Saturday, July 2, 2011

Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


1970s-style Detraform Model 500 space age cordless phone

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 10:29 AM PDT

Detra1

A great design that's inspired by the past, but has everything the modern home telephone needs today - the Detraform Model 500 cordless telephone.

The work of Kiwi and Pim for Detraform, it's a design that might pass for a Joe Colombo piece, certainly fitting into a 1960s or '70s-inspired home with ease. The cordless DECT phone is made of anodised aluminium and polycarbonate, with a digital display that merges nicely into the design, sat just above the integrated keypad of the phone, which stands around 21cm tall.

Detra2

Functionality, of course, is calling without the wires, with the Model 500 also offering push-to-talk intercom (when paired with a second unit), caller ID with 20 number memory, volume control and hands-free calling, all powered by conventional rechargeable AAA batteries.

Want one? Well pay attention. The phone is being sold out of Canada for that country, the US and Europe (the EU, including the UK), priced at €95 EU / $130 US / $130 Canada. However, it's being sold via crowdfunding - which means you order well in advance for a cheaper price, with the benefit of choosing your own limited edition colour too. Right now, you can secure one for $100 if you sign up and you'll only be charged when 2,500 orders are placed.

Downside? Those funds are being used to finish development of the phone, so you'll be waiting for around nine months for the phone.

Find out more at the Ulule website

1970s Verner Panton 123 Lounge Chairs reissued by VerPan

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 09:43 AM PDT

Pan1

Originally dating back to 1973, two versions of the Verner Panton 123 Lounge Chairs have been reissued.

It's been off the reissue market since 1989 (we featured an eBay find of one some time back), but is now back in both the standard (pictured over the page) and the De Luxe above. The difference is obviously the finish, with both of these space age classics offering a choice of fabric or leather upper and brushed aluminium bases. The De Luxe has that buttoned finish, as you can see.

Prices based on finish, but start at £800. A dining chair version is alas available with a slightly different shape from £595.

Find out more at the TwentyTwentyOne website

Pan2

eBay watch: 1960s Braun HL1 personal desk fan by Reinhold Weiss

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 08:23 AM PDT

Braun

Stylish 1960s modernism and no doubt practical too, especially at this time of year. The Braun HL1 personal desk fan that is.

The work of Reinhold Weiss in 1961, it still looks the part today - another example of Braun's forward-thinking design. The motor casing is made of off white plastic with a chrome rim separating the motor casing from the fan head. There is also a light grey plastic lever switch on the casing to select speed and a perspex casing to protect the blades.

The Desk Fan is in 'very good condition' and in 'full working order', as well as being priced quite reasonably right now. Bidding stands at £2.20.

Find out more at the eBay website

Content by Conran clearance at Achica

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 06:31 AM PDT

Matador

The Content by Conran range has some great retro-styled designs in it, although the cost is often the barrier for grabbing them. It's less of a barrier now, as Achica is doing some key pieces at discounted prices.

One such design is the wonderful Content by Conran Matador armchair, a midcentury-inspired take on the classic wing chair, with an accentuated back, splayed arms and contrasting wooden legs.

You can choose the finish for both the legs and the upholstery from many different options, not just the one above. Full price is £995, but right now, you can grab one for £699.

Find out more at the Achica website

Umbra bird cafe: modernist house shaped bird feeder

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 05:55 AM PDT

Bird-cafe
Cast your mind back and I'm sure you'll remember the FishCondo, a Le Corbusier style fish bowl. Well Umbra have decided that our feathered friends deserve the same treatment and have launched the Bird Cafe, a modernist take on the humble bird feeder. 

The bird feeder echoes the straight lines and gleaming white of modernist architecture on a very small scale - it's about 20cm high. Made from plastic, you can look through its window to keep an eye on seed levels. The birds, meanwhile, feed from the tray at the bottom of the structure. 

Suitable for hanging or for fixing to the wall, it means your birds can be fed in architectural style, even if the real life apartment is out of your price range. 

The bird cafe costs £30.

Buy it from Stylish Life

Poste greeting card range from Nineteenseventythree

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 05:20 AM PDT

POSTE

Wish someone a very happy birthday in retro style with this new Poste greeting card range from Nineteenseventythree.

It's a colourful selection of cards, decorated with vintage style illustrations. There are 18 different designs to choose from with sentiments suitable for weddings, retirements, moving away and, yes, birthdays. 

The cards cost £2 each. 

Buy them online

Cardboard Pendulum Clock by Amy Levinson Design

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 04:00 AM PDT

Clock
With all the classic aesthetic of an antique American-style clock, this unique Cardboard Pendulum Clock by Amy Levinson Design is, as the title suggests, made of cardboard.

The clock has all the detailing of a traditional pendulum clock laser etched onto it and arrives as a flat pack for you to assemble & decorate if you wish. This quirky take on a much loved vintage piece would look equally comfortable in a traditional or modern setting.

£30 from Brighton POD. See the website for more details.

Coffee break cake tins

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 03:23 AM PDT

Cake tins
Liven up your break times with these delightful coffee break cake tins.

No coffee break should be without tea, biscuits and other sweet treats and these retro looking tins are the perfect way to store those emergency sugar fixes. They're also ideal for storing full cakes and transporting your baked goods. Be aware though, there is a high chance when you come to open these tins they will be empty.

Get your own set from John Lewis online for £22.95.

Butterfly print maxi dress

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 03:16 AM PDT

Dress

Celebrate the first day of a new month by buying this butterfly print maxi dress.

The style is flattering for all (except the very small), and it's ideal for hot, sticky summer days and nights. The bold print mirrors that seen on many a maxi dress this summer and harps back to the in-your -ace bold and bright patterns of the 1960s and 1970s.

Go out and enjoy the summer  - this dress will definitely help and you can get yours from French Connection online. Another bonus - it's in the sale so will only cost you £38.

French Connection cotton maxi dress has a bold playful print, perfect for both daytime and evening holiday style. Wear with metallic sandals and stacked bangles for beach-bar lounging.

Butterfly Print Maxi Dress has a deep V-neck, thick shoulder straps, zip at side and is lined at the bust.

Antique Theatre Seats from Wickle

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 02:00 AM PDT

Seats

Having a real home cinema is every movie fan's dream and no aspiring picturehouse is complete without the proper seats.  

These Antique Theatre Seats from Wickle are the real deal. Beautifully kept and still covered in the original upholstery, the wooden backed fold-up seats are a rare find and will no doubt cause squeals of delight amongst film buffs. If you fancy enjoying popcorn and a Hitchcock marathon in a genuine cinema seat in the comfort of your own home, you better be quick as stocks are limited.

Available in rows of 2, 3 or 4 seats, starting from £250. See the website for more details.

John Lewis art deco-style Kenilworth armchair

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 12:46 AM PDT

Kenil

If you want to give your living room a 1930s twist, this John Lewis Kenilworth armchair.

Oozing art deco-style charm, the soft aniline leather armchair has those lovely sloping curves for the arms and back, offering both the looks and the comfort, finished off with those small wooden feet. All you need now is the house to go with it. You'll find a few of those here.

It's a 'special buy' at John Lewis, which means a reduced price for a limited time. That price is £699.

Find out more at the John Lewis website

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