Search This Blog

Thursday 26 February 2009

True Grace...candles with true scent!

At last - a scented candle which :
a) doesn't smell like a man made aerosol or 'plug in' and
b) you don't have to take out a loan to buy or only burn on special occasions.

True Grace gives Diptyque quality at an affordable price. We love. Comes in gorgeous scents from the popular fig to the granny loving hyacinth - all for £18.00.

Wednesday 25 February 2009

Time for Newgate...

We've long been admirers of Newgate Clocks and we've been selling them for some time in our shops. Now, though, we've introduced them to our on line catalogue. From the retro to the contemporary this is a clock collection with a design to suit any space.

Tuesday 24 February 2009

Get back to nature with Vegetal

Vitra have just released a new chair by the prolific Bouroullec brothers. Getting us back to nature the Vegetal Chair has a design inspired by the structure of vegatation (think leaf forms...cabbages...broccoli). Made from polyamide it's natural credentials are boosted by the fact that this a chair designed to be used outside as well as in. It also comes in six 'natural' colours for that real earthy experience.

Tuesday 17 February 2009

Welcome Youdooodoll and Youdoodog

The success of Youdoodoll (featured on the BBC's Dragon's Den) has been a huge success for creator Sarah Lu. The idea of creating a gift where the recipient can immortalise themselves in doll form has now been developed into Youdoodog. Now your canine best friend can join in the fun!

Thursday 12 February 2009

Scouseware - Pots for real Scousers

Last year we found a great little range of mugs (and a teapot) featuring Scouse sayings and imagery on creamware. This was hugely popular over Christmas and this week Dan and Paul (our creative geniuses) have fashioned a window dedicated to the stuff.

Sad to say - it's not actually made in Liverpool BUT it's from just down the road from a small factory in Stoke on Trent, the centre for English pot making (at the moment). In these tough times it's great to find a local producer and support local industry. Available in store and on line and EXCLUSIVELY from Utility.

Wednesday 11 February 2009

Spudski masher is a smasher!


Get smashing with the fab ski-inspired Spudski potato masher! Just like a mini skipole this handy sized masher is a cool reinvention of sports kit into kitchen gadget.

Buying Time

We've just finished the latest round of design shows and all our great new finds are starting to arrive at Utility's back door to be sent out to our lovely shops. We'll be updating you as the new products arrive but today we've received 2 fab shoe racks from J-Me which solves the problem of those dirty shoes lying around the place. We've got the Keydish which is a basically a big key with a dish in it (that was hard to describe!) to dump your car/house keys and loose change when you come in so you don't have to scrabble around trying to remember where you put them (top tip - don't put the dish near the front door where people can nick your keys with a hook and cane through the letter box - it has happened to someone we know very well!).

Tuesday 10 February 2009

Tom Dixon does retro glass

Friday, 06 February 2009

Tom Dixon has gone all retro glass with a trio of cast glass pendant lights. With three designs : Bowl, Lens and Tube this lighthouse inspired collection won't break the bank at just £145.00. Orders now being taken.

Boys Toys...

Thursday, 05 February 2009

Male gifts are always hard to find but we hope we can help! New this year is the Bunny Bottle Opener - the scary looking, wall mounted beer cap remover and the BBQ Sword - the BBQ stick which looks like an actual sword - ideal for swashbuckling your way to the perfect sausage!

The Ceramic Noodle Cup has also become a huge success and is ideal for today's eco-friendly male.

Whatever and whoever you are buying for this year our range of design led male gifts and boys toys is sure to win you grateful thanks. Check out our collection : Male Gifts

Valentines Day - February 14th

Friday, 30 January 2009

Don't forget the big day when you make your love really known is on its way. Check out our range of products to show just how much you care....

SALE NOW ON!

Thursday, 25 December 2008

Our Winter Sale is now on! As well as the chance to bag a bargain we are also offering special deals with 10% off lighting brands Tom Dixon, Lightyears and Foscarini, 15% off Vitra furniture and accessories, 10 % off Fritz Hansen, Kartell and Knoll. We'll also be introducing new deals throughout January so keep watching for more special offers!

