Crunch-proof furniture

When the Dragons chair by Eileen Gray fetched £19.3 million at last month's Paris auction of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé's art collection, the design world broke into universal applause.

Who knows who bought the chair (Le Fauteuil aux Dragons had an estimated value of £1.75 million to £3.75 million) but the fact that a record price was achieved in this economic climate is good news. 'It's good for us all,' says art dealer Kenny Schachter. 'It's good for the economy, for us in the design world and the art world. It gives renewed hope for anyone involved in the collectibles market - from cars to toys.'

Recessions are actually good for design. 'Difficult times eliminate the one-trick ponies,' says Alasdhair Willis of Established & Sons, whose present show Another Kountry by American artist and architect Roy McMakin (which runs until 31 March) is both a commercial and critical success. Made by hand in natural wood, McMakin's work (11 pieces in total; prices from £2,900 to £35,000) is at once humble and beautiful.

With shiny computer-made design now out of fashion, we can relax knowing that anything well-made and original will eventually go up in price (www.establishedandsons.com).

March is a favourite month to launch in London. Kettal, the Spanish makers of outdoor furniture, arrived last week. It's not just any Spanish company, this one has both Patricia Urquiola and Marcel Wanders in the fold and, consequently, quite a groovy set of customers (Spanish design is neither too hi-tech nor too serious). Among the pieces shown at the launch was the signature Maia double daybed by Patricia Urquiola in dark chestnut or white (£5,438), which is available at the King's Road store (020 7371 5170; www.kettal.es).

Architects have long made great furniture (in Italy most designers are also architects). Kenzo has just teamed up with architect Vladimir Kagan to design two new sofas, the Serpentine (£6,356) and the Crescent (£5,910), which were launched in London this month. After years of boxy sofas on stiletto legs, these curvaceous beauties make for a nice change (www.interior-supply.co.uk).

Occasionally you get something on your table that just makes you laugh. Design may be life-enhancing and useful but it can also be amusing. The Boogie Woogie salt and pepper shakers that roll around the table, designed for Menu by Berlin design team Murken Hansen (£16.95 each, at Panik Design), brought an instant smile to my face (01908 307 020; www.panik-design.com).

Secret service

In hard times people share (and decorate in bright colours) and I have to say that meticulous Brazilian decorator Luciano Nascimento of OLN Builders, who appeared on fix-it TV show Solution Street with Gaby Roslin and is presently changing my wall colour downstairs for the fourth time (at my request), is a true find. His clients don't share him but I will. From £550, including materials, for a drawing room. Call 07730 881 773.

GLASS ACT

I have long admired the work of Paola Petrobelli, an Italian glassmaker who originally came to London to become a biochemist. She has already been discovered by Italian grandees, as well as the likes of The Club at The Ivy, but is now making more affordable editions rather than just one-offs (www.paolapetrobelli.com). Her Murano glass vases, such as Contenitore, can be combined in different colours to create sculptures with her D40 and D50 lamps (from £1,780, at Perimeter Editions). These table, floor or hanging lights are particularly easy to live with (020 7229 4048; www.perimeter-editions.com).

THE INSIDER Watering cans

CASH

Above left: It's time to get out in the garden again. Arm yourself with this pretty ladybird-print watering can from Joanna Wood. £11.50 (020 7730 5064; www.joannawood.co.uk).

CHEQUE

Middle: The Chelsea Gardener on Sydney Street makes gardening glamorous. This smart watering can is available in blue or pink. £14.99 (020 7352 5656; www.chelseagardener.com).

CREDIT

Right: V&A William Morris prints perk up objects from secateurs to umbrellas. This rose-print watering can, in white and china blue, is only available at John Lewis. £28 (0845 604 9049; www.johnlewis.com).