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

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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Unto this Last is named after a book written in 1860 by John Ruskin who advocated a return to the local crafts people. So this group of contemporary designers have set up shop in Brick Lane, where you can see your piece of furniture designed and created. This £95 round coffee table also comes in white ( £105) or Oak Veneer (£125) on birch ply. This product comes guaranteed with design and integrity.

Posted by Carole

With Spring in the air, it's time to give the house a good old clean and buy that sofa you've been discussing for years. First stop should be Sofa Sofa for a quick glance at what's new and on special offer. One of firm favourites is still the sofa workshop, where you'll find this Browning vintage garden collection. Yes it's very floral and whimsical and a big deviation from my usual one block of colours look. The footstool starts at £275, with the 3-seater at £1319 - it 's a big investment but then you are going to be sitting on it for years to come.

Posted by Carole

Yes - this is a Metz £350 chair from the love it or loath it Next Directory. I've just been browsing through their new catalogue and it really is worth perusing their wallpapers, chairs and lighting. If you choose carefully, you can easily throw in the odd purchase as part of an overall look with ease and a lighter wallet than if you headed to Heals or Habitat. Saying that, do check they haven't tattooed their Next logo on the piece. For that they need to pay you and me for purchasing and advertising the item in question.

Posted by Carole

This burnished bronze effect sunburst mirror would add drama to any room . Ok so at £200 it's not cheap, but think of how long you'll live with it and how much pleasure you'll get gazing at it. Lots of new and lovely stuff at Laura Ashley, don't let all the lace and girly tendancies make you overlook some great fabrics, lights and of course mirrors too.

Posted by Carole

Not on the High Street is a shoppers delight, with well chosen products from over 600 small craft outfits. Holly Tucker and Sophie Cornish have taken their business from their kitchen table to an office with 11 staff. This vibrant verneer inspired ball chair is a Bodie & Fou selection, 2 more web savvy women, more on them later. The chair had been designed by sculptor Finn Stone, costs £155, is made from recycled polyethyene and comes in black, white, red, green, brown and fuschia. It also can be used in or outdoors..what can this chair not do I wonder?

Posted by Carole

DIY Kyoto's "Wattson" is an ingenious device that lets you know when you're using little or too much energy in the home by glowing blue or red accordingly. This slick little gadget even displays how much you will be paying annually in pounds based on the way you are consuming energy at that very moment, driving home the message that environmentally friendly = cost effective. (£125 / Standard version)

Posted by Chanika

Unfinished Clock from Thelermont Hupton is just asking to be customised a million different ways, so much so that I'm itching to get my hands on it and make it my own. Grab it now and get creative before someone else does. (Price to be confirmed)

Posted by Chanika

Ok so having just moved to Leamington Spa, we can't actually afford this beautiful Florence Knoll 3 seater sofa. But I thought this would have lots of zeros attached to the price, but it costs £849 and comes in a range of sumptuous leather colours. Go Modern was set up by partners Tina Mahony & Simon Ingham to provide excellent quality designer furniture and accessories via the internet. It's a fantastic and refreshing site which is quite inspirational in it's choice of outstanding classic contemporary and new designers.

Posted by Carole

This "Mommys Chair" by Lucy Merchant from the HiddenArtShop has a sweet, childlike feel to it, not surprising as according to them it is part of a collection inspired by "children's 2-dimensional drawing". I'd use mine as a stand alone to add a dash of colour and interest to my somewhat bland room but they're perfectly suitable for dining too and can be bought as a set of four. The website is definately recommended for more cool and quirky finds. (£249.95)

Posted by Chanika

Etsy, the one stop shop for home made homeware goodies is a haven for one-off, personalised products. Scroll down to the "housewares" section for a plethora of original goods - you can find anything from hand embroidered tea towels to hand painted, smoked wine glasses. Think of it as Ebay but without the tat. My favourite right now is this "Orange Full Print Cardinal" cushion, a steal at only $28.

Posted by Chanika

Perfect for a lazy Saturday mooch or a cure to a rough night is a browse through Dutch by Design. Lots of gorgeous stuff like this half simple vase by Dutch designer P Design for £29.50. Lots of inspirational furniture, mirrors and lights....perfect.