Caboche Goes Gold....

Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Three years after Foscarini launched the hugely successful Caboche light and lamp range they have introduced this in a new amber gold colour for 2008.

The Caboche range includes pendant lights, ceiling lights, table and floor lamps and a wall light and represents a contemporary version of the crystal chandelier.

Vitra New Designs

Monday, 15 December 2008

This week sees the launch of the Basel Chair from Vitra. Designed by Jasper Morrison, Basel is a re-invention of the simple wooden chair. Made in a variety of contemporary colours with two wood finishes Basel combines a timber frame with a plastic seat and backrest.

Also new from Vitra is a special edition of the Ball Clock by George Nelson. Designed to celebrate the centenary of Nelson's birth this clock has a brass casing with black balls.

Both items are now available to order.

Swan Chair Limited Edition By Fritz Hansen

Thursday, 04 December 2008

The Swan Chair by Arne Jacobsen has been given a makeover. To celebrate it's 50th anniversary the manufacturer, Fritz Hansen, have launched a limited edition of the Swan Chair in a new palette of white leather with a pearl white base. Limited to only 1958 pieces worldwide these are sold on a first come first served basis and, as a Fritz Hansen dealer, we will shortly be receiving these in stock.

Tolomeo Lamps

Friday, 14 November 2008

The Tolomeo Lamp has become something of a design classic since its launch in 1987. Winner of the coveted Compasso d'Oro (Golden Compass) this is a must have range of wall, desk and floor lights to suit every application. There are three versions of the Tolomeo Desk Lamp (Mini, Micro and Standard); three versions of the Tolomeo Wall Mounted with the pentagraph arm, the Tolomeo Faretto Wall Light, the Tolomeo Lettura task light and the Mega Tolomeo - perfect for over a dining table.

We tend to hold stock of the Tolomeo lamp range and shipping is free to UK mainland addresses.

Wednesday, 01 October 2008

Great news from Tom Dixon - the design guru has expanded his Mirror Ball collection to create the stunning Mirror Ball Floor Stand.

Featuring 6 Mirror Balls - two of each of the different sizes available - mounted on a floor stand this creates a stunning, tree like floor installation which gives huge impact and reflect everything around it.

An awesome addition to the Tom Dixon range.

Alessi Launches New Autumn Collection.

Thursday, 18 September 2008

Alessi have launched their new autumn/winter collection with exciting new products in all three ranges. A Di Alessi has additions to the Orientales range - the cute 'Forest Gump' condiment set and the 'Sweet Fish' Sugar Castor as well as a new edition 'Proust' Parrot Corkscrew.

The Alessi collection has two new limited edition Alessandro Corkscrews - 'Sun Dream' and 'Harlequin' as well as the 'La Rosa'Bowl, Bon Bon Coin Keyring and Serpentine Bottle Opener by Tom Kovac - all making original gifts this Christmas. Talking of Christmas the porcelain figures collection is joined with an array of new friend. Click here to see the: Alessi Christmas Figures.

We've also added the Alessi Watches collection to our range. As well as the ever popular Kaj Watch by Karim Rashid there's also the range of colourful Millennium watches for children as well as the Alessi classic Record Watch by Achille Castiglioni. With so many watch designs to choose from in the Alessi range from the contemporary to the classic there really is something for everyone!

The Alessi Officina range expands Wiel Arets collection with a new Coffee.it Electric Espresso Maker - could this be the new century answer to the teasmaid? Tom Kovac has also expanded the collection with the Super Star Bowl and excitingly Zaha Hadid has created a limited edition gold version of her Crevasse Vase.

All are now available to buy!

