The well-recognised Pantone colour matching system has already been applied to so many home related products such as mugs and tooth brushes and now getting in the spirit of Christmas these unusual Christmas baubles. If you are a design head and don't mind spend a bit more of your Christmas tree decorations then these could be for you. Price approx £13 on amazon.co.uk or $15 on amazon.com
There is just something really striking about this decorative bowl. The unusual pink fox and turquoise signature are just super cute. Available on Etsy this 6 inch bowl is perfect to funk up an office or bedroom. Available from Green Fox Studio and costs $25. http://www.etsy.com/listing/93767417/decorative-folk-art-bowl-pink-fox
We featured the art coffins from Seattle-based company Electric Coffin Studio and discovered another very cool idea from this innovative team we must share too! These skateboard chairs are made from old skateboards they have found in their area. The are truly living up to their mantra "Build from death'.
In times of economic recession when the housing market is going nowhere and you can't afford a nice new sofa, then funky cushions are a perfect pick-me-up. There are so many gorgeous, cute, kitsch, colourful expressive cushions out there and here are just a few we like. Online stores worth checking out our welovecushions.co.uk, Etsy, Heals and RJB Stone (wholesalers only).
Chinese white goods brand Galanz has introduced a new bubble-shaped, space like microwave which is so refreshing to look at compared to the usual rectangle shapes we see. The new round microwave opens at the top and comes in a range of bright colours. We are unsure of retail price as yet but we think it looks great.
There has been a spork, a hybrid between a spoon and and fork and now there is the Knork, you guessed it a knife and fork in one and it seems that this piece of cutlery has become very popular amongst people with a disability and have used the use of one of their arms. Feedback online shows that stroke victims can particularly benefit from the knork which has one tapered precision edge which can effectively cut food with use of a gentle rocking motion. The knork can also come in handy for people travelling, camping, the elderly or someone who just want to wash less dishes! On Amazon you can buy a pack of 4 stainless steel Knorks for £19.99, which we think is affordable and life-enhancing for anyone who does struggle to use a knife and fork.
Surfing through the various online stores there are a few stores I love because of their large range of fun home-related items which are designed to make people smile. Two stores which I discovered and particularly like are Utility and Pedlars. Their design inspired items are yes a little bit more expensive but I do believe you get what you pay for and surely a smile doesn't carry a price tag! I came across a few great doormats and if you are entertaining a load of friends at Christmas - then surely a great entrance as a talking point is not a bad thing! I love the 'I am not a doormat' from Pedlars (£26.95),Utility have a larger range with my three favourites being the Vegas inspired one (£27.50), 'Oh No! Not You Again (£25) and the very edgy (for a doormat!) tattoo one (£27.50)
By: Valerie Brown
If you have a tiny little kitchen or living life as a student then this nifty little gadget might be of interest. The Nostalgia Electrics egg and muffin toaster features a wide 2-slot toaster and flip down griddle in one compact appliance. The non-stick griddle heats up to 450 ° and features a separate on-off control. Grill plate and drip tray remove for easy cleaning. Available through Bed Bath & Beyond for $29.99. Shipping in Europe not possible unfortunately.
Having visited Top Drawer, a retail buyer trade show in London it was impressive to see so many cool products to tempt retailers. On the love list was Scottish-based Claire McVinnie's quirky, vintage print bird clocks. They were totally original and just gorgeous. They retail for £34 through her own online store and also available through other retailers too. Visit www.clairemcvinnie.com to see more cool products.
Cyber Clean, a silly-putty-like slime that blots out the muck from every crevice of your keyboards with a grime-slapping antibacterial action. While compressed-air sprays and tiny brushes will just move the dirt around in your keyboards, telephones and other electrical gadgets, this devilish ooze will splurge into every tiny corner, swallow up dead skin, hair and food and absorb it back into itself. Because it's made from an unique antibacterial formula, the dirt is actually neutralised and sanitised while it's inside the putty - up to 80% of all germs can be destroyed in this way. Cyber Clean is available through Firebox and costs just £7.99.
