Kitsch Kitchens for Kitchenistas

So I like to add the odd touch of current interior design trends to my home, but was left wondering whether I took it a little too far today after buying a pack of stylish dishcloths (yes I do strange things like this from time to time). I questioned how stylish can a dishcloth be? To be precise these are coral coloured with large white polka dots designed by Sarah Smith. The fact they have a named designer...somebody who has actually thought about the significance of the dishcloth amongst a stainless steel sink, means I actually chose them over a packet of perfectly functional Sainsbury's own brand, industrial yellow dishcloths. I find it peculiar myself how these quirky design features are making it onto anything and everything and I keep investing in these Kitsch little pieces. I have seen boutique inspired flock patterned serving trays (in fact I own a black and white one myself), utensils that sing chic and colour block kitchen storage ideas that make me want to buy the whole of bodum and change my kitchen colour scheme to white and lime...or maybe red and cream...there are just so many options now which indicate Suzie Homemakers have come on a long way since Formica and tinted Pyrex. I think it's a sign of the times the way trends are merging into each other...fashion, packaging, interiors, jewellery, gadgets and accessories seem to be picking up on each other's themes and subtly infusing them into their relevant products. Even the humble dust pan and brush has had a makeover Essex style with jewelled handles...brushazzled we might say!

In a way it's as if interior design is evolving from when we were obsessed with the minimalistic sleek. Now accent colours lift the blank canvass and feature wallpaper is imitated on accessory design. I have a real thing for feature wallpaper, but as our plastering in the house is fairly new I've been banned from even looking at a Harlequin brochure...that's probably why I fill my place up with feature accessories to make up for it...a storage tin here, a coffee jar there...Thinking more culturally though, it appears that the creators of these products are homing in on what we subconsciously wish to reflect ourselves as. It's almost as if they're aware that we like to partly define ourselves by the things we own and by the features we inject materially into our lives. Strategically placing a square shaped dinner set in the cupboard, or a bespoke milk jug on the worktop; a sheek storage set - maybe with a hint of vintage or even those super classy dishcloths by the sink, can all shout out - look!! - this home is up to date, it's modern and organised and well kept. More so these commodities can be suggestive of budding kitchenistas proving their culinary and domestic worth to those that drop by for dinner or a cup of tea maybe. However, whether a vougish utensil really turns us into a masterchef is another thing, but I guess if it looks good, it makes us feel good and if we feel good, the things we rustle up in the kitchen will surely taste good too...so here are a pick of my favourite kitchenista style items available at the moment...Scroll over and click on the phrases below to see the products that can lift your kitchen from ditch to Kitsch...

The Sarah Smith designer dishcloths... 

Retro style Orla Kiely signature design items for kitchen - a revival of accent colour and design for modern day kitchens... 

Polly puts the kettle on 21st century style... 

Psychodelic placemats with the elegance of a Kensington dining room by Zara Home 

Funky flock pattern mugs

Minamalist black and white dinner set with an accented twist...

This polka dot red biscuit tin is a real treat...

Slick and sophisticated oil mist sprayers...

Paisley pattern teapot by Monsoon Cosmic...


Here are some of the items I have added to my home...

Shabby Chic spice storage tins





An attempt at Chic...