At Heal’s they say : The Dualit Vario Chrome 2 Slot Toaster is a design icon, having earned their reputation in the harsh reality of catering kitchens all over the world. Each one is hand-assembled and features the assembler’s individual mark on the base plate. Vario toasters feature our award-winning, patented ProHeat technology to increase the life and toasting efficiency of the elements. Features include: mechanical timer to control toasting , manually operated eject lever to keep items warm until needed, selector switch- use only the slots required, adjustable inner wire guard to grip toast,high lift mechanism to remove small items easily, extra wide 28mm slots to accommodate larger items, concealed crumb tray, adjustable rear foot. Sandwich cage is available separately. Go Vario here

Look also for the range of quality Vario toasters which includes new colours and 2- and 4- slot versions on offer

Technorati Tags: Dualit Vario 2-slot toaster, vario toasters

Enjoy a vintage style kettle with all the modern style benefits:

• fast boiling
• good capacity
• cordless flexibility
• limescale reducing filtration
• enables accurate filling
• clearly shows when in operation

This is a modern appliance with retro style resonance that will fit into any contemporary designed kitchen

Red Breville ‘VKJ488′ traditional kettle

Technorati Tags: breville kettle, retro inspired kettle style

Orla Kiely Flask

Perhaps you are ready for a little more brightness about the house to see out the last vestiges of winter, or to welcome the lighter days of spring and be in readiness for a little light gardening. Heal’s may have just what you are looking for as it displays exclusively more of the growing Orla Kiely collection.Illustrated above,the Wild & Wolf Petal Flask show the classic Orla Kiely petal print. As practical as it is chic, this flask makes a great gift – as do the Wild & Wolf Petal Fork and Trowel illustrated below. These gardening tools also featuring the Orla Kiely petal design are a must-have accessory for any stylish gardener.

Orla Kiely gardening trowel and fork

Since launching her designs in the 1990s, Orla Kiely has successfully extended her range of designed goods.She is especially known for her bright colours and striking designs which she uses repeatedly across sets of goods so that they become instantly recognisable as her signature pieces. Another, example of this is the stem pattern featured on items in the home shown below.

Kiely’s philosophy is “good design is not over designed and functionality is king”

Technorati Tags: Orla Kiely petal print, Orla Kiely stem print

And here it is…

The Aldo Rossi designed Coffee Maker referred last time. The smooth lines go towards a striking design and an excellently made coffee pot which does what it was designed for, and it makes 6 cups of coffee. There are scaled down versions, for example, one with a 3 cup capacity.

Aldo Rossi was born in Milan (1931-1997),and is considered by many to be the greatest Italian architect of the second half of the 20th century. Like many talented architects he was able to turn his designing skills further a field.

The main features of  ‘La Cuplola’ are:

• La Cupola
• Espresso coffee maker
• In aluminium casting
• Handle and knob in PA
• Six cups
• Black colour
• Designed by Aldo Rossi
• Dimensions: 22.5cm x 29.5cm x 13cm

Technorati Tags: Alessi, Expresso Coffee Maker, kitchenware, La Cupola Coffee Pot, LaCupola

If you have followed recent posts,you will have come across some much loved Mr Men friends created by Roger Hargreaves. This excellent representation of Mr Grumpy is and does what it says on the mug. Enough probably said. Make a great Xmas stocking filler, though.  If you really want to make a point with a loved one ,why not zip over to the Amazon website here.

Technorati Tags: Mr Grumpy Mug, Mr.Men, Roger Hargreaves

The confluence of Art Deco and American ‘Pop’ culture conspires to bring this wonderfully distinctive kettle with marvellous retro flavours. Designed by celebrated American architect and designer, Michael Graves, this kettle is already considered by many as a design classic.The Alessi Electric Blue Bird Kettle  is crafted in stainless steel with a thermoplastic resin handle and base. The cordless Bluebird also boasts a handy anti-spray cap, anti-scale filter and the defining bird spout.

Technorati Tags: Alessi Electric Blue Bird Kettle, Kettles designed by Michael Graves

A blast from the past that is very much still of today is the long running hit British TV series: Doctor Who. The series continues, and the number of fans grows and grows. This is a true retro novelty,if that is not a contradiction in terms.

As you relax with a nice cuppa tea and reflect on your life, you can hold a cupful of nostalgia with the Doctor Who TARDIS Mug. As with the real Tardis ,it holds more than you think.

A beautifully finished mug that you can use , or just treasure. If you use it, you are entreated to remove the lid!

This item could be that special present you are looking for this Christmas for yourself ,or a Dr Who fan. To read more you can go to the firebox.com where this and other quirky but fascinating items can be seen.

Technorati Tags: Doctor Who Tardis Mug, novelty mug, retro ware

Time defying staples for  gracious living: tea,coffee, and sugar, and what kitchen can function without their containers? Simplistically designed but simply stylish kitchen cupboard items. This kitchenalia is

• beautifully presented in a stylish Vintage style gift box to make the ideal present
• Airtight seals keep contents really fresh and full of flavour
• Strong metal build
• Dishwasher safe
• Product Size: (H)12cm x (D)10.5cm

Technorati Tags: kitchenware, vintage style kitchen ware