YumSugar

Lulà Dog Bowls Look Like Snoopy

PetSugar — Thu, 06 May 2010 10:30:51 PDT

Baroooo, Lula wants her supper! From the designer of the lovely Lupita and Tigrito bowls, comes this style for the smaller pets. As part of the "Mountain of Dogs" project, this pooch is howling up at a moon from a mountain? According to the designer:

The mountaintop has the double task of protecting the food and preventing “lulà” from eating all day. but quite apart from the functional features, I wanted above all to give life to a landscape, to the dream of this mountain in the figurative tradition that I identify with so much.

Hmm, perhaps the dog is howling because she can't get at the food! Kidding, even though it's form over function for those all-day-snackers, this $80 style sure is sleek.

Alessi Anna G Cheese Grater: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:30:00 PST

Italy's Alessi has a thing for anthropomorphic kitchen tools, such as this Anna G Cheese Grater ($97).

The brightly colored tool lets you shred your parmesan with the likes of a little girl in an orange dress. But is it too precious?

Karim Rashid Alessiwatches: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

GeekSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:02:23 PDT

<The indomitable Karim Rashid - known for being a modern artist who puts his twist on practical household items - strikes again. Working with Italian company Alessi, Rashid has made an accessory that's bright, simple, and graphic - all the aesthetic properties I appreciate in my favorite websites and gadgets.

The Alessiwatch comes in black, green, light blue, brown, pink, violet, and red - and I'm already plotting out not which color to get, but which colors. Do these Alessiwatches do the same thing to you, or are you into a fancier or perhaps digital face?

Pampered Pals: Tigrito and Lupita

PetSugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:30:15 PDT

Tigrito ($80) and Lupita ($75) are certainly sleek bowls for your retro animals. Made by Italian-design house Alessi (makers of those origami bowls, too), the stainless-steel bowls are nestled in some pretty funky designs. I love that these products work in an easy handle as part of their style – am I the only one that needs to get a good grip on my pet's dishes when I'm trying to serve my frisky, furry friend?! I think these are perfect for your little wolves and tigers – I mean dogs and cats – and are a total conversation piece when guests come. I've already admitted that I totally splurged when it came to North's dinnerware, but would you consider upgrading to something like this?

Vengo Anch'io Origami Travel Bowl: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?

PetSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:00:16 PDT

Whether your road trips are long or short, bringing a travel bowl is key. For those more outdoorsy trips, you may not have the opportunity (or desire) to completely clean out your pet's dish every day. These origami travel bowls won't take up too much room in your pack and come in a flat-yet-foldable set of 10 ($21). If North had his way (and voice), he would say "vengo anch'io" when I leave as he always wants to come along with me wherever I go. Tell me when your pet is included on the next adventure, will these come along, too?

Nice and New(ish): Square Red Wire Basket

CasaSugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:00:04 PST

The MoMA Store has recently launched Destination: Alessi, a selection of limited-edition products reintroduced from the Alessi archive exclusively for MoMA. One of these products is the Alessi Square Red Wire Basket ($110, $99 for members), which was released in 1951 and 1966. The bowl is made of stainless steel and epoxy-polyester paint, and can be used in the kitchen for bread or fruit, or as a décor accent around the house. Personally, I think its sleek lines and bold color can stand on their own, but it could also serve as a place to stash your mail, keys, etc. or a bundle of sphere-shaped ornaments around the holidays. What do you think? Are you glad this basket has made a comeback?

Alien Citrus Squeezer: Love It Or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 01:42:11 PDT

Last week, when I was looking for citrus juicers to feature in the ultimate home bar, I stumbled across this little reamer that resembles an alien. I can't decide what I think of it. It seems functional: the bottom is a suction and the top is the juicer, but when I look at the alien face I wonder, cute or weird?? And is it just me or does it resemble a stereotypical portrayal of an early 20th century rice field working "Chinaman"? Created by the Italian design firm Alessi, this citrus juicer is a little too expensive at $39.00. For that much you could almost buy an electric juicer! What do you think: Is it adorable or freaky? Alien citrus squeezer: love it or hate it?

The Chin Family Table Set: Love It Or Hate It?

YumSugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 02:58:19 PDT

Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to the Chin Family. Designed by Stefano Giovannoni as a collaboration for the National Palace Museum of Taiwan and Alessi (the Italy-based design company), the Chin family is definitely a bit of whimsy for your tabletop. A five piece set includes (from left to right), Mr. & Mrs. Chin Salt & Pepper Set, Mr. Chin Kitchen Timer, Mr. Chin Egg Cup, King Chin Grinder and Queen Chin Grinder. Oh and each piece is sold separately ($26-$60) and is available in several different colors. There's something about these guys that are just too darn cute to pass on, but at the same time, I think they're just too much. How about you, what do you think of the Chin family?

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Whimsical Kitchen Finds

YumSugar — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 11:43:17 PST

Today's gift guide is all about the kitchen. Spruce his/hers up with one of these fun finds.

The folks at Alessi always come up with the niftiest products. This time they've created a glamorous way to serve up ice cream. The Big Love Ice Cream Bowl has a stainless center (which will help keep the ice cream cold longer) and a transparent fuchsia base. It also comes complete with a heart shaped spoon (which you can actually buy separately in a set of 6 for $36 or individually for $9).

The next item is something I actually put in the Yum Market a few months ago. However the Heart Tea Kettle is so appropriate for the season that I had to dig it back out and share it with you now. For $19.99 you can show your love with every cup of tea.

Two more Valentine's Day finds, so

This adorable, shiny Red Bread Bin will add a burst of cheer to anyone's kitchen counter. It will look wonderfully festive for Valentine's Day, but it will also look great year round.

Looking for something whimsical to brighten his/her day? How about this Heart Bended Spoon. Although it is meant to be bought in bulk (for wedding favors, etc.), you can purchase one for $2.99. The unique bending characteristic will allow you to easily rest the spoon in a cup or a bowl.

Ring in Spring With a Colorful Breakfast Setting

Angela Swinderman Elias — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 04:00:46 PST

The easiest way to celebrate seasonal shifts in your home is by switching out smaller decorative accessories. I'm already fantasizing about setting the perfect Spring table, and for me that means a modern but colorful spread in a sunny breakfast nook.

Instead of the traditional flowers in a vase centerpiece, I like the idea of creating a more sculptural version that becomes the focus of the table. I love the idea of taking a terrarium vase and filling it with shallow water, pale yellow freesia, and green succulents for a fresh take on Spring posies. Make your own or save yourself the time by snagging this Zen World arrangement ($150, top, left).

Known for having exquisitely designed wares for foodies and hostesses alike, Alessi's new 1-cup size Moka Alessi Espresso Coffee Maker ($40, top, center) is just as handy as it is adorable. Breakfast for two becomes even more fun with a pair of these mini espresso makers sitting on the table.

These Arzberg Tric Egg Cups ($20 for two, bottom, left) also double as napkin rings! There's nothing better than tabletop items that can serve double duty, especially when they have sleek, powder blue silhouettes.

Click on the items above to shop directly to create your own Spring breakfast setting!