Kartell Lou Lou Ghost available now

Monday, 08 September 2008

Sizes and prices have now been confirmed and Kartell's new Lou Lou Ghost is now available to order - at a fantastic price of only £58.00! Delivery of Lou Lou Ghost will be towards the end of September. Click the attached link to be taken to the product's page. Lou Lou Ghost

Vitra Eames Elephant

Tuesday, 05 August 2008

Such was the success of the limited edition Eames Plywood Elephant last year that Vitra have launched a polypropylene version for 2008. Available in five colours from September we are currently taking orders for this lovable elephant. Click on this link for full details: Eames Elephant

Utility Gift Certificates

Saturday, 02 August 2008

Stuck for something to buy? Why not a buy a Utility Gift Certificate. Available in many denominations we'll add your own personalised message and send it to your chosen recipient - all for £2.95.

Flos Tab Light by Barber Osgerby

Friday, 01 August 2008

Created by design duo of the moment Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby the Tab Light from Flos brings a fantastically well priced light into the Flos lighting stable for 2008. Available in two sizes - Tab Lamp and Tab Floor Lamp - both comes in three colours - black, blue and white.

Vita Audio R4

Saturday, 02 August 2008

This sleek new music system from Vita Audio has arrived - with a multi format CD player, an iPod dock, USB playback port, DAB/FM radio and auxiliary inputs allied to a powerful amplifier and speaker system this really is hard to beat. All contained in a sleek walnut or glossy white case there's never been a better time to consolidate your audio equipment.

Welcome Tatty Devine Jewellery

Tuesday, 29 July 2008

We've just introduced Tatty Devine jewellery to our gift stores and website. These unique pieces elevate jewellery to art status - and it's all hand made in England! Click on the Tatty Devine link to see the collection.

Hello..Scandiphone!

Friday, 27 June 2008

Scandiphone has arrived! This reinvention of the classic Ericafon has all the cool design hallmarks of the original with the cutting edge technology and convenience of a contemporary conventional phone. Scandiphone is available is black, orange red and white - see the attached link :

Scandiphone

Liverpool Goes SUPERLAMBANANAS

Saturday, 14 June 2008

This weekend sees Liverpool 'Go Superlambananas' with the launch of the trail of 125 Superlambanana decorated by commisioned local artists in conjunction with local businesses and community groups. Spread all over Liverpool and Merseyside the trail will continue until the end of August.

In celebration of this we at Utility have our very own Superlambananas in our Bold Street furniture store. See them on the trail! What's more, to celebrate the trail we have exclusively launched 'Midi Superlambanana' - a scale model of the original made from fibreglass, which is suitable for outdoor use - great for brightening up the garden!

Midi Superlambanana

Lou Lou Ghost is on her way.....

Monday, 09 June 2008

Launched at this year's Milan Furniture Fair was Lou Lou Ghost - the mini version of Philippe Starck's classic Louis Ghost chair from Kartell. Available in a new palette of clear colours and three solid colours Lou Lou Ghost is sure to become as popular for little ones as the iconic Louis Ghost Armchair. Watch this space or register with us for further information. As soon as prices and specifications are confirmed we will be taking orders.

Lou Lou Ghost

Vitra George Nelson Pretzel Chair - Limited Edition

Thursday, 08 May 2008

The details of the George Nelson Pretzel Chair - an anniversary edition chair have just been released. We are currently taking orders on a first come first served basis for the Pretzel Chair but only 75 have been allocated to the UK - so don't be disappointed!

Pretzel Chair

Utility Exclusive Limited Editions

Monday, 21 April 2008

This year sees the first Design Show Liverpool - a showcase for modern design and bright young talent - at Liverpool's Novas Contemporary Urban Centre from 19-22nd June. As sponsors of the event Utility is the exclusive seller of a limited edition range of plates and mugs from 'People Will Always Need Plates' featuring six of Liverpool's most iconic buildings and structures. These are limited to only 200 of each plate and 500 of each mug so don't be late - these are only available whilst stocks last!

