Design classics. What do those two words mean to you? For me it means every little thing in the home needs to look as good as it is practical. For years I refused to budge from using my gas-heated Alessi kettle, it took AGES to heat the water, but I loved the whistling little bird on the spout and the design of it simply made me happy. Much like my 15 year old, mint green SMEG fridge that I saved and saved for. The door seals are worn and it’s probably causing more agro to the environment than I’d like to admit, but the thought of parting with it is, well, inconceivable. Does this mean I’m a design snob and that it’s all about style over substance? Nope, not at all. One trip to the Design Museum in London’s Shad Thames (https://designmuseum.org) and you’ll see a host of objects where the designers have strived, and succeeded, to make the mundane beautiful. Today we look at everyday items that you can’t help but fall a little in love with. Stylish Stuff indeed.
The SMEG kettle – yes, this Alessi usurper has the same good looks as the fridge, the same shouty branding and unashamed 50’s vibe, but, it’s also well-designed and easy to use. Go to http://www.smeguk.com
Coffee tastes better when it’s mode of delivery comes via this bad boy from De Longhi. http://www.comwales.co.uk/store/DeLonghi-Icona-ECOV-311.GR-Vintage-Espresso-Machine-Green.html?gclid=CNf6jezTrssCFfQW0wodxBYJvg For fresh orange juice try the Alessi Juicy salif citrus squeezer, or just put it on the side and marvel at it. You choose. http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/alessi-juicy-salif-citrus-squeezer_874-10106-PSJS/
The Ruark radio sounds as good as it looks, disarmingly so. Compact, easy to use and with the appearance of a retro speaker it becomes your nbf the minute you press ‘on’… http://www.johnlewis.com/ruark-r1-mk3-dab-bluetooth-digital-radio/p1729478?colour=Walnut
Another touch of the 50s in a modern kitchen. Ok, yes it DOES match the fridge. Sorry not sorry.
Whilst window shopping last week, this Kitchenaid mixer caught my eye. IF, I was a cake-making, domestic goddess I would most certainly need one of these in a soft mint or cream hue. Some designs just can’t be improved upon, now if only for a softer colour…
…just like this one in duck egg blue. Let the cake making commence…http://www.overstock.com/cart?reqadd_11398832=
Oh Alessi – all hail your wit and clever contributions to household joy. A corkscrew shaped like a parrot, a kettle with a whistling dragon, (OH HOW I NEED THIS) an olive oil dispenser that is just so tactile and a host of other kitchen must haves. Go to http://www.johnlewis.com/brand/alessi/_/N-1z140t2?No=0&Nrpp=180
Sometimes digital dials just don’t cut it. Wall-mounted retro clocks are enjoying a renaissance. https://www.dotcomgiftshop.com/1950s-mint-green-metal-wall-clock?gclid=CPCh4ZXGrssCFScHwwodSkIGIw
If slick ergonomics are your thing, check out Wesco, a company steeped in classic all-American heritage and classic 50s design. I give you the ‘Space Master breadbasket’. It’s a thing of spaceship-style beauty. https://www.amara.com/search/q/wesco/perPage/180
There are also kitchen bins that are simply, way more than bins – stylish and also available in a chic colour palette. Should my cake making skills gather speed, the scales are on the lust list too.
The Rolls Royce of toasters – The Dualit is a design masterpiece. It too, like many of the iconic kitchen appliances, comes in a wardrobe of paint finishes, personally, I think the copper and chrome combination wins hands down. http://www.johnlewis.com
Like a finely tuned engine. Yes, Bugatti make toasters and orange juicers. Bright little pieces of modern art. Very va va voom. Available at Amara https://www.amara.com/shop/brand/bugatti
Fashion & Style Director Shelly Vella