If simplicity and clean lines appeal to you, then it's worth taking a look at the online Muji store. It's furniture is mostly a warm red ash, while it's storage containers go to depths one could not dream of. I particularly like this acrylic table cum magazine rack, for £115 it's affordable, practical and chic.

Posted by Carole

Carole Sleight

Seeking some inspiration? Then take yourself off to 100 per cent design and be inspired and outraged at the great and the good in the world of design. This potato masher is a great example of an essential item being updated to something functional and funky. It's on from the 18th - 21st September at Earls Court in London, step in and forget we're in a recession for the next few hours.

Posted by Carole

At some point we'll need a bench for our yet to be made kitchen and this is the sort of shape I like. It' s well worth having a mooch around Nigel's Eco Store as he has a friendly and very practical range of products. This is one of the more expensive goodies as the sofa is made in Sweden from cardboard, of which 40% is recycled. So shelling out your £549.99 for a piece of board which might not withstand the onslaught of my two, could feel a bit painful.

Posted by Carole

I have to constantly marvel at how you can get some good looking products from big stores such as Matalan. Take these stylish baskets for paper, toys or whatever you fancy. Well they cost a very respectable £5 - so now what's your excuse for all that mess everywhere?

Posted by Carole

Radiators have come a long way in the last few years, now there is so much scope and choice that it's another research area. So first stop has to be The Old Radiator Compnay where you can get beautiful old cast iron radiators or get your own restored in a variety of colours and finishes. The prices vary according to size, type and look, for some of us these remind us too much of our school days.

Posted by Carole

Well I'm afraid it's no surprise that Ilva are shutting up shop. A shame though as they promised so much style and competition to Ikea and Habitat. But that does mean you can buy some well priced pieces like this melamine storage for £348, this price should now be reduced. However I'd still want to see the goods in the flesh, as a friend had a lovely Ilva sofa experience and a wardrobe disaster.

Posted by Carole

This Type 75 anglepoise lamp is a subtle redesign by Kenneth Grange of the 1970's Anglepoise Lamp originally invented by George Carwardine. It's available in black, silver or cream for £59.95 from the Bloomsbury store which prides itself on selecting a mix of the 'classic and the contemporary, cherishable and beautiful things with a sprinkle of imagination and humour'. Now that's an enticing mission statement, log on to see if you agree with it.

Posted by Carole

Ross (my hubby) has just received one of these Normann Copenhagen collapsible green funnels. In fact his was black and they come in red too. Anyhow, I can now reliably inform you that it works and feels like a very clever bit of design in your hands. For £13.50 from Beth Stevens you get a great piece of functional engineeering, not sure when I'd use it but it's a good talking point.

Posted by Carole

I was going to buy my sister a rug for her birthday, but realised that it's way too personal an object to buy. Plus l like this vibrant Monti rug for £169 from Ilva and you will either like or loathe it. I'm not sure how Ilva is doing, given it's store fairly remote localities. But they do have 20% off over the Bank Holiday weekend and £50 back if you spend over £250. Will that be enough incentive to get you there?

Posted by Carole

I like the idea of giving a dedicated cushion like this retro Dolly one by Deberah Sparks. It measures 16cm by 16cm and costs £29.95 from that virtual shopping vortex called Not On the High Street . If you're in need of some online retail therapy then this is the place to be. I have to warn you though that means you won't get that long list of bank holiday diy jobs done.

Posted by Carole
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