Categories / Gadgets and Tech

Tangent Uno – retro-styled wooden FM radio

Tangent_uno

Tangent has previously offered us the Trio and the Quattro, but now it’s gone back to mono with the newly-launched Tangent Uno.

Yes, forget DAB or internet radio, this is a stripped-down FM/AM radio with a 50s-style tuning dial, heavy furniture-grade wood cabinet and mono sound – but with its built-in 5 watt amplifier and 3-inch speaker, still offering something of a kick.

Along with iPod/PC/MP3 player connectivity, there’s also an endless number of finishes available – although we’re leaning towards that classic walnut veneer. Expect to pay from around £80.

Find out more at the Sennheiser website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech

Olivetti MS 25 manual typewriter

Olivetti_type

We’ve banged on about the Olivetti Valentine in the past, but even the company’s more basic typewriters are pretty stylish – and still in production. Like the Olivetti MS 25 manual typewriter for example.

The MS 25 offers you software/power-free typing and that reassuring ‘click’ every time you hit a key. On the downside, one false click and you’ll be reaching for the Tipp-ex. Emailing your document will probably require the aid of a scanner. Feature highlights include 49 keys with 86 symbols, Margin Stop with 8 Stop Tab keys, Space Bar with Repeater key, Variable Line Space, Paper and Carriage Release Lever, Ribbon Color Selector Switch and of course, that lid/carry case housing for the jet set author.

All of which will cost you $140 online (around £70) from the US version of Urban Outfitters. Doesn’t look like the UK version has it, but I’m sure a web search will dig one up in the UK somewhere.

Find out more at the Urban Outfitters website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Orla Kiely Wottle – reusable water bottle

Wottle

Useful and packing some retro style, the Orla Kiely Wottle could be just the thing for your work bag.

It’s the work of Orla Kiely and Brita, offering you the option of a designer water bottle, instead of having to constantly reuse that old one you bought four weeks back when you nick the water from the office cooler. As well as featuring that classic Orla Kiely design and signature, it holds 500ml of water and is made from 100 per cent recycled materials. Don’t be fooled by the Brita name though – this doesn’t do the filtering for you.

You can pre-order one now, with the price at £7.99.

Find out more at the Ethical Superstore website

Categories / Art and Photography, Design and Interiors

Fieldings’ annual design auction in Stourbridge

Tabakoff

It isn’t just the big London-based auction houses that hold interesting auctions, you’ll find plenty up and down the country if you look hard enough – and often with seriously lower selling prices. Indeed, one such sale is taking place tis coming weekend – the Fieldings’ annual design auction in Stourbridge, West Midlands.

There’s a huge number of items in the sale (1000+), ranging from glass and ceramics through to mid-century design and contemporary art – which means there’s no shortage of items to feature here. But we’ve opted for this superb Boris Tabakoff dining suite.

Tabakoff was a moderately-known Russian/French designer and this slightly space age set is probably dated from the mid to late 60s. The dining table is chrome-framed, as are the chairs, with a smoked glass top and four vinyl seats to match. The estimate is between £300 to £500, which sounds an absolute steal. If you want to bid, the sale is on Saturday 20th September, with viewings a couple of days before.

Browse the lots at the Fieldings website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Jac Jacobsen 1930s L-1 architect lamp

L1

A 1930s classic that’s still in production today – the L-1 architect lamp by Jac Jacobsen.

Designed back in 1937, this award-winning lamp is available in a variety of finishes and sizes, all made from a mix of aluminium and steel and with a flexible spring-balanced arm and an adjustable shade. Perfect for an architect or just about any modern-day desk.

Prices start at around 179 Euros.

Find out more at the Finnish Design Shop website

Categories / Design and Interiors, Toys and Games

Tetris Tiles for your kitchen and bathroom

Tetris_tiles

I don’t think I’ve ever used the words ‘DIY’ and ‘fun’ in the same sentence, but I’ll make an exception with the Tetris Tiles.

Saying that, it might not be much fun if you’re up against a deadline for finishing that kitchen or bathroom. Take your pick from two options, the gamer’s version, where you have to connect all the different shapes into one complete wall of tiles or the cheat’s version, with the design already made on a mosaic-style sheet.

The tiles are custom-made in the UK using Italian ceramics and in a never-ending choice of colours. No price listed as yet though – apparently, that’s based on your order and colour choice so drop them a line for a quote.

Find out more at the Tetris Tiles website