Posted by Carole

If we start to sell things at Housebible, I'd like it to have some of the taste and feel of Luxeville. It's Moroccan mini poufs by Zid Zid Kids are modern day ottomans from Marrakech. Animals, clouds and birds are woven into these brightly coloured seats, each costing £45. Take a trip around this family concern as these people are no fools.

Posted by Carole

If you can't afford the real Panton, then how about this cheeky curvy replica for £45 from Dwell . You can see the real thing at their shops in Balham, Islington or Fort Dunlop in Birmingham, they also have a fairly substantial online shop. Their magazine is very tantalising but as I found out a lot of the goods are quite disappointing in the flesh. This chair also comes in black and the child's version is £19.95, as they say you get what you pay for.

Posted by Carole

This is a pretty wild set of spongy stools from the ever so creative people at Hidden Art . These simple cylindrical forms provide in or outdoor eye-catching impromptu seats. They comes in 3 sizes and start at £45 plus packaging, you'd need quite a few to make a strong visual impact. If it's all too daunting then take a peek at the new Hidden Art Cornwall section and just admire the work of some great designers.

Posted by Carole

If you dream of Clarissa Hulse's delicate flower and leaf sillhouette satin cushions and throws, but balk at the prices her designs now command, then this official Clarissa Hulse Sale Shop should make your dreams come true. Lampshades, cushions, throws and stationary which are, in their words "remainders, reductions and returns" at prices up to 75% off their retail price.

Take this classic Small Alium satin cushion - was £39, now £19.50 which is a whopping 50% off. Sofa, watch out for cushion frenzy.

Posted by Ross

I've just spent 4 days in deep sofa talk with my sister. We mused on when would her boys learn that it is a seat and not a trampoline? When could they opt for fabric or should they stick with wipe-clean leather - the cost, the style... it went on and on. So for all of you out there with young children or a refined budget then head to Nabru Furniture.

This Orb 2 Seater Sofa was £399 and is now £299, plus you have heaps of choice in terms of fabrics, leg and back design. Even better, they will assemble a selection of the sofas and offer a non-quibble 14 day return policy on some too. Now that's what I call happy sofa shopping.

Posted by Carole

...so curl up indoors with a throw from the selection at The Natural Store. What could be better than cosying up on a cold night (because yes, the British winter doesn't get any kinder) to a super soft mohair wool throw? They come in a range of colours that include Bordeaux and Chocolate Brown. With something this luxurious doesn't staying in and seeing the cold winter nights out seem appealing now?
(£128)

Posted by Chanika

You could go to a certain purveyor of flimsy, Swedish jigsaw puzzles to spend £75 on a chair, or you could go to Unto This Last and get the Facet Chair, which is more durable, more practical, and has cleaner lines.
In the UTL Brick Lane workshop, the manufacturer aspire to the principles of craftsmanship described in Ruskin's text of the same name. Beautiful, solidly made and wipe clean: perfect for the modern family home.

Posted by Toby Collins

I'm quite tempted to throw in the day job and spend my time just lazing around in this Scamp Chair, doing nothing but reading books and rocking back and forth, and back and forth. This quirky rocking chair, made from reclaimed timber, is a fun and comfy way to relax and will undoubtedly be appreciated by children and adults alike. It comes with its own Scamp Bag too - perfect for snuggling into. By Scamp Designs/. (£999)

I love the rustic style furniture from Topaz, and this rocking chair for £175 is a perfect example of what they do best; uncomplicated design expertly crafted from beautiful, solid wood. Part of the appeal of their furniture is that it always looks dependable, as if it'll stick by you forever - 'comfort furniture' if you like. It works in much the same way as comfort food, only it hits you in the wallet rather than the waist line, I know which I'd prefer.