ALESSI LOOKS EAST

Wednesday, 20 February 2008

The Spring/Summer 2008 collection explores further Alessi's links with the National Palace Museum in Taiwan. The monkey theme is developed with a range of accessories including the Banana Boys Bottle Caps, Banana Boys Salt & Pepper Set, a Banana Milk Jug and monkey or Banana Kid Sugar Bowl and Spoon. A range of sushi items includes a Sushi Set, a Lotus Flower Finger Bowl and a Lily Bird Soy Sauce Pot. Further developments include exciting new vibrant colours of the popular Kaj Watch (lime green, blue and red) and miniatures of all their classic designs. Orders are now being taken.

New 2008 Products now available!

Tuesday, 15 January 2008

2008 sees another launch of an exciting range of designs from the leading European manufacturers. From Moooi comes the cute Rabbit Table Lamp and Pig Table/Tray Holder to add to the Horse Floor Lamp of animal based furniture and lighting items. The gorgeous Random Light is now joined by its garlic shaped cousin, the Non Random Light (also available in black and white). Kartell's new Limited Edition Dolce & Gabanna Mademoiselle Chair by Philippe Starck is available at £463.00 but hurry - these are only available whilst stock lasts. Mr. Starck has also launched his Mr.Impossible chair - a fusion of two acrylic shells to create a light and soft egg shaped design perfect for dining rooms, bedrooms - wherever...and the Toobe Light by Ferruccio Laviani is Kartell's first floor light complete with eco credential. These and many more new designs are now available throughout our webstore. Have fun!

Vitra Launches The Eames White Lounge Chair

Saturday, 17 November 2007

There's long been a demand for a white leather version of the Eames classic lounge chair - and here it is. Vitra have introduced a white leather upholstery version of the chair for 2007. With a pigmented walnut veneer shell and an aluminium base this gives an iconic design a soft yet modern twist. Utility is a leading UK Vitra Dealer and this new edition to the Eames collection is available to view on line and in store.

ALESSI AUTUMN COLLECTION NOW IN STOCK

Sunday, 04 November 2007

The ALESSI Autumn collection is now in stock. From A DI ALESSI Miriam Mirri's Iglu cheeseboard is a new 'entry level' design at £36.00 and comes available in blue, pink and white. Also from A DI ALESSI is the new range of gorgeous ceramics for Christmas including the 'Presepe' nativity set from Massimo Giacon as well as a snowman, Pinnochio, angels, a santa 'cowboy' and Christmas tree candle holder. A DI ALESSI's 'Chin' family is also expanded with bottle top stoppers, phone charms and keyrings. ALESSI have also lunched a new range of Alessandro corkscrews for their 2007 limited edition collection. At £44.00 these include Angel, Devil, Rockstar, King and Ghost. The home appliance section has also been extended with Wiel Aret's Mix It Hand Blender and the Blow Up range is extended with the Blow Up Wall Clock. This is all now in stock!

WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY DESIGNED WEB STORE

Friday, 26 October 2007

Here at Utility HQ we've been very busy over the past 8 months redesigning our on line store. As well as giving ourselves a fresh new look we've created more user friendly features, introduced a huge range of new designs and supplied more information on each product, with relevent associated products. Over the coming months we'll also be introducing new ranges, especially in the furniture sections and features. We hope you like it - let us know!!!

BEST ON LINE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Wednesday, 18 July 2007

This is an email we received from a customer earlier this week. We at Utility HQ are delighted - it makes it all worthwhile!!! "I just wanted to thank you for the best online shopping experience I have ever had! When I placed my order online I had a query and when I called there was a very polite gentleman who said he would call me back, which he did inside three minutes. I had a parcel tracking number within the hour and the goods turned up when promised (today). All the goods in the parcel were exactly what I ordered - brilliant." ML - London NW10

LIGHTYEARS AHEAD

Wednesday, 25 April 2007

We have now introduced the range of lighting from exciting new Danish company Lightyears. This Danish company is only two years old but has already received worldwide acclaim for their inspirational range of lighting. The Caravaggio suspension light was recently featured in Elle Decoration and with its various sizes lends itself to a huge range of interior applications. Also, from Sydney Opera House designer Jorn Utzon, we have the exciting Opera and Concert suspension lights which introduces his classic design features into contemporary lighting. Keep watching for more exciting Lightyears additions.

