Design Notebook: Art for aids

Art+Object auction house and Michael Lett Gallery have combined forces to host the For The Love of Art auction next Thursday. The aim is to raise funds for the NZ Aids Foundation's HIV prevention campaign, and includes the chance to buy art works by the likes of Michael Parekowhai, Richard Maloy (pictured) and John Reynolds, along with items like diamond earrings from Graham Thompson Antiques or a luxury retreat at Eagles Nest in the Bay of Islands. 3 Vernon St, Freemans Bay, viewing from 11am-3pm, July 5-7, auction July 8 from 6pm.

Build it

The distinctive print on these cushions is based on a London landmark and icon of brutalist architecture, Trellick Tower. The high-rise block of council flats in North Kensington has been both condemned and admired. In fabric form it translates into a striking collaboration between British textile designer Margo White and a company known as People Will Always Need Plates, which features modernist designs on brightly coloured ceramics. White's fabrics, often with a three-dimensional quality, are stocked exclusively at Corso de Fiori. These cushions are $180.50.

You know you're soaking in it

A free-standing bath, built for two. What could be more luxurious? Void of unnecessary fuss or detail, the new Milano bath, by Englefield, also has clean, organic curves, which work to create a bath that will hold its own in the style stakes for years to come. $1799 from Englefield, ph 0800 100 382 or visit englefield.co.nz to see the complete range.

Sweet inspiration

Our love affair for all things retro seems insatiable, so much so Studio Ceramics has created "Retro Lynn"- a range of iconic shaped jugs and vases inspired by the classic Crown Lynn ceramics. There is also a collection of pastel-hued Fridge Jugs based on the original McAlpine versions, and a Hotel Jug which was originally made by both Crown Lynn and Temuka potteries. Priced from $40-$80 at leading design stores such as Thread, Iko Iko, PPS, Pauanesia, Poi Room, Living & Giving, Acquisitions and Texan Art Schools.

Stack the shelves

Design 55 in Newton is the place to go for cutting-edge avant-garde furniture, but it also stocks an excellent array of design books. Three that caught our eye include: Stark (Taschen, $65), which has over 300 pages of photographs of the unconventional objects - most of which are now internationally acclaimed - that have been created by the French designer and architect Philippe Starck. Plus, there is a further section called "Words" where he shares his thoughts on everything from idleness to science, participation to poetry.

Meanwhile, Jeff Koons: Celebration (Hatje Cantz, $95) will satisfy fans of this leading contemporary artist. Created as an accompaniment to his installation in the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, it is full of big bold photos which reflect perfectly his colourful and kitsch works.

Finally, Fornasetti: Designer of Dreams (Thames & Hudson, $85) is a must for fans. "This stunning book is a relatively painless way of owning a more or less complete collection of Fornasetti artworks," wrote the Independent.