Posted by Alison Cork at 10:18 on 10 Oct 2007 Furniture designs by Florence Knoll, Le Corbusier and the other famous designers of the 20th century never seem to wane in popularity, and their price tags are inevitably out of most people's budget. It is good to know then that Fantastic Furniture is out there, offering top quality and affordable reproductions for those with all the class but not the cash. This “Barcelona” chair takes its inspiration from Mies Van der Rohe’s design for the World Exposition in 1929, and is made using the finest materials.
Posted by Alison Cork at 14:15 on 03 Oct 2007 For sheer comfort and long-lasting appeal, you can’t beat Ixia and its range of first class leather sofas and chairs, handmade to the highest possible standards. Bringing a dash of understated style to studies or sitting rooms, its Art Deco and Tub chairs come in rich chocolate brown, red, black, cream or tan leather options and, with their sturdy stitch design, will happily stand the tests of time. These chairs just get better with age; the key being the quality of hide, which ages well and gets comfier with the passing years.
Posted by Alison Cork at 13:11 on 03 Oct 2007 Molten London offers full kitchen design service (from £150 plus VAT – fully refundable on order); its additional design services are NOT fully refundable on order as stated in Really Useful blog, 19th September. An Italian design firm, Molten cuts out the middlemen, and passes the savings on to its customers. It has been shortlisted for several design awards and, until 31 October, is offering readers 10 per cent off all kitchen units and Neff appliance packages (oven, hob and hood).
Posted by Alison Cork at 16:55 on 20 Sep 2007 Importing its stylish designer kitchens direct from the factory in Italy, Interior Design firm Molten London cuts out the middle men, and passes the savings onto its customers - and that's just for starters. There's also a full Kitchen Design service (from £150 plus VAT – fully refundable on order), carried out by a professionally trained interior designer, which includes a site visit, initial and final design, and a full quotation for units, appliances, splash backs and work tops – the full shebang.
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:41 on 20 Sep 2007 
If your radiators just don’t cut the mustard when the winter snap kicks in, it’s worth investing in a solid fuel, electric or gas fire from InternetFireplaces.com. Offering the most comprehensive selection of good quality branded fireplaces, fires and fireplace accessories anywhere online (over 2,000), it also offers some of the best prices too.
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:22 on 20 Sep 2007 
Launched from a small showroom in Battersea exactly 20 years ago, Highly Sprung Ltd, has since grown in size and reputation. A specialist in furniture design, Highly Sprung Ltd hand makes all sofas, chairs and corner units to order, using beech and seasoned hardwood in the construction of all frames.
Posted by Alison Cork at 14:44 on 13 Sep 2007 The popularity of the Barcelona chair by Mies Van der Rohe never seems to wane – as a mark of style and luxury, it is an enduring favourite amongst homeowners and offices. And, luckily for those who can’t afford the genuine article, Siedasi offers a truly first-class selection of reproduction chairs, stools and tables, inspired by the designs of all the 20th century greats. This “Barcelona” chair and matching leather footstool is usually £450 at Siedasi, but its just £ £405 for readers. Just call 07962 580 977 mentioning this offer before 1st December 2007.
Posted by Alison Cork at 13:56 on 13 Sep 2007 With bikini season coming to a close, you can finally give up the Atkins Diet and put bread back on the shopping list. And the perfect place to keep all those wheat-based delights? In this highly stylish bread bin from Joseph Joseph of course. Made from a melamine and beech combination, this looks great on kitchen worktops and features a practical lid that doubles as a bread board. Priced at ÂŁ39 from JosephJoseph.com (020 7261 1800).
Posted by Alison Cork at 16:38 on 06 Sep 2007 A company passionate about furniture design, Iconic Interiors employs the finest workmanship and materials to reproduce pieces from design giants such as Le Corbusier, Eileen Gray and Mies Van Der Rohe, to name a few. Its mission is simple: to make quality, design classics affordable to the discerning homeowner. But it’s not all about the big names; Iconic Interiors is always on the look out for classics of the future, and also partners up with upcoming design talent to ensure its superb collection remains up to date.