ACME PEN RANGE IN FULL

Wednesday, 20 February 2008

The full collection of the gorgeous Acme Pens and card cases from ACME STUDIO are now available on line. There are over 80 designs in the ACME STUDIO range - some of which are limited editions. Acme Pens come available as either a rollerball or fountain pen. Each ACME STUDIO design is by or influenced by some of the world's leading architects and product designers (past and present) including Charles & Ray Eames, Frank Lloyd Wright, Eva Zeisel, Cesar Pelli, Antoni Gaudi, Marcel Wanders and Karim Rashid. These gorgeous Acme pens and card cases make great gifts as each comes and once you've had one you'll be hooked as a real collector. Available from £25.00.

NEW ALESSI SPRING 2007 NOW ONLINE

Friday, 02 March 2007

ALESSI have launched their Spring 2007 collection with new items for the A DI ALESSI, ALESSI and ALESSI OFFICINA collections. The 'MR.CHIN' family is a new range of plastic items (egg cups, salt & pepper pots, salt & pepper grinders and kitchen timers) for A DI ALESSI from £13.00 based on oriental figures, all of which are hand decorated. The Blow-Up range is expanded with a much anticipated magazine rack and the ALESSI OFFICINA collection sees the introduction of the Fruit Basket tea set range from Kazoyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa (from £28.00). Developing his 'DESKTOP ARCHITECTURE' Hani Rashid introduces a series of writing intruments - Pencil, Ball Point and Rollerball and the big news this year is the revolution in cooking - the Pasta Pot by Patrick Jouin in conjunction with Alain Ducasse. This is set to change the way we cook pasta forever to an all in one method. Get cooking!

VITRA MINIATURES NOW ON LINE

Tuesday, 20 February 2007

As one of the UK's leading VITRA furniture stockists and dealers we have now introduced the full collection of VITRA MINIATURES on line. These highly collectable miniature versions of classic chair designs pinpoint key departures in chair design history including new manufacturing techniques, experimental use of materials and those designs pushing the boundaries of the conventional chair form. For anyone interested in design and the development of furniture over the last 150 years these VITRA MINIATURE chairs each come in their own gift box complete with a history of the design.

LOOKOUT - OUR ON LINE CATALOGUE IS EXPANDING DAILY!

Tuesday, 06 February 2007

As one of the UK's largest independent KARTELL stockists and dealers with an on line store as well as a bricks and mortar store we are constantly expanding our range to bring the very best of modern European design direct to your door. We now have the full KARTELL catalogue featured on line, including the perennial favourite LOUIS GHOST CHAIR,BOURGIE TABLE LAMPS as well as the new and exciting PANIER SIDE TABLES and SPOON CHAIRS and the classic Componibili Storage Unit. To compliment this you can now purchase the full range of FOSCARINI lighting on line including the excitingly elegant TWIGGY FLOOR LAMP as featured in the March edition of Living etc. As one of the UK's few MOOOI stockists we have also introduced their brave body of work to our on line store. MOOOI is the exciting Dutch company who have introduced us to the classic LIGHT SHADE SHADE Chandelier, as featured in UGLY BETTY, in addition to the enormous HORSE FLOOR LAMP which surely is a must for every racehorse owner! We have also introduced the entire VITRA Furniture range, from George Nelson Clocks and home accessories to EAMES DSR Chairs and the ever popular HANG IT ALL. We've also introduced the highly collectible VITRA DESIGN MUSEUM Vitra Miniatures collection of model chairs. The Tolomeo Lamp range from Artemide remains one of our continual best sellers. Choose from the Tolomeo Standard, Tolomeo Mini, Tolomeo Micro and Tolomeo Mega. Whether its a wall or floor lamp you're looking for there's something in the Tolomeo range for every application. Keep watching for more exciting additions from VITRA, KARTELL, VIPP, ALESSI, ARTEMIDE, FLOS and all the major European manufacturers.

