Stelton Stainless Thermal Carafe

It should be apparent why we like it. Clean, simple and superb visual balance. Designed by Erik Magnussen of Denmark, the carafe holds 1 liter of liquid in its tranquil innards.

PRICE: $185 AVAILABLE: http://www.gearys.com

Salad Song Oil and Vinegar Cruets by Mint

It is uncanny just how much creativity has been put into designing oil and vinegar sets (and salt and pepper grinders). We love this pair; so tempting to grab and pour. Dynamic design indeed.

PRICE: $30 AVAILABLE: http://www.emmohome.com

OXO Jar Opener

We all have despaired at our occasional disability to open obstinate jars and so we are thankful to OXO for helping to solve this lingering problem. The V-shaped prongs grab the lid and the padded handle provides the leverage to twist it open.

PRICE: $12 AVAILABLE: http://www.williams-sonoma.com

Mister Meumeu by Philippe Starck

A parmesan cheese grater and cellar with an attitude, this design be Phillippe Starck is funny and functional at the same time. Marketed by Alessi.

PRICE: $59.50 AVAILABLE: http://www.hausmodernliving.com

eva solo soap pump

Here is one candidate to bring a touch of instant modern design to your kitchen or bathroom. The stainless steel soap pump by designers Claus Jensen and Henrik Holbæk of Eva Solo is striking in its design and simplicity. The soap is dispensed by lightly pressing the cap.

PRICE: $120 AVAILABLE: http://www.comforthouse.com

Propeller trivet

Trivets are one of those things that if you need ‘em, you need ‘em badly and fast. So it is a good idea to have some around at all times. Now, what with the competition for space in the kitchen, space saving designs are really welcome and that is why we like this propeller trivet. It folds. And it looks darn good too.

PRICE: $24 AVAILABLE: http://www.uncommongoods.com

Alessi Girotondo Kitchen Timer

Stuff from Alessi is no stranger to this blog so is no surprise to find that this cool & cartoonish timer by architects Stefano Giovannoni and Guido Venturini is marketed by them. The timer itself is, well, just a kitchen timer. But it is the statuette, a small but smile-inducing piece, that can showcase the cool informality of your kitchen.

PRICE: $54.50 AVAILABLE: http://www.fitzsu.com

flexible pot holders

Have you ever tried to hold onto a really hot pot only to have the cloth getting burned by the flame? If you have then its time to leave all that behind forever. These silicone pot holders will conform to any shape and won’t burn. And you can put them in the dishwasher!

PRICE: $56 AVAILABLE: http://www.scandinaviandetails.com

“Splatter” bowls

Thank God for human brains and the powers of imagination that come with it, resulting in stuff like what’s shown in the picture. These cool “splatter” bowls are perfect for small servings of snacks and salsas etc. Handmade of aluminum and enameled, the bowls most remarkable use will be their visual violence: will make your guests stare.

PRICE: $24-$74 AVAILABLE: http://www.givesimple.com

Windor whistling kettle at William Sonoma

This is the real McCoy; no mistaking this for anything other than the good old tea kettle. Made in England, these kettles are solid copper and are tin or nickel lined. Sold for both gas burners and electric stoves. The wooden handle will stay cool, as would the kettle, for eternity (albeit in a different way).

PRICE: $115-$130 AVAILABLE: http://www.williams-sonoma.com