Guest Picks: Kitschy Kitchen
These quirky finds bring some fun and personality into your cooking space
Kitsch is traditionally a term of contempt for a lower form of art awash in sentimentality, but I think our modern selves have reclaimed value in that which others deem tasteless. I, for one, appreciate objects that evoke memories and sentiments. A little odd, a little nostalgic, a little cute, a little creepy — whatever kitsch is, it's certainly more interesting. — Meaghan from The Decorated Cookie
Photos & Products
Sweetness in Store Container - $16.99
This tin reminds me of childhood. I have no connection to anything related to this tin, but just the feeling it evokes reminds me of being little. For a kitschy-kitchen touch, I'd find several of these and fill them with cookies, coffee, tea and sugar.
Little Red Riding Hood Tea Pot - $44
While it seems a bit odd to pour hot tea into Little Red Riding Hood's head, given the quirks of the original tale, it seems about right. This teapot still manages to be completely adorable.
Hello Kitty Microwave - $99.99
For those utterly devoted to (and maybe a little mad about) Hello Kitty, even your microwave can ooze cuteness.
Western TV Tray - $30
I hope that these Western TV trays are used appropriately — meaning sitting on the couch watching reruns of old sitcoms while supping on a Swanson's TV dinner.
Garden Gnome Shaker Set - $9
Sneaky gnomes are trying to hide in your garden! Put them where they belong: on your table disguised as salt and pepper shakers.
Cookie Loves Milk by Threadless - $35
The sentiment expressed brings tears to my eyes a little. This is just a little cookie-and-milk love for your walls.
Russian Dolls Measuring Cups, Set of 3 - $12.99
While I never got on the bandwagon, I know people who go nuts for all things Babushka. What is it about Russian nesting dolls — the vintage factor, the level of cute? Yeah, I can see it now.
ACME Magnet - $2
All the best products are found in cartoons — I'm pretty sure this is a given. Every fridge needs children's artwork hung with the finest Acme has to offer.
Vintage Flower Storage Bowls - $30
If it weren't for the fact that these vintage storage bowls are brand spankin' new, I'm pretty sure the first assumption would be that you snatched them from your mom's — or grandmom's — kitchen.
Blink Ketchup & Mustard Bottles - $24
Um, your ketchup is watching you. A mix of creepy and cool, but definitely kitsch, these bottles also blink when you turn them upside down.
Palmer's Cove Dishtowel - $34
Yes, those are skewers of shrimp on that dishtowel. I believe that is the definition of "kitsch."
Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener - $10
Even though I was born after Coca-Cola caps became twist off, I can still appreciate any relic from bygone days. Besides, you can honor the past with your beer bottles, too. The company that makes these has been making them for 80 years.
Dish Play Gloves - $12
It's been a long time since I drew faces on my hands like this, and whatever happened to dish gloves? Does anyone use them anymore? These bring me back two times over.
Rubik's Cube Coasters - $19.99
So you could never master the Rubik's Cube. Don't feel bad about that. Neither could I — and I'm a genius. Well, that's what I told myself when I admitted defeat. I'm assuming at least the coaster versions are easy to put back together.
Retro Groceries Fabric - $15
This fabric absolutely must be made into kitchen curtains. I can think of no other use, except maybe potholders or dishtowels. This site has other retro-feeling kitchen fabrics, too. I could hardly decide!
Assorted Flower Dish Brushes - $5.18
I'm pretty sure I'd still feel like I was doing a chore while washing dishes, even with these cheery dish brushes — but I appreciate the effort. Plus, they'd look cute standing by the sink in between dishes. Is there such a thing as "in between dishes?"
Jessie Steele Oven Mitt, Kitchen Cherry - $10
If cherries are your thing, there's an apron, towel and tote bag to match!
Pig Cooking Lid - $24
This piggy cooking lid is adorable — except for the whole looks-like-he's-melting thing. The steam comes out his snout. It's a must-have.
Metal Dustpan, Striped - $26
This would add a little zing when I'm brushing up spilled flour, sugar, salt, cat food, Cheerios, Goldfish — there are a lot of spills in my house.
Kitchen Timer Cow - $12
Every single kitchen needs a cow timer. Of course, this moos when time is up.
Next: Guest Picks: Aqua and Red Kitchen Accessories
Next: Guest Picks: Aqua and Red Kitchen Accessories