No matter how discerning we like to think we are we all have our guilty secrets – little lapses in taste we don't want to share but won't let go. Do you hanker after a big faux leather recliner or do you – deep in some hidden corner of your soul – think a toilet roll cover is actually quite a good idea? We'd love to hear your guilty design pleasures so come
Despite being named after an uncomfortable bed that was popular in the 1980s, The Futon Company sells a range of well-designed, attractive and good value furniture. The furniture is cleverly made to fit into small spaces; many items are streamlined, can be folded away or are dual purpose. The Oak lean-to desk above, priced £179, complete with shelves takes up less space than many others and the console table below,
These limited edition cushions have been handmade for Avocado Sweet by the very talented Caroline Louden. Each one is unique and has been made using a gorgeous vintage silk square combined Scottish tweeds or cashmere in complementary tones. The contrast in textures is very appealing and they are perfect for adding a dash of quality and individuality to any interior. The cushions are £70 each and are available exclusively from Avocado Sweet.
Hazard a guess which country these interiors are from? Japan would probably be your last choice because its not the minimalist interior you expect and probably love. These photos are from an exhibition at the Geffrye Museum in London which aims to dispel the myth of the neat, minimalist interior by recreating everyday homes from Japan. At Home in Japan – Beyond the Minimal House runs until 29 August 2011. It
Beyond the plastic horseshoe… Available exclusively from Cox and Cox these badges are designed to be a wedding party icebreaker. They feature phrases such as 'my shoes are killing me' and 'I love the groom' which are funnier the truer they are, especially if the latter isn't worn by the bride. They are available in black, white and pink and cost £10.50 for 12. Glasgow based designers Showpony have come up with
This great mixtape design is by Minneapolis letterpress printers Studio on Fire who seem to approach their work with a degree of wit not always in evidence when it comes to weddings. Hello Lucky, run by sisters Eunice and Sabrina Moyle, is well established in the wedding invite field with bases in London and San Francisco. Clients include Anthropologie, Kate's Paperie and Liberty of London. These simple designs are part of a range of
Life is strange, no? Who’d have thought there would be such nostalgia in Germany for life in the now defunct GDR? The 2003 film Goodbye Lenin, which poignantly recalled life in the German Democratic Republic, has been followed by the growth of Ostalgie, a celebration of the fashions, food and everyday hassles that characterised life in the communist state. Is it ok to be sentimental about life under a regime
On the day we bid a sad farewell to Elizabeth Taylor, one of the all time great pin ups, it’s fitting that we feature this cheeky range of gifts and homeware from Crumpet and Skirt. Created by erstwhile actress Elizabeth Pinnock the range includes cushions, cards, mirrors, mugs and wrapping paper all adorned with juicy 50s starlets in vampish poses. The products are available to order online from the Crumpet and
If the red nose look isn’t quite you, you could try bidding on these great Mini Modern mugs being auctioned on Ebay for Comic Relief. Made by Nice People, they normally retail at £8 each. Bidding ends on 23 March so you have plenty time to do your bit while adding a splash of colour to your morning coffee. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Set-Mini-Moderns-DESIGNER-Mugs-Comic-Relief-/330542770971?pt=UK_HG_Crockery_RL&hash=item4cf5e26b1b
Nathan Furniture new range has been inspired by scandinavian-style designs from its own 1960s archive including the Citadel sideboard below. Citadel 21 sideboard based on Nathan’s original design from 1963 Making munitions boxes is a diversification that probably most contemporary furniture makers haven’t contemplated. But that’s exactly how Barnett Nathan supplemented the income for the handcrafted furniture business he started in 1916. The current economic climate is tough but spare