UGLY BETTY DOES KARTELL

Friday, 02 February 2007

With Channel 4's exciting new import - Ugly Betty - now on our screens every Friday what better place to see Kartell's exciting range of furniture brought to life? The Ugly Betty set is littered with some of their greatest designs including the Louis Ghost Armchair, the Ploof Sofa and Ploof Chair, La Boheme Stools, Ero(s) Chairs and FL/Y lights. Go on, watch and see...

THE VITRA POLDER SOFA HAS JUST GOT SMALLER

Thursday, 01 February 2007

Exciting news! The VITRA POLDER SOFA is now available in the slightly smaller XS size. This future classic by Hella Jongerius now comes in a 226cm length. A gorgeous and highly practical statement of a piece of furniture the POLDER SOFA is extremely comfortable to sit on - and even better to lie on. As a leading UK Vitra Dealer the Polder Sofa range is available to view on line.

OUR PRESTON STORE IS NOW OPEN

Thursday, 09 November 2006

As part of our expansion our new Utility Preston gift store is now open and trading at the beautiful Victorian Miller Arcade. You'll find a wonderful collection of greetings cards, jewellery, watches, A Di Alessi and hundreds of fun and cool gifts for all those hard to buy for people where a thoughtless and boring 3 for 2 chain store gift just won't do! Find us at 9/10 Miller Arcade on Church Street, Tel 01772 889953.

INVISIBLE PLAN

Wednesday, 01 November 2006

'Book lovers rejoice! If you're looking for a bargain way to display your tomes without losing the cool factor, the search is over. The CONCEAL Invisible Shelf, £10.00, by Canadian homeware company Umbra, has a hard back bookshelf that screws into the wall so that the bracket isn't seen. Five stacks on one wall would make a great feature. Literary impact that's functional and fab; buy it from www.utilitydesign.co.uk' Livingetc

BUY OF THE WEEK

Tuesday, 24 October 2006

'The LOUNGE CHAIR AND OTTOMAN are two of the most famous pieces designed by CHARLES AND RAY EAMES. Created in 1956, the set is acknowledged as a classic in the history of modern furniture and to celebrate the design's 50th anniversary VITRA has teamed up with on line shop Utility to give a free Eames LTR Occasional Table with every purchase of the LOUNGE CHAIR AND OTTOMAN. Prices start at £4124.00 for the set, which comes in three different coloured wooden backshells and armrests (cherry, black lacquered cherry or santos palisander) and four different coloured leathers (black, blackish brown, brown or white). The offer is on until Jan 15, 2007.www.utilitydesign.co.uk.' Metro

HANI RASHID - ALESSI DESKTOP ARCHITECTURE

Monday, 09 October 2006

The Autumn 2006 collection sees the launch of HANI RASHID'S 'DESKTOP ARCHITECTURE' for ALESSI - a range of uber cool desktop items challenging the more mundane designs of everyday office items we normally take for granted. The range includes the 'SCUP' Desk Organiser, the 'STILA' Paper Knife and the 'TRINA' Pen & Pencil Holder all in stainless steel. To compliment the range the 'PARQ' Desk Tray comes in three subtle colours. What's more, with prices starting at just £15.00 for the paper knife this ALESSI range won't break the bank either. Hani Rashid was born in Cairo in 1958 and now lives in New York, where he founded Studio Asymptote in 1988. He is one of the most interesting exponents of the group of young international designers assiciated with 'digital architecture', and the designer of the new ALESSI showroom in New York.

BARKING MAD!

