Cool Finds: 15 Modern Favorites Under $50
Have a little more fun everyday with these stylish and affordable home accessories
Whether styling an outfit or your home, we've all heard the general rule of thumb: Mix high with low. It's also simply a practical matter when trying to find what to splurge on and where to save. I often ask myself, "Do I really need this?" And while the answer usually lies somewhere in between, "Absolutely!" and "Not really," it's always assuring to know that I shopped for style, and not just for price. Here are 15 of my favorite everyday products that score in both categories: high impact modern design pieces that will have your wallet thanking you.
Geo Dish Drainer
These gradients and planes of blue can easily be mistaken for a sculpture on your countertop. Designed by Jorre van Ast who was inspired by the contour lines and levels of geography, this absolutely brings the cool back into doing the dishes. The plastic mat takes up little space, and as the water drains downwards it makes you appreciate your dry dishes all the more.
Pantone Magazine Holder
What's not to love? Add a bold swatch of Pantone color to add just the right amount of color punch to any wall. Get one in each of 7 colors, and neatly tuck away all your stray publications and papers. Each magazine rack also comes with 6 magnets to pin your easy-to-lose to-do lists and receipts.
Pantone swatches available: 377C-Macaw green, 186C-Ruby Red, 14-0848-Mimosa, 286C-Royal Purple, 672C-Pastel Lavender, 15-5519-Turquoise and Cool Grey 10C.
Pantone swatches available: 377C-Macaw green, 186C-Ruby Red, 14-0848-Mimosa, 286C-Royal Purple, 672C-Pastel Lavender, 15-5519-Turquoise and Cool Grey 10C.
Magnetic Spice Stand
Who knew storing spices could be so stylish? These 6 magnetic jars can conveniently house your most commonly used spices. Let's see here: basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary...
Otto Floss Holder
Yes, flossing can be fun! Especially if this little guy, called The Otto by Alessi, helps dispense it. Designed by Stefano Pirovano in 1998, open his back and put in your standard floss and have fun pulling the string out of his mouth. Also comes in blue, dark blue, or pink so you can choose one that will match the rest of your bathroom decor.
Cheese Markers, Set of Six
These porcelain markers will have you saying cheese. Perfect for parties and letting your guests know what exactly they're eating. You can use a crayon or dry-erase marker to source your cheeses, and after the party's over, it will come right off, making the markers ready for your next social gathering. At $9.95 for a set of 6, there's nothing not to like!
Flying Hook
Do you have a favorite piece of clothing that you just love to admire? I know I do. These flying hangers are great for creating art out of your fashion pieces to give them the extra special attention they deserve.
Spudski - Potato Masher
I know what I'm going to be using to mash my potatoes this Thanksgiving. Inspired by the old-fashioned ski pole (with a cross stitch detail on the back of a colorful rubber handle), this "Spudski" potato masher has an ergonomic easy-to-grip rubber handle that makes it easy to hold from any angle. The design of the mashing plate also pushes vegetables away from the stem to help it mash faster and to self clean itself. Gravy, anyone?
Strap
These giant rubberbands will have a tight grip on your newspapers and stray papers. Stylishly sleek, they'll snap anything into place — including good and bad reading!
Lip Tease Teacup and Saucer
Ever wish you had Midas's touch? Let that dream materialize with this cup and saucer. The beauty of this golden kiss isn't lost in the clean design of the bone china. Also available with a platinum kiss.
Dalfred Bar Stool
This super stylish black bar stool with adjustable seat height and foot rest is $39.99. Enough said.
Breakfast Express, Eggcup
All aboard the breakfast express! Adorably modern, this train car lets your egg roll in style. Also available are the Toast Rack and the Salt and Pepper Cellar. These ceramic and wooden wheeled additions to your tabletop would make it hard not to play with your food.
Unzipped Glass Bag
I've got to admit that there aren't very many ways to top a plastic baggie — except to make it glass. This hand-blown permanent baggie is left open and eager for you to add in some colorful candy, your pet goldfish (while you're cleaning out his real home) or anything, really.
Same Same But Different Glasses
These clever drinking glasses designed by Norway Says live up to their "Same Same But Different" name and would make a great conversation piece over breakfast. Each of the three glasses has a different shape, but each holds the same amount of liquid. Try fooling your family next time you volunteer to pour the orange juice.
Conceal Book Shelf
Here's a product that helps you practice some practical magic. This hanging shelf lets your book titles tell their own story with its minimal and unobtrusive design. Install a row of them and amaze your guests with the disappearing act.
CableBox
One of the most popular products on Houzz, (added to 566 ideabooks and counting), is this cable box. Just about everyone suffers from cluttered cables, but this little box lets you tuck those little black snakes away, leaving you with a clean and pleasant design element.
More: Guest blogger product picks
More: Guest blogger product picks