A bluffer's guide to Modernism

Modernism on the High Street - get some for your 'machine for living' (aka home)
Modernism has been influencing popular design for decades. Habitat, the sponsor of the V&A's exhibition, bridges the gap between high-brow and the high street. Its range features Modernist-inspired products, including chrome angle-poise lamps, glass and steel accessories and re-issued limited edition woven rugs designed by Bauhaus textile designer Gunta Stolzl, as well as reproductions of Modernist posters (pictured).

And finally, to really show you know your stuff turn you own home into a Modernist showcase

• Walls - leave your walls bare concrete or painted white or cream
• Lighting - anything industrial looking is suitable. Long banks of picture windows are typically modernist and porthole windows are another typical feature. Habitat's Tommy desk lamp, the Bobby desk lamp or stylish Concord chrome table lamp with mouth-blown glass shade. If you're looking for a pendant light, try the Cornel glass dome shade on a metal chain are all perfect examples
• Furniture - furniture should be made from a combination of tubular steel, bent wood, and leather with plain, unfussy upholstery. Get the look at Habitat with the Days Forum chair in ash brown, cream or walnut leather. For a Modernist office, choose Habitat's Tanna desk in beech wood
• Built-in furniture/storage - buy or make built-in furniture such as low-level cabinets and bookcases. Check out Habitat's Influence shelving unit, the Magna storage unit or Lecco stacking bookcase
• Glass and chrome - choose furniture such as coffee tables in glass and chrome with simple lines. Why not try Habitat's Gem side table and the Hammam chrome towel ladder
• Floors - flooring should blend seamlesslyfrom one room to another. Choose wall-to-wall fitted carpet in a neutral shade, lino or quarry tiles. It can be broken up with Kelim rugs. Look out for Habitat's specially designed Modernist rugs, in store Spring 06
• Windows - these should be as plain as possible to let maximum light in. Hang simple curtains in natural fibres such as linen from plain wooden poles or tracks. Otherwise hang plain white Venetian blinds. Get the look with Habitat Derwent ready- to-hang sheer curtains in white or natural 100 per cent cotton
• Fireplace - this should be the focal point of the room. Choose a simple surround, eg MDF is good painted white or just wood. You can leave brickwork round the fireplace exposed or add some white tiles
• Heating - radiators are often exposed and made a feature of. Choose striking designs around from coils and springs which look like pieces of modern art
• Plants - choose one or two architectural plants such as cacti to complete the Modernist look
• Accessories - choose simple glass accessories and kitchenware. Habitat's Veeva glassware, Serene dinner service in cream stoneware and the Ora clock complete the look