Friday, 01 September 2006

'Puppies are usually adorable, cute and...plastic? No, we haven't gone barking mad, this funky plastic puppy by MAGIS is now available in bright orange from Utility and is certainly setting tongues wagging! The puppy was originally designed as a child's seat but can also be used as a decorative item and given the popularity of the design, it was only a matter of time before this bold new colour option was introduced. The piece was designed by Eero Aarnio for MAGIS and is made from hard polyethylene. It is available in two size, medium prices at £49.00 and large at £63.00. Visit www.utilitydesign.co.uk' Concept For Living

I'M A LADY, I LIKE LADIES' THINGS

Wednesday, 02 August 2006

'Want to brighten up your kome this summer ? Well get a grip of these funky floral tools - perfect for DIY - the womans way! They come in a variety of colours and floral designs and made from high grade steel they ooze professional quality. This stunning range of tools, which includes a hammer at £10, screwdriver at £7.50 and pliers and tape measure at just £6.50, are definately sure to measure up to your expectations. www.utilitydesign.co.uk' Urban Life

SHOPPING TRIP TO LIVERPOOL

Tuesday, 01 August 2006

'Utility - here you'll find the city's best selection of contemporary furniture, lighting and interior accessories. The shop is also a great source of birthday presents. If your overnight bag is already bulging and you think you'll have trouble getting the treats back to your pad, don't sweat it . Just check your diary and arrange to have them delivered.' Happy Magazine

PLASTIC FANTASTIC

Saturday, 08 July 2006

"Continuing this season's craze for bright colours is this funky limited-edition PANTON CHAIR. This chair is perfect for summer days in the garden or for adding a splash of colour indoors. VERNER PANTON designed the chair in 1960, and it was the first fully plastic chair made from a single section. The chair's cantilever base was designed for maximum comfort and the futuristic Panton Chair shape makes it a stylish talking point. Prices at £162.00 and available from www.utilitydesign.co.uk" The Independent

HOT TREND

Saturday, 01 July 2006

'Numbers are big news right now with designers exploiting the pulling power of digits to create sassy home accessories with graphic appeal..wooden veneer alarm clock with digital display, £100.00, Utility' Elle Decoration, July 2006 Edition

PUPPY LOVE

Saturday, 01 July 2006

"How much is that little doggy on the website? This funky plastic puppy in bright orange is setting people's tongues wagging as a decorative garden item - although it was originally designed be Eero Aarnio for Magis as a child's seat. This abstract puppy is one that cannot be easily hurt and doesn't need feeding as it has been contructed from hard polyethylene. So the puppy works well as an outdoor or indoor object, toy or small stool. Also available in green or white, the puppy is stocked by www.utilitydesign.co.uk and is prices at £49.00 for a medium version and £63.00 for a lerge version" The Independent

SERIOUSLY LOVELY

Saturday, 24 June 2006

"Flower power returns this summer in the form of these handy but gorgeous tools from Wild & Wolf. The tools come in a variety of colours and floral designs, and their pretty appearance makes them outshine other ordinary accessories. However, they are made from high grade steel so they're practical as well as beautiful. You can buy the range from www.utilitydesign.co.uk. Who knows? With suck lovely tools at your disposal you might even grow to love those boring DIY jobs" The Independent

I LOVE THIS SHOP...

Thursday, 01 June 2006

'If you're looking for modern furniture, accessories and lighting, you'll find lots of ideas here. The shop is always bright, the staff friendly, and it stocks a wide range of designs by well known names, such as ALESSI, CONRAN and DAVID MELLOR.' Readers Letter, Prima Magazine

THE INSIDER...A WEEKLY GUIDE TO SPENDING

Sunday, 10 September 2006

'It's only an illusion...and it will make you look twice. The phantom like illusion table is the newest piece of contemporary furniture from Danish designers Essey. Each table is hand made from a single piece of acylic, making each one unique, and each recreates the look of a tablecloth floating in the air. Creative and innovative, the illusion table is an affordable piece of modern design..and is available from www.utilitydesign.co.uk" The Independent

ALESSI SPLITS INTO THREE

Wednesday, 01 March 2000

This month sees Italian design company ALESSI split into three and re-categorise its products into three sub sections. Firstly, the A DI ALESSI with its 'top design pop price' trademark includes their most "democratic" and accessible products including the majority of the ALESSI colourful and plastic items. Secondly the dream factory ALESSI collection expresses the best industrial mass productions of their collection both from the point of view of design and production quality. Finally the OFFICINA ALESSI collection includes their most sophisticated, experimental and innovative products, as well as small-scale and limited productions. As one of the UK's leading ALESSI stockists and ALESSI online stockists Utility has access to all A DI ALESSI, ALESSI and OFFICINA ALESSI ranges. We also now have one of the largest on line ALESSI ranges, showing many items not usually shown. What's more, if not available on our website all you have to do is ask and we'll order any item from any of the ALESSI collections if not currently stocked.

