Chic and cheerful
It's being called the era of the 'recessionista', where invention trumps price tags and it's all about scoring the best deals.
When it comes to interiors, that translates into budget-friendly decor. But that doesn't mean you're limited to thrift stores and Ikea; it's more about finding a few top-notch, affordable designs that look like they're worth several times more than their price tag.
An example of this is the wall decals from Blik (far right; whatisblik.com), which are decorative stick-ons that range from the whimsical to the elegant and can change the entire look of a room for less than US$50. If you get bored with a look, peel off the decal and replace it with another. It's a cheaper alternative to wallpaper and smudging, marbling and stenciling techniques. In Asia, Blik is available in Japan, Korea and Taiwan (designstore.com.tw).
Similarly, Mibo's (mibo.co.uk) 'tile tattoos' are a terrific and inexpensive way to alter kitchen or bathroom tiles. Add a stick-on tattoo to a number of tiles and a room looks like it has been given the once over by a Moroccan craftsman. The tattoos cost about US$15 for a pack of 10 (e-mail: info@ mibo.co.uk for shipping enquiries).
Blu Dot's (bludot.com) 2d:3d wall-mounted magazine rack is a powder-coated steel contraption that sits flat against a wall. At less than US$100, it's a bargain. (Blu Dot products are available only in the United States, Britain and Canada.)
Offi (offi.com), a collective of designers based in Corning, New York, does a nifty little stool inspired by the Tiki craze of the 1960s. Made from moulded polypropylene, the product - which retails for less than US$60 - can be used as a stool or side table and comes in neon green, hot pink, bright orange, sky blue, black and white.
From Umbra (umbra.com; tel: 2391 3223) comes a sleek and modern 'tele' table (right) designed by Henry Huang and David Quan; the top is made from either tempered glass or solid acacia, the base is spun aluminium and the pedestal is reminiscent of a telescope. The piece looks like it should cost three times its US$50 price tag.
Even well-known designers are applying their talents to less pricey fare: Thomas O'Brien is producing a line for Target (target.com) that includes a sleek leather-upholstered bench for less than US$65. Philippe Starck Cheap Chic chairs for French company xO (numerous international retailers) are enduring classics: the stackable chairs come in a range of colours, are funky and modern and, at about US$160, allow you to own a piece of Starck without having to remortgage.
