Image  |  IKEA

Our favourite item from this year's IKEA catalogue is the jewel-toned NYMÖ pendant lamp which is inspired by punk and pop music from the 70s and 80s. The perforations in the shade create pretty patterns through the material. The lamps can be clustered for a souk-like effect.

We have long been fans of Hanna Andersson's Scandinavian-style clothing for children including their comfortable knit dresses, cosy pyjamas and slippers. We are not sure why they waited so long but are excited to see that they are launching a new line of white goods and accessories today.  Like their clothing, the new home line is a blend of classic styles with an emphasis on comfort and quality. You'll see plenty of the bright stripes Hanna Andersson is known for, as well as pieces that pay homage to traditional Scandinavian prints.

Objects, a mixed media show by Trinidad‐based artist Al Braithwaite, is being held at the Medulla Art Gallery, Port of Spain, Trinidad until today.  Braithwaite is a contemporary artist from London, who works across a variety of disciplines including sculpture, assemblage, found material and installation.  His work fits into a tradition of conceptual art and recalls Dada, Surrealism, Fluxus and aspects of Orphism.

The show comprises one book, eight sculptures and over thirty photographs by Braithwaite who collaborated with other artists including Richard Arrindell, Miquel Galofré, Abigail Hadeed, Maria Govan, Nadia Huggins, Marlon James and Alex Smailes.  Braithwaite’s work is often laden with social metaphors, where people and objects become interchangeable or equivalent.  The norm is altered; common things are repositioned slightly or deployed in contexts which alter their meanings.  Narratives of play, power and vulnerability also run through the work.  

Image  |  David Okum

In this electronic world there is no escaping the ubiquitous power cord and we all do our best to hide or camouflage them, however the idea behind the Oon multi-outlet power cord is for the cord to be on display. Designed and manufactured in the US by David Okum to have a playful aesthetic, the functional cord replaces the standard unsightly power cord using wood, metal, plastic and woven fibres to create a cord you will actually want to display.

This rear-facing, inflatable child seat from Volvo would have been ideal a few years ago as an alternative to schlepping around a heavy and unwieldy seat, a necessity when travelling with infants and young children.  This prototype by Volvo - a name synonymous with safety - is designed to inflate (or deflate) in 40 seconds via its built-in electric pump.  The designer, a father of two, was encouraged to develop the seat based on his own experiences when travelling.

It is hoped that children will find the seat more comfortable than a traditional plastic moulded child seats as the main structure is filled with air. The seat also has interchangeable inserts in a wide arrange of materials, which allow for personalisation.  It is thought that the portable and compact seat will be convenient not just for parents, but also grandparents and others who may only need the seat occasionally.

These ceramic pieces of jewellery form part of the Modern Primitives line by Shayla Cox.  Different glazes are used for different effects and either a white or brown porcelain clay is applied. The jewellery is made by hand in Brooklyn, New York and each piece is unique.   

Perfect for small spaces and for creating a feeling of light and airiness in larger rooms, is the Atlantis Square Low Table by Glas Italia.  This subtle design comes in transparent extra-light glass, so it merges into the background, leaving centre stage to the rest of your furnishings. The table is created with 6mm tempered glass plates which have been cut with a water jet at a 45 degree leaving a chamfered edge.

The table is available from ARAM in extra-light transparent glass or an opaque satin surfaced glass in 22cm height square or rectangular shapes.

And now for something practical (but still stylish). 

Solving the problem of grappling with spring-loaded or rubber-sealed vacuum lid storage jars, is the Evak glass food storage system, a cleverly designed set of containers whose lids force every last bit of air out of the jars thereby creating a tight seal. No special mechanisms are needed in order to operate the lids.  Just push down to seal and pull up to open.  The lid has built-in air valves and as it is pushed into the container, air is pushed out preserving the freshness of its contents.  While the handle is plastic, the part of the lid that touches the food is stainless steel so the contents of the container only ever touch glass and stainless steel. 

The jars come in two sizes: 6″ and 8.4″ tall.