Quotes of the Day

If you've missed out on family heirlooms, Ikea isn't your only option for storage furniture. These three pieces are curiosities in their own right. Buy one and you'll want to show everybody your drawers.

ARMOIRE RANGE by Russell Pinch
"Sculptural yet calm" is how London-based Pinch, a former assistant to Terence Conran, describes his Armoire collection of cupboards. The Alba, Frey and Marlow versions are made to order by U.K. craftsmen. With their brutalist paneling, they could be period concepts remixed by monumental British artist Rachel Whiteread. www.pinchdesign.com

SMOKE RANGE by Maarten Baas
A pyromaniac with manners, Baas is part of the "design art" movement that elides the distinction between the fine and applied arts. A graduate of Design Academy Eindhoven, he burns existing furniture — but just enough to scorch it. The charred remains are then preserved as "new" pieces. It's hellishly clever. www.maartenbaas.com

DOLLAR CHEST by Jimmie Martin
Money talks, but should it shout all over French antiques? Design duo Jimmie Martin (they're Swedes living in London) paint venerable items in gold and silver leaf and graffiti them with if-you've-got-it-flaunt-it slogans and symbols. Fashion designer Paul Smith says new-Brit design twists the classics; here, it positively makes them reel. www.jimmiemartin.co.uk

• RICHARD CLAYTON
• Purchase one of these and you'll want to show everybody your drawers