Ok, the sun is out, so our thoughts turn to garden furniture, which doesn't get any classier than this Artek garden furniture by Alvar Aalto.
Designed by Aalto around 1938-39 for Villa Mairea (the house he designed for friends Harry and Maire Gullichsen), it has the designer's distinctive modernist spin across the range. A range that includes a garden chair, a lounger and two types of table.
A modernist gem is back for 2010 looking every bit the modern piece of design – the Genni lounge chair by Zanotta.
Designed in Italy back in 1935 by Gabriele Mucchi, it pretty much screams the era with that chromium plated steel frame, which support steel springs, leather upholstery and a Cushion and headrest in polyurethane. The whole thing is adjustable too, with two positions available – for sitting and snoozing no doubt.
Not cheap at £2,975, but it could be a whole lot more expensive – and additional pouf sells for £860.
Some years back, I first encountered the modernist High & Over house in Amersham, Bucks on the classic Metro-Land documentary and ever since, I've had a secret yearning to own the property. Well, it's now up for sale. Just a shame about the price tag.
It's an amazing house, the work of Amyas Connell and dating back to 1931, it was the first modernist property to be built in Great Britain. Sadly, it was split into two houses in the early 1960s (before it got listed status), but the current owners have re-united the two parts, as well as restoring High & Over to its former glory.
Not a vintage piece, but if you are after something with a look of the 1930s, you might want to check out this Nomada armchair at Oskar.
Designed by Doblege and Sancal, it has that sloping back and high arms you would expect on a 30s-style easy chair, although if you don't like the exposed arms, but like the shape, there's also an option for covered arms too.
Talking of covering, upholstery options include both fabric and leather, with prices starting at £545.
Fancy a splash of a bygone era on your wall? You might want to investigate this art deco-style Martini artwork at John Lewis.
An old advertising poster from the 1930s recreated and sold exclusively at John Lewis, the image is printed directly onto canvas, with a choice of print size and the option of a frame.
Obviously that means prices vary too, but the entry-level price for the 40 x 50cm print is £50.
Owners Urban Splash has partnered up with high-end hotel group English Lakes Hotels, maintaining its ownership, but giving over the management and marketing of the hotel to English Lakes. That hopefully means someone answering emails, a restaurant on a par with the surroundings and a hitch-free online booking service. Essentially, dealing with all the things that have let it down so far in our eyes (we’re presuming they can’t do anything about Morecambe itself).
Saying that, the hotel is still worth a visit, especially if you love art deco architecture, retro-styled interiors and bracing seafront walks. You can check out our full review here or visit the Midland website below.