Posted by Alison Cork at 16:17 on 06 Sep 2007 
If you’re based around London or the Home Counties, and are on the hunt for a good kitchen company, pick up the phone to GLK Kitchens. Â
Posted by Alison Cork at 10:04 on 01 Aug 2007 With one eye ever on the look out for a bargain, I was delighted to come across Sharaks.com. A particularly modern gem, it offers a wide range of sleek, contemporary furniture including sofas, chairs, dining sets, coffee tables and more - all sold at highly affordable prices. Based in both London and Hong Kong, and with a long list of prestigious clients, Sharaks has already made its mark.
Posted by Alison Cork at 09:43 on 01 Aug 2007 It’s often the simplest of ideas that are the most effective, and this is certainly true of the Flux door and window stopper from JWP. Made from high-grip rubber and designed in a stylish geometric shape, this is ideal for heavy sash windows – and a more practical wedge than your average shoe or book. High quality and weather-resistant, the Flux is a great way to keep homes ventilated during hotter summer weather, and is priced at just £3.95. To find your nearest stockist, call 01254 503 780.
Posted by Alison Cork at 09:22 on 01 Aug 2007 An attractive alternative to bathroom tiles, these Mermaid ShowerWall and bathroom wall panels have been specially designed with decorative waterproof laminate for use in wet areas such as bathrooms and shower enclosures. Unlike conventional wall coverings, these will not crack, chip, peel or flake, and, with each kit delivered with professional sealants and accessories, they can be easily installed. The panels require no grouting, and are a great way to stop unsightly bathroom mould in its tracks.
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:12 on 30 Jul 2007 
Attentive readers may well recognise this "Barcelona" chair from an exclusive offer run by Fantastic Furniture a while back.
Posted by Alison Cork at 10:38 on 25 Jul 2007 One of the most iconic designs of the 20th Century, these Louis XV style chairs from Postmodern Designs are made from clear, transparent and coloured polycarbonate, and are moulded to give the maximum support and comfort. And Post Modern Designs is offering to give away four chairs (worth ÂŁ672) to a lucky Really useful reader.
Posted by Alison Cork at 16:33 on 18 Jul 2007 
For those of you with a design conscience mind and a good head for figures, logging on to Homes & Bargains and its new online shop will definitely be a worthwhile experience.
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:43 on 11 Jul 2007 For keenly priced kitchen furniture, work surfaces and appliances all under one roof, it’s well worth paying a visit to the recently opened Kitchen Art Ltd in Essex. A short journey from London will bring you face to face with hundreds of contemporary, modern and traditional styles, with work surfaces competitively priced and fitted to a very high standard. Each kitchen is individually designed to suit your requirements and built by traditional craftsmen to the most exacting standards.
Posted by Alison Cork at 11:23 on 11 Jul 2007 
In the ten years that RJM Furniture has been up and running, it has built a reputation for supremely comfortable seating – so when news travels that it’s holding a closing down sale, you know it’s Grade A bargain time. At RJM contemporary Italian sofas come with down-filled seat and back cushions,
Posted by Alison Cork at 10:29 on 11 Jul 2007 Designer deals don’t get much juicier than at the Twentytwentyone summer sale (30th June to 30th July 2007), where there are discounts of up to 45 per cent off contemporary furniture and lighting from leading manufacturers including Vitra and Marimekko, and designers such as Alvar Aalto and Jasper Morrison. There’s a four-door Stripy Cabinet down from £1,595 to £877, a tripod floor lamp down from £385 to £250 (as pictured) and striking pieces such as this three-drawer Arctic sideboard from £612 to £398.
Posted by Alison Cork at 17:03 on 04 Jul 2007 Those with an eye for high design should beat a path to Covent Garden and the wonderful Aram Store, where there are discounts of up to 70 per cent on selected items. Lighting, furniture and accessories by top designers such as Alvar Aalto, Ron Arad, Zeev Aram and Eileen Gray (Aram Store holds global rights to produce and sell Eileen Gray furniture) all form part of the collection.
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