Guest Picks: Household Basics That Don't Do Boring

I’m so drawn to really well-designed and unique everyday items. Power strips and extension cords are not the first things that come to mind when decorating, but these small touches can add a lot to thoughtful home decor. And just because most garden hoses come in one boring color doesn’t mean they all have to, right? While some of these items (ahem, gorgeous La Cornue stove) might break the bank, many of the other things on this list would be awesome Christmas presents. I know I’d appreciate any of these for years to come. — Camilla from Camilla Leila

Cloth Extension Cord, Solid Red - $38 I’m not sure why it didn’t occur to me years ago to hunt for a well-designed extension cord. I would be happy to see this thing in my home.


Ganji Kankiri Can Opener - $16 I sort of love this unique can opener, even if I don’t completely understand how it works.


Match Case - $8.50 What a cool way to store matches! I am constantly looking for a lighter or a box of matches around my house, and I love this idea.


Hookeychain Magnet - $16 A magnetic keychain and key holder combination would be a really sweet stocking stuffer for the busy workaholic in your life.


Dog Lead With Fluoro Pink stitching - GBP 16.20 My husband and I have puppies on our minds, and I have been hunting for a leash. I think I’ve found it!


Pivot Power - $29.99 I still think design has a long way to go in the power strip department, but I appreciate this one. It’s simple but functional, and I think I’d smile every time I looked at it. Buy on Houzz


Slim & Light Professional Garden Hose, Orange - $59.95 I’ve written about this garden hose before, and I still think it’s a great product.


Umbra Slat Bamboo Dish Rack - $29.99 Ah, the drying rack has been a source of anxiety for many years for me. They are so often poorly designed, and I hate having them on my countertop. But I think I could wrap my head around a cool rack like this.


Trash Can - $99.95 You might not believe it when I say that my husband and I have massive frustration with our current garbage can. It’s sleek and modern, sure, but a total pain to use. I love the look and size of this one.


Behrens 20-Gallon Steel Trash Can - $14.89 I’m not a fan of those big plastic garbage bins that the city makes you keep your outdoor garbage in. I’d much rather use this one. (And I do — I keep all my chicken feed in bins like this.)


Hearthside Tool Set - $179 I love the simplicity of this fire tool set. Now if only I had a fireplace.


Laundry Cart Rectangular Collection, Natural - $129 Laundry bins like these might not work for me because I have to lug my laundry downstairs, but I think they look really cool, and I want them anyway.


Retro Microwave, Jadite Green - $640 I’m so sick of my boring microwave, and I love the retro look of this one.


Magimix by Robot-Coupe Vision Toaster - $249.95 If I had a toaster like this, you’d find me staring at it every morning.


La Cornue CornuFé Stove, Provence Blue With Chrome and Brass - $8,600 This is my dream. Huge stainless steel stoves are great and all, but why not add a little more character to the kitchen?


File Cabinet, 5-Drawer, Turquoise - $995 I never understood the importance of file cabinets until I got married and (sort of) became an adult. I can’t get past all the terrible file cabinets out there, but I am fond of this towering beauty. It might even be something to consider as a DIY project.


Bamboo Charging Station and Organizer - $79 It seems there are a million things to charge these days: phones, cameras, MP3 players, tablets etc. I think an organizational unit like this is essential. Plus, it would take care of the messiness that comes with things charging all over the place.


Front-Loading Toolbox - $94 As much as I appreciate my little orange tool kit from Ikea, I think I would be much happier reaching for the hammer if it were stored in something as cool as this.

Next: Styling Basics: 8 Favorite Accessories to Finish Your Space

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