CHARLES GHOST STOOL

Saturday, 01 October 2005

"The CHARLES GHOST STOOL is the lastest edition to the Ghost family by designer PHILIPPE STARCK. He has teamed up with Italian manufacturer KARTELL to produce this extra special family of graceful furniture..available from Utility" Concept For Living

THE INSIDER...A WEEKLY GUIDE TO SPENDING

Saturday, 10 September 2005

"We're great fans of Alessi's quirky designs and can't resist showcasing another remarkable appliance, the de fuzzer for your tired woollens. By Stefano Giovannoni, this new playful device comprises a thermoplastic body with a container in which the lint is collected, a set of blades and a head with a spacing ring that can be removed and adjusted into three positions...£20. Available in green, red or blue. Order online at www.utilitydesign.co.uk" The Independent

SIX OF THE BEST..KITCHEN GREATS

Saturday, 10 September 2005

"ALESSI GEO PROUST hand-painted limited edition coffee maker, Utility £145.00" The Times Magazine

BIG BROTHER PUPPY

Wednesday, 31 August 2005

"You can get your very own Big Brother dog from www.utilitydesign.co.uk. It's called Puppy and costs £49.00. You can use it indoor or outdoors, either as a chair or for decoration" Now Magazine

LIVING REVIEW

Tuesday, 07 January 2003

"Home surfer..Mersey mission..there's a scouse in the house as cool Liverpool interiors store Utility goes global with the launch of its internet shopping site, www.utilitydesign.co.uk" The Independent on Sunday

BIG BROTHER'S LITTLE POOCH

Thursday, 28 July 2005

They're suffering from a serious case of puppy love in Liverpool, thanks to those cheeky BIG BROTHER housemates. Fans of the show have noticed a particularly cute feature in the garden. The plastic green puppy which lives near the outdoor pool in the BIG BROTHER house is one of the most sought after design items of the summer...and that's prompted a flood of calls to Utility and visits to the Utility website. Available from £49.00.

WHAT'S ON LINE?

Wednesday, 27 July 2005

OUR ON LINE RANGE INCLUDES ONE OF THE BIGGEST ON LINE ALESSI DESIGNS RANGES IN THE UK FROM THE THREE ALESSI BRANDS - ALESSI, A DI ALESSI AND ALESSI OFFICINA. YOU CAN BUY ONLINE A VAST RANGE OF ALESSI DESIGNS INCLUDING CORKSCREWS, BOTTLE OPENERS, ICE BUCKETS, WINE COOLERS, ESPRESSO MAKERS, CAFETIERES, COFFEE MACHINES, KETTLES, TEAPOTS, STORAGE JARS, KITCHEN ITEMS, COOKWARE, HOME STORAGE, VASES, DECORATIVE ITEMS, MIRRORS, TABLETOP ITEMS, BREAKFAST ITEMS, CHILDREN'S ITEMS, OFFICE ACCESSORIES, THE MICHAEL GRAVES RANGE, HANI RASHID DESKTOP ARCHITECTURE RANGE, THE CACTUS RANGE, ALESSI LIMITED EDITIONS,THE BLOW-UP RANGE,THE GIROTONDO RANGE, THE ANNA RANGE, BATHROOM ACCESSORIES, JUICERS, CAT & DOG BOWLS, ALESSI WATCHES, CLOCKS AND ELECTRICAL ITEMS.

To Twitter Or Witter....

Every time I read The Sunday Times I feel financially inadequate. Now I feel socially inadequate. Facebook is so over - apparently. Now everybody is Twittering. Who has the time? Can't help but think we are all going to become social inadequates at this rate. I really should change by Sunday paper. It's not good for morale.