Los Angeles Times - November 2005

There are two things often wrong with contemporary Italian design: how much it costs and how long it takes to get. Fortunately, www.europebynet.com has made saving money and time its mandate. The website sells pieces from more than 100 prestigious manufacturers, including B&B Italia and Poliform. Shipping directly from Europe, the company offers considerable savings on mid-century classics. Achille Castiglioni’s marble and stainless steel Arco floor lamp, part of Europe by Net’s “quick-ship” program, costs $1,665, including delivery within four weeks, compared with $2,588 at Design Within Reach. The click-and-order design resource also is the exclusive U.S. distributor for cheap-and-cheerful lines such as Casamania, which produces the Gum inflatable cushion, shown here, available in nine color combinations and shipped to your door for $19 apiece, plus $16 for packaging and delivery.