Furniture

Thomas Jacobsen is shaking up Sydney design with his brilliantly modern, compact style. This month Jacobsen launches his space-saving collection for 2007. The new slimline 410mm-deep Corian Luu cabinet is thoughtfully composed. "I am streamlining everything I do. We now store information on hard drive, so [we] don't need deep drawers for videos and CDs," Thomas says. Other hot new projects include a range of sexy armless sofas, outdoor tables and fibre-optic light installations.
Bottom line Ono sofa, from $1900; Bers two-and-a-half seater sofa, $2900, fabric or leather; Corian Luu cabinet, $1895
Shop 3, 19A Boundary Street, Darlinghurst, 9357 1509

Light

Korban/Flaubert, which provides directional looks in design (remember the Cellscreen, Swaylamp and Membrane chaise longue) has launched Burst Light, an oversized wall light in anodised aluminium. "Burst is based on the idea of a spark, an explosion, a momentary event, inspired by the spiral growth patterns in nature," says Stephanie Flaubert.
Bottom line Burst Light, $1540
Korban/Flaubert, Unit 8/8-10 Burrows Road, Alexandria, 9557 6136, http://www.korbanflaubert.com.au

Design

The shops are full of clever bookends but if you want one to really make a style statement try James, a black figurine (also available in red) that will certainly keep your books looking more agreeable. James the Bookend arrives in town this week to join his sibling, James the Doorman.
Bottom line James the Bookend, James the Doorman, $49.95
Inquiries, 9690 0016, http://www.until.com.au

Art chic

Blueandbrown knows that, more than any other element in your home, art allows you to be creative and experimental. Its spring 2006 collection is a seductive mix of pattern and colour, which will not only let you express your taste, but also help bring everything else to life. Check Familia - it's a little bit Flintstones but a great way to break up a large wall and accentuate space. The company has teamed up with Woven Image and is now producing its organic Candy pebble motifs on commercial-grade upholstery fabrics that would look good in the house.
Bottom line Familia Rosa Airport, $295 for a 50cm x 50cm canvas, $1550 for 50cm x 2.6m
Blueandbrown, 9319 4476, http://www.blueandbrown.com.au

The rules

The key to great table arrangements is to set your table with attitude. If your everyday china needs a lift, try a few of these red dinner plates (left) in two sizes by Rhubarb. Use the red with pale-blue dinner and coupe plates, jugs and beakers, mixed with masses of white oversized pasta, rice and noodle bowls. And you can pop these durable, lightweight designs in the dishwasher, microwave or oven.
Bottom line Kiosk 25cm coupe dinner plate in red or pale blue, $12.95; and 20cm entree plate in red or pale blue, $9.95
David Jones stores statewide, Peters of Kensington, 57 Anzac Parade, Kensington, 9662 1433, or http://www.rhubarb.net.au, inquiries, (03) 9429 9600

Trend watch

Once relegated to grand country entrance halls, coat stands are back. Opt for sculptural slimline frames, such as Joan Gaspar's Mobles 114 Hulot metal design for a contemporary feel, rather than the heavily carved timber and marble numbers. The new look is less romantic and more graphic, with white creating an airy Scandinavian vibe, orange for an upbeat Italian feel, red for an LA international fling, while grey gives a nod to Eastern styling.
Bottom line Mobles 114 Hulot coat stand, $435
Ke-Zu, Level 2, 61 Marlborough Street, Surry Hills, 9699 6600, http://www.kezu.com.au, http://www.mobles114.com

Toy story

These Buddy Bears are simply charming. They are from the Bud range, which features safari, urban, surfer, daisy (far left), yuppee (left) and floral themes, and aims to inject a dose of contemporary style into children's and adults' interiors now that minimalism has had its day. Made from plastic, there are 12 designs from which to choose. They make great presents for fun-loving folk or as graphic decoration for your home.
Bottom line Buddy Bear, $14.95
David Jones stores statewide, inquiries, (03) 9820 2992