Snapdragons and teapots: Making the Mundane Fun

Shopping in new places always wakes you up to new labels, particularly in these times of internet shopping and blogs where you can sometimes feel like you've seen it all before.

Poking through the boutiques in Fremantle, Western Australia recently, I discovered two labels I hadn't paid any attention to before - Cath Kidston (http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/) which is actually stocked in Peter Alexander; and Pylones of Paris. Both brands have used fabrics, concepts or art to turn basic housekeeping tools into fun little implements that are guaranteed to make you smile.

Cath Kidston is very English, with loads of roses and liberty prints to satisfy your most die hard Jane Austen reader. Her pieces are given a modern edge with bright colours, and extra details that make you want to go that extra mile when you boil the kettle in preparation for a nice cup of tea and a sit down...

Speaking of tea - these tea cups and tea cosy are ridiculously cute!

And what's more English than a pair of Wellies? Glastonbury Festival anyone?

Cath hasn't forgotten the children either... The fine tradition of high tea is established early here.

The Pylones of Paris range (I realised when I saw these little gems we have a Pylones vegetable peeler in our house! I hadn't know what it was previously) is a little more fun, with cute designs for the most boring of tasks...

Exhibit A - The dust pan&broom. Remade to Cinderella & Prince Charming.