Posted by Kerry

Entertain in style with this Art Deco style drinks trolley from Graham and Green. Fashioned from stainless steel and glass it's stunning, sleek lines make it a party-hosting must-have. When its not in use the 1930's design ensures it still remains an interesting decorative piece, but with a piece as stylish as this it'd be a shame not to show it off every night. £225

Posted by Chanika

These Victoria Ghost chairs are as fun as they are functional. They're made of polycarbonate and come in an array of translucent, bright colours including crystal, smoke, orange and green. Buy the crystal set of four for £460 or go all out and mix and match to your heart's desire. As fitting for the bedroom as they are for the dining room these sleek chairs are sure to add a little vivacity to any household. Perfect for those long, dark winters! £119-460 from Graham and Green.

Posted by Chanika

It's a constant love/hate relationship I have with Ikea. Just when I think Ill never buy anything from there again, it goes and surprises me with this practical and stylish design - a £45 Rolig armchair. I can imagine grabbing a book and just crashing into it, head first, it won't really matter!

Posted by Siddikha

Eco Homestore is where I shall be purchasing quite a few Christmas presents this year. It has a great selection of goodies made from recylced materials or created in a sustainable way. They are very desirable and don't have that tatty thown together reused feel. Annie the trolley chair is an inspired idea, get a redundant trolley, create a seat with either a vintage fabric or one of your choice and chardge £255. for it. My rear would be a happy one sat on this.

Posted by Carole

Isn't this beautiful? Ok a kids rocking chair that costs £195 is not exactly cheap, but think of it as an heirloom for them too. I picked up an original 1930's one in Greenwich for £10 and Erin loves it. But judging by it's buckling wood and rattling nuts, it'll be lucky to survive a year in our house. Thorsten van Elten has gathered a great pool of talented desingers who have created an incredibly inspiring and creative set of products. He has a great eye for original and well crafted pieces, thank goodness someone is harnessing all that talent.

Posted by Carole

Ok so these cushions are not Clarissa Hulse, but then they do currently only cost £10.39 each. So your dog, cat, kids or partner can happily sit, puke or squash it with no screaming from you. You can pull out some well designed pieces from the Cargo Home Shop which look a lot more expensive than they are. When it comes to cushions I will not pay over £20 on one, that is until the kids have left home.

Postred by Carole

It's hard to get stylish sofa beds so I just had to show you this Libra one from Ocean Furniture . It costs £395, has a futon-stlye mattress and covers which can be dry cleaned. There are some great pieces to be purchased at Ocean and it's well worth checking out when their next sale is on. I do love a bargain.

Posted by Carole

Those Dutch people must have good design built into their genetic make-up. If you haven't stumbled across it yet, then just take a look at Dutch By Design and see what I mean. This fiery Lotus Red epoxy/nylon lamp is the creation of Janne Kyttanen & Jiri Evenhuis and is part of their Freedom of Creation collection. It costs £295 and comes with a dimmer switch. This lamp would set any room on fire.

Posted by Carole

If you hanker after owning a classic piece of furniture, but feel you could never afford it, then log onto egamma , which despite it's odd name, sells modern contemporary furniture. This Charles and Ray Eames chair and ottoman costs £699, plus delivery of £105 in the uk. This would buy you a slice of work from two of the most influential American designers, plus it's practical and stlyish. Treat yourself and park your butt on a design classic.

Posted by Carole

When I lived in Nottingham, Atomic was one of my favourite destinations for pure indulgence in stlyish furniture and fittings. This Oxo sofa, designed by Nigel Coates is typical of their well chosen designer products - if a little at the wacky end. It costs £726 and is based on two interlocking shapes, which can be sperated or joined and upholstered in contrasting or matching fabrics. Looking at their site makes me want to hop on a train and get back to their showroom -enjoy.

Posted by Carole

Throw out your net curtains (or make them into a picnic rug) and buy this gorgeous lacy film adhesive for your windows. It's available in blue or pink and and allows you to combine natural light with a decorative window display. It's available from Gollygosh in sheets measuring 100cm by 120 and was £47 but is now £28.20. Lots of privacy and bags of style.

Posted by Carole

This beautiful 60's Danish style Rosewood Sideboard is available for £850 from the vintage section at Wallace Sacks . It's big and original and has detailed chequerboard marquetry on the panels. It measures in H81cm, D42cm and L213cm, has 2 cupboards and 3 drawers. This is a statement piece for your room.

