An informative rundown of the best in modernity, Casa Brutus sets the stage for good design. But what makes for good design? We’ve asked a team of experts to give us the lowdown on which products, to them, represent good design and why. Our guest panel examines functionality, ease of use, durability and aesthetics to help define what makes something a classic of its kind.

With our expert advice in mind, Casa Brutus takes a look at some designs that have withstood the test of time, from the famed LC1 chair by Le Corbusier to Antti Nurmesniemi’s iconic coffeepots. Moving onto recent design news, we examine certain Japanese aesthetics in product design, round up the most exciting items of the past year and introduce a number of up and coming designers.

Something a little different for cuisine this month, we’ve visited a variety of “lifestyle restaurants”, which focus on handmade, organic ingredients and earthy décors designed to instill a relaxed dining experience. We’ve also a review of Fall Design Event 2012 and a host of regular features to round off our first issue of 2013. Start your year by picking up a copy of Casa Brutus today!