Switched On Set

Taj Table lamp by Ferruccio Laviani for Kartell

2012-05-20T17:05:00+01:00

Making a lamp that looks just as good 'off' as it does 'on' isn't easy - but that's the case with the Taj Table lamp by Ferruccio Laviani for Kartell.

We've featured the black one here, but the lamp is also available in white and in a transparent finish, which is likely to be the one to have. All have that same sculptural design for an eye-catching item whether you need light or not. But when you do, the LED power will optimise the light required - and do it efficiently too.

The frame is made out of a polycarbonate and it stands around 58cm high. Expect to pay around £245.

Made in Design website

Audi Wörthersee e-bike - bicycle meets motorbike

2012-05-20T15:23:00+01:00

If you've never been taken with an electric, bike, maybe the Audi Wörthersee e-bike could convert you?

Yes, that's right, Audi are muscling into this market. But only tentatively right now, as this is a prototype. If it goes down well, except every city banker to have one for the morning commute.

The bike can be switched into three different modes via the touchscreen controls - a 'Pure' mode as a standard cycle, 'eGrip' to run via the electric motor, with a top speed of 31mph and 'Pedelec', which uses both the electric motor and the cyclists pedalling power to reach speeds of up to 50mph.

You can also set different modes when performing tricks such as wheelies. These modes can be entered directly on the e-bike or via an app on a smartphone. How modern. The bike is ade from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, weighing just 24lbs and with just 2.5 hours required to fully charge the lithium-ion battery.

Look out for it appearing out and about and if it goes down well, it could be in the shops next year.

Audi website

Via Pocket Lint

Plywood Mirror by Saito

2012-05-20T13:49:00+01:00

Saito is a company with a heritage, producing plywood pieces in the Shizuoka area of Japan since 1950. This is a modern piece, but the Plywood Mirror by Saito is also a timeless one.

It's a tabletop mirror by Shigeki Fujishiro, which uses that plywood moulding expertise and the knowledge that less really is more when it comes to design.

£75 gets you one.

TwentyTwentyOne website

Pantone iPhone cases at Urban Outfitters

2012-05-20T10:58:00+01:00

What can be more hipster than a Pantone iPhone case?

You can get one right now at Urban Outfitters. Actually, you can get three, with 7462 (blue), 226 (pink) and 'yellow' (no number code) being the options available on the site.

Talking of the site, the blue is down as an online exclusive, should you want that, with the others presumably being available elsewhere too. Probably around the same price though, which is £30.

Urban Outfitters website

Christian Louboutin Exhibition Screenprint by Household

2012-05-18T17:33:00+01:00

The Design Museum is currently hosting an exhibition showcasing the work of French shoe designer Christian Louboutin, covering 20 years of Louboutin's work. And of course, there's a poster to go with it - this Christian Louboutin Exhibition Screenprint by Household.

With a hint of retro about it, not to mention some understated charm, this is a two colour screenprint featuring the glossy red sole of a Louboutin, with the print designed by Household and printed by Bob Eight Pop exclusively for this first UK retrospective.

It's A1 in size and unlike the shoes, it's a bargain at £16.50.

Design Museum Store

Pure Evoke Mio Union Jack DAB radio

2012-05-18T15:37:00+01:00

With the Queen's Jubilee and the London Olympics on the horizon, Pure has obviously thought it was time to get patriotic - which it has done with the Pure Evoke Mio Union Jack DAB radio.

It's a typical Pure DAB radio in many ways, although that bold Union Jack finish gives it a distinctive pop art twist and more of a retro feel.

Based on the award-winning Evoke-1S, the Union Jack variation offers DAB digital and FM radio with 30 presets, a leather effect front and rear panel featuring the Union Jack print, an OLED display for 'superior contrast' and 'improved readability', an input for your iPad or MP3 player, the option to pause and control scrolling text, a light sensor that adjusts to suit the room, a kitchen timer button and a general alarm.

Available from electrical retailers, it will sell for £149.99.

Pure website

Lego Team GB Olympic mini-figures

2012-05-18T13:33:00+01:00

Can't say I'm wildly excited about the event itself, but a good amount of the merchandise from the Olympics is certainly impressing. Like these Lego Team GB Olympic mini-figures, which are up there with the best of it.

Yes, you can recreate the Olympics in your very own home - and with a team of athletes that are certain to have better hair than the 'real thing'. You can collect nine different figures - a boxer, a swimmer, a relay runner, judo fighter, tennis player, gymnast, weightlifter, horse rider and an archer, each with his or her own accessory (we say his or her, but all look to be male to us).

The range will be sold from 1st July for £1.99 each in John Lewis, Argos, Tesco, WH Smith, Smyths and Toys R Us.

Lego website

Swedese Tree Coat Stand gets a new set of colours

2012-05-18T11:33:00+01:00

Not a new design, but the Swedese Tree Coat Stand has returned in a bold set of colours.

The Michael Young and Katrin Olina Petursdottir design is still the same quirky stand for your home and still made out of MDF, standing around 194cm tall.

But now it's available in a new set of lacquered finishes - grey, yellow, blue, pink and orange. All of which are available for £645 each.

The Lollipop Shoppe website

Magis Pingy by Eero Aarnio

2012-05-18T09:33:00+01:00

An iconic Scandinavian designer is still at it - with the Magis Pingy by Eero Aarnio.

It's a children's toy, but it's also a future classic. So don't let your kids knock this around the garden too much. Based on the 'amusing' walk of a penguin, this circular bird is intended to look like the real thing, but throws in a circular base so the bird gets to 'waddle' about with just the slightest touch.

Made of plastic, so it should be pretty durable, and sized at around 70cm in height, you can grab one online for 220 Euros.

Finnish Design Shop website

Cat Scratching DJ Decks by Maiden

2012-05-18T08:20:17+01:00

Best pet accessory ever? We reckon these Cat Scratching DJ Decks by Maiden probably are.

Yes, forget the scratching post and get your cat a deck to play with. The decks come flat packed and fold together into a simple structure with a poseable tone arm and a scratching mat top which spins as your cat paws at it. Turning your feline friend into a superstar DJ…of sorts.

Sized a 35cm x 39cm x 14cm, it sells for £16.50.

Culture Label website