The retro kitchen items gaining designer status

Even the most passed-over and discarded tables, clocks and tea sets are finding their way to display cases in design museums thanks to a renewed interest in 20th-century household objects.

Whether it’s a Juicy Salif by Philippe Starck circa 1990 or a Michael Graves Whistling Kettle from 1985, these designer pieces are regularly sought by those who either once had these items at home or had always admired them but never bought them.

Even the most passed-over and discarded tables, clocks and tea sets are finding their way to display cases in design museums

“These pieces are also attracting the eye of a younger audience, keen to add a touch of the 1980s glam to their apartment,” says Rebecca Stormont, a design specialist at Leonard Joel. “Many of the most popular items are often household objects produced by companies such as Alessi working with key designers such as Philippe Starck, Marc Newson or Alessandro Mendini.”

The Smith Street Bazaar in Smith Street, Fitzroy, is well known not only for its collection of designer furniture and lighting but also for the many household objects in display cases that frame the showroom. As well as household items such as Michael Graves’ Whistling Kettle, one can often spot his salt and pepper shakers, along with his corkscrew, also from the mid-1980s.

One of Graves’ kettles is priced at $350. If it’s an espresso coffee machine you’re after, the Smith Street Bazaar has two designed by Richard Sapper, a smaller one priced at $240 and a larger one with a price tag of $480 – both in good working condition. Starck’s Juicy Salif regularly appears on the shelves, selling for between $200 and $300.

Starck’s Juicy Salif regularly appears on the shelves, selling for between $200 and $300.

“Many of these items are purchased for the customer’s own use, but we’re also finding many being bought for special gifts such as weddings or special anniversaries,” says Angus Green, the store’s manager. “Vases are also strong, starting at $150 to up to $1,000, particularly for the Italian and German designs,” he says.

While many of the household items sold at the Smith Street Bazaar have come from the back of kitchen cupboards and only discovered by children or grandchildren, others, such as Marc Newson’s ‘Unbreakable Collection’ of plastic utensils, circa 2013, are perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Designed by Newson, who is based in London and produced by Melbourne-based company Palm Products, a 20-piece set that’s never been used comes with an affordable price tag of $189. “Our clients gravitate to many of the items from the 1980s, ’90s and early naughties. But we tend to carry items from every era, predominantly the 20th century,” says Green.

While the generous floorspace, spread over two levels, allows Green and his team to stock a variety of pieces, Arnold Kieldgaard, who owns Potts Point Vintage in Potts Point, Sydney, is operating from only a 50-square-metre store.

As well as household items such as Michael Graves’ Whistling Kettle, