What an apt representation of life living in Brighton. My boyfriend really loved his art and it's growing on me too.

"The higher up you go, the more mistakes you are allowed. Right at the top, if you make enough of them, it's considered to be your style" Fred Astaire

2007-09-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

Propaganda - Mr P One Man Wall Hanger by Chaiyut Plypetch. Mr. Suicide plug and toilet roll holder by Alessi.

2007-09-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist adding this naughty novelty nob . But, why oh why does he look so glum? Affordability Rating- It cost £8.99 and is available in orange or blue. Available from http://www.panik-design.com/

You could always match the blue version of the towel hook with Alessi's wall mounted toilet roll holder and Mr. Suicide plug to create a rather playful bathroom. The plug costs approx. £12.00 and is packaged in a box shaped like a coffin.

Hand hooks by Harry Allen. The "Reality" Collection.

2007-09-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

Bestow Vase/Candle holder

C'mere Hand Hook.

The offer hand hook.

Incence Holder

Grab Hand Hook

Harry Allen is an award-winning interior and industrial designer. As a product designer he's worked for Umbra, Magis, Habitat, Aveda and Ikea and his work is in the permanent collection of the the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and the Denver Museum of Art.

This range of wall hooks and holders are a cast of the designer’s own hand . Veins included at no extra cost but then, it is the "Reality collection". One wonders if many women designers would allow the aging process captured so freely or would it become the "Fake collection" ?

Let your imagination run with you and use them as coat hangers, loose change holders etc. I'm going to buy "The offer" hand hook and use it as a soap dish for my guest bathroom. They're made of 100% white resin

Expect to pay circa £60.

Louis Four Poster Bed Frame made exclusively for Heals.

2007-09-24T22:44:00.001-07:00

This picture knicked off Heals website doesn't show it's true beauty. In fact, in my humble opinion, the entire website lacks the necessary va va voom to sell furniture. One wonders if they purchased their website from a box. But, I suppose they have their huge shops to pull in the trade and can afford to be complacent.

Anyway , back to the bed . The frame is wooden but lacquered in high gloss black or white.

I saw the the high gloss white version in the shop and I have to say it's stunning. It's glamorous in a dramatic way. I presumed that it would only appeal to a select niche in the market as it's rather daring but according to the shop assistant, this bed is one of their best selling items. So, that theory held no water.

It's too over-powering for my present one bed flat. Sorry Dad - I meant "Apartment" . I'm considering buying it when I eventually move house but I want to see how the dramatic glossy look fares. If it becomes too popular, I'll bow out.

Available at Heal's from : £1595.00.

Tree bed by Shawn Lovell Metalworks.

2007-09-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not usually a metalwork fan but this bed is kind of sassy. The jury is still out as to whether I like the nest above the bed or not. Humm...

More information available from http://www.slmetalworks.com/index.html . She's obviously the strong silent type as the website seriously lacks text.

Nesting Box by Eva Solo.

2007-09-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

The Eva Solo nesting box is made of white-glazed terracotta and black plastic, which protects the little home from wind and rain but also means that the nesting box reflects heat, protecting the chicks from overheating at summer. This stylish home has also been fitted with an internal ladder to enable the chicks to leave when they are ready. The nesting box comes with four changeable entrance holes to match different birds. And, the Penthouse comes with great views.

Desirablity rating - The Buckingham Palace of bird nests. If I were a bird of the feathery kind, this is where I'd set up home.

Affordability rating - £35.00

Available from www.WhereDidYouBuyThat.com

Kartell Componobili storage units by Anna Castelli Ferrieri.

2007-09-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

The Kartell Componibili "Stand Alone" Storage Units have been produced for more than thirty years and are exhibited at the museum of Modern Art in New York. The units are suitable for every kind of domestic use, as a bedside table or storage in the bathroom, kitchen or children’s rooms. It consists of modular units that can be stacked and arranged according to one's desire. The system is put together via a tongue-and-groove system for quick construction and good stability They're available in silver and white. At the moment, there's also, a limited edition version in glossy black or red.

I've got this storage system in my bathroom. It's perfect. Not only does it look great but when I go overboard buying beauty products, I simple add another element. I must however, learn self-restraint as it may start to resemble the Leaning Tower of Pisa soon.

Affordability rating - Great value. Price ranging from £35.00 for a low element or or the two element from approx. £55.00.

Available from http://www.nest.co.uk/product/componibili/?PHPSESSID=d795f5021cf9b307f14cd92cddb0cdad

“Style is the perfection of a point of view” -Richard Eberhart.

2007-09-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Illuzine Magazine Rack and Flybrary Bookshelf by Umbra.

2007-09-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Flybury could double up as a shelf and the magazine rack would be ideal for hair salons, dentist's/doctor's waiting room or in your own loo.

The concealed towel shelf makes a welcome bathroom addition to the Umbra range. Although, you may need Anthea Turner's help to fold the towels correctly.

Umbra - Concealed bookshelf.

2007-09-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

The invisible shelf by Umbra is an ingenious space saving design which provides the illusion of floating books. It's ideal for cookbooks, bedtime reading material or stagger the shelves to give a wall that designer feel. Available in two sizes - small or large.

Desirability rating - It's such a simple design it hurts. Every home should have at least one invisible shelf.

Affordability rating - Cheap Chic. Prices range from £15.00 for a small shelf. Expect to pay around $10.00 in the States.

Available from http://www.umbra.com/

The Pebble Rug by Ksenia Movafaghy.

2007-09-22T10:51:00.001-07:00

This is the creme de la creme of rugs. It's a 100% wool and of high density quality. The standard available size is 175 cm x 250 cm. I'm not sure how it would feel underfoot. It's either going to massage or irritate your tootsies or perhaps, neither. Hum, I'm decisive.

Desirability Rating - The God of all rugs.

Affordability Rating - I've no idea.

More information available from - http://www.2form.no/Rug_other_pebble.htm

Tangram Shelves by Daniele Lago, 2002

2007-09-22T10:08:00.001-07:00

Sudoku for your walls. These shelves come in seven pieces that nominally make a square but you can rearrange them as much as you want to create your own designs. See above picture for inspiration. Great for those with design ADHD.

Desirability rating - Cool modular design toys for adults. Affordability rating - Unable to find a price for these shelves which usually, signifies bank loan needed.

More information from http://www.lago.it/en/design/products/objects-complements/tangram.html

Susan Bradley's drip shelf.

2007-09-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

Susan Bradley's drip shelf is also, worth mentioning.

Retails at £ 65.00.

Susan Bradley's rose creep shelf.

2007-09-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

Function meets decorative design. Another great design from this clever lady who also, created outdoor wallpaper. She's one of my favourite designers.

The shelf is available in either black or white glass powder coated steel.

Retails at approx. £85.00.

More of Susan Bradley's desirable inspirational furnishings available from her website www.susanbradley.co.uk/

Porcelain Wellington Vase by Maxim Velcovsky.

2007-09-22T09:00:00.001-07:00

A waterproof boot vase for your floral arrangements. Both left and right feet available for some reason. Personally, I feel a pair might ruin the desired effect.

Affordability rating - Slightly overpriced at approx. £120.00 .I can hear the other half's exasperated voice saying- "You spent how much on a wellie?".

It's definitely a conversation starter and in the right setting could look stunning.

Time flies clocks x 3

2007-09-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

A set of wall clocks featuring three cities - Hong Kong, New York and London which may save you taxing your wee brain when working out time differences. If you look closely you'll see that the second hand has a depiction of a mini aeroplane. So, time really does fly or in this case, moves in a circle. Affordability rating - Cheap Chic. £50.00 Desirability rating - Fun and quirky. A discreet and useful way to fill a blank wall. Available from http://www.heals.co.uk/

Ghost Clock by Yee-Ling Yan.

2007-09-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

This is a striking interpretation of the traditional carriage clock. It features ornate etching and a reflective mirror backing. It comes complete with white gloves as it requires simple but gentle self assembly. But, be careful, it's a fragile piece. It takes one AA battery which is included. This clock would make a perfect wedding gift or pressie for the lady in your life.

Affordability rating - Cheap Chic. Approx.£70.00

Desirability rating - Future Classic. Proud owner of this piece. The clear Ghost clock is the nicest, IMHO, but the picture doesn't do it justice. It really is rather beautiful.

Available from http://www.heals.co.uk/

Cuckoo clock by Diamantini & Domeniconi

2007-09-21T20:36:00.001-07:00

This is a great modern take on a classic iconic piece. The clock has a light sensor which to keeps the cuckoo quiet at night and allegedly, you can alter the mechanism to completely silence same bird. Available in different colours.

Retails at approx. £120.00

Available from : http://www.conranshop.co.uk/

The Bungalow mirror by Tonelli.

2007-09-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

Designer: Giovanni Tommaso Garattoni. I'm the proud owner of this mirror. I would love to give a personal description of this product but alas, it still resides in the delivery crate. When I eventually move I shall give a first hand account. It is available with either square or round mirrors with the following dimensions: W86 x H86cm W64 x H64cm W86 x H43cm Affordability rating - Approx. £310.00

Espejo Miralmar and The UK Mirror

2007-09-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

Espejo Miralmar by BD Barcelona. This mirror is designed by Eduard Samso and consists of seven two-sided mirrors that can be moved around to create your own unique piece. Affordability rating - Lovely and unusual but overpriced. Worth waiting a few months to purchase as the price may drop considerably or commission someone to make you one. I love this mirror designed by Dan Ziglam and Elliot Brook for Deadgood. Best of all it's a 100% British. Retails at approx. £150.00 Both mirrors available to buy at http://www.leighharmer.co.uk/