Posted by Carole

Now you have to admit this Sofa feels a little different? For a start it's made out of woven water hyacinth (anyone got any idea what this material is?) and comes with natural cotton cushions. It's costs £595 from Heals and would look great in a lounge or conservatory.

I just had to include this great girly mirror . It may cost £125 and be currently out of stock, but I think it's worth the wait.

Posted by Carole

I love it when you come across little shops specialising in 20th century design, expert upholstery and restoration too. Solomon's have a great little shop in Crouch End, London and an online service too. A bit disappointing that a lot of the unique pieces on the site are sold. However, give them a call if you can't find what you're after, as pieces like this Arne Jacobsen chair are representative of the high quality pieces they sell. They've been around since 1982 so there's not much these guys don't know about classic and affordable pieces.

Posted by Carole

Zeev Aram opened his first store on the Kings Road in 1964, that's the same year in which the Algol television was designed. Fear not, it has 21st Century properties such as digital tuning, auto programming, scart etc but also heaps of classic design from Zanuso & Sapper. It's available in black, white or orange from the Aram stores , the largest one being in Covent Garden, London. I couldn't find a price for it - so hope that doesn't mean this little orange box is out of our affordable reach.

Posted by Carole

In 1953 a young German man called Horst Muller started creating great designs in an old wooden shack. Today we can thank his company Koinor for giving us this beautiful sofa. It's quite unlike anything I have seen before in the way it moves. The arms extend out to accommodate those extra two guests, whilst the back slides up or down to provide a welcome headrest after they've gone. It costs £2,500 and can be purchased by contacting them via the website and finding the nearest stockist to you. A great example of thoughtful and elegant German design.

Posted by Carole

There's now scarcely a fashion retailer who hasn't ventured into the interiors market. Cheapo fashion superstore Matalan has joined the fray with some refreshingly interesting (and cheap) homeware. Large items of furniture like this tub chair and footstool set (just £99) are only available in selected stores so check before you set off with a pick-up truck.

Posted by Ros

Is it a work of art? A room divider? A curtain? It can be anything you want. Designed by the Bouroullec brothers and produced by Panton-chair manufacturer Vitra this DIY structure is made out of clip-together plastic seaweedy units. The cheapest online source I can find is Pure Design Classics who do 6 pieces for £15 or 50 for £60 in white, black, green or red. You need 25 per square metre.

Posted by Ros

Don't fall down because they have a solid base and design. Bebble Footstools are the creation of Stephen Biddulph and come in an original design (£149)and 'Editions', which are a special collection of original artworks, also priced at £149. Why not make it really special and choose your own photo or artwork which can be printed on the top for £199. Not sure any foot of mine will be getting much rest on that .

Posted by Carole

Item Home have created a set of unusual pieces based on the light and acoustic properties of bone china. Susurrus is made from 300 porcelain bells with a steel or lattice suport and can be used in or outdoors. It is a bespoke installation and costs from £700 -£1,300 - a lot of money - but then you do get a lot of soothing chiming and tinkling throughout the day.

Posted by Carole

Turning is the big current trend and the legs of this Variation table (£1,379) by hip Japanese design company Trico shows the process of turning in four stages. Brilliant. This one is from Thorsten van Elten but the Japanese Trico site has the table base in a kit form. Even better. Shame I can't read Japanese.

Posted by Ros

Twiddly bits are back. After years of straight lines, furniture legs are shapely again. At just £108 this Spin low table with extravagantly turned legs from Habitat's autumn/winter range will make a statement in the sitting room.

Posted by Ros

Pinch Design have a great eye for detailed and elegant furniture. It comes as no surprise that they were awarded best Newcomer by 100% Design in 2005. I like the form and functionality of this wavy sideboard, which can be viewed under the 'sideboard' category. It's priced at £1,279 and is available in white, oak or walnut with straight or ski legs. I would undoubtedly get a lot of use and pleasure from Russell Pinch's unique and timeless designs.

Posted by Carole

Blast. A fantastically simple Danish sofa bed with style from Ocean. The back is in two parts and has three positions so sitters can recline to individual requirements or make it altogether flat for a bed. Dry-cleanable covers come in a wide range of colours. Your weekend guests will be delighted. £795.

Posted by Ros