So, I'm going for form over function for this one..

16 years ago

Okay, so I have a perfectly good OXO Good Grips paper towel holder sitting on my kitchen counter. It's served us well these past three years. Wasn't in the market for a new holder.

Then, a postcard arrives in the mail from a well-known dept store, showing off one of Michael Aram's newest collections. I see, and lust after, the Botanical Leaf collection paper towel holder. Some background info--blessed with gift cards from one store, various coupons and sales at another, and a wonderfully indulgent husband (at times!), I've been fortunate to purchase a few of the beautiful Michael Aram pieces I've admired.

So, with an anniversary coming up, and a good coupon, I purchased said paper towel holder, knowing it would look absolutely lovely on my kitchen counter, and it does!

Don't you agree that its looks trump its functionality ....?

*for the record, the OXO holder works well with completely full rolls of paper towels, less so as the rolls dwindle down, so the functionality of both might not be too disparate.

PS I did get it for less than the price shown. :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Micahel Aram Botanical Leaf paper towel holder

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Comments (17)

Buehl
16 years ago
We all need some expensive jewelry! And hey, I like it!

[Don't feel guilty about it...I think it's a great addition to your kitchen! We all need some "form" in our lives...and kitchens!]
beekeeperswife
16 years ago
I like it. I want it. You know I have the leaf trivet on my wall. I bought it at a conignment shop. I need this to show up there, soon.
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cat_mom
Original Author
16 years ago
bee--it just came out, so it would have been too long a wait for me for it to show up at a consignment shop...! I was thinking of you (and your trivet, which I still want!) when I posted!

Thanks for the vote of confidence buehl!!!
Jbrig
16 years ago
Looove it! Very nice!
plllog
16 years ago
Just came out?? I've been lusting after it for months! (Also MA fan) I'm being good and using my old oak one with the finish half off.

I'm SOOOO happy you got it!!!!! I know you'll enjoy it and that makes me feel happier about old oaky.

Titchadshi. May you be renewed.
firstmmo
16 years ago
Love Michael Aram. I have wanted his salad tongs for so long but they seem so pricey when just a $2 tong will work....maybe one day after I finish spending on this kitchen! Good for you! BTW I think a papertowel holder is much more practical (LOL) than salad tongs...so I think you're justified.
cat_mom
Original Author
16 years ago
I am glad my forum friends agree!

I will say that we've been living in this house for almost 11 1/2 yrs. We bought it as is/needed lots of work (still needs more, but we're finally closing the gap!). With the exception of structural items (insulation, a new boiler, A/C, lighting, windows, siding, doors, the new kitchen and guest bathroom....), we hadn't bought anything else for the house in all that time. No furniture or decorative items until about 1 1/2-2 yrs ago. If you had seen what our old couch looked like when we finally tossed it out (torn ans shredded fabric--stuffing sticking out--just lovely!)--eeek!!! I guess I am making up for lost time by indulging in some pretty things finally! I really have done quite well using gift cards, in-store sales, and discounts for my purchases which makes me appreciate them even more.

Thanks guys!
chicagoans
16 years ago
Kitchen bling! Awesome!

I agree with this line from the description (I bet we all do!):

"Michael felt that pieces which are generally left out on kitchen counter and table tops should be as decorative as they are highly functional." Yep, and I'd extend that to include outlets, switchplates, knobs and pulls and any other visible item in a gorgeous kitchen.
westsider40
16 years ago
I'm very happy for you. We all need some beauty in our lives.

And the good thing is that if you need a handful of paper towels to clean up a yucky mess in a hard to reach place, it will make it so much nicer. Enjoy.
Jodi_SoCal
16 years ago
Wonderful cat_mom! I love Michael Aram designs. I have one of his awesome fruit bowls. One that he no longer sells. It's my favorite thing in the kitchen besides my Fire & Ice backsplash.

Jodi-
rookie_2010
16 years ago
Oooooh, I love that. I've never heard of Michael Aram. I just checked out the website and my first thought: "The GWers are gonna get me in trouble!" Thanks for introducing me! Back to my browser-window-shopping now........
eandhl
16 years ago
Form -- Beautiful kitchen jewelry art and I bet it functions just fine too.
cat_mom
Original Author
16 years ago
I knew I could count on you guys! :-)
ginabmg
16 years ago
Curse you all!!! (just kidding about that) I didn't know this stuff existed until now and I have spent a happy hour drooling on the MA website and I am completely in love w/o even seeing this stuff in person!!! I need to have at least one of these stunning pieces to reward myself once the kitchen is completed!!
cat_mom
Original Author
16 years ago
We met him at a signing event this past December, and he is just as nice as can be. Enthusiastic about his designs, and genuinely thrilled for the purchaser of each and every piece. He even signed the free gift-with-purchase (which the store personnel were trying to discourage), and signed items purchased prior to the "event" (again, against the "rules," but he didn't pay any attention to that!).
plumberry
16 years ago
Cat_mom your story is just like mine -except that you are further along. I'm in my 11th year in our house that has needed work (and furniture) and we are finally getting close to beginning our project. yay!
I love your taste in paper towel holders and it'll be perfect in your beautiful kitch.
bmorepanic
16 years ago
Those cake plates are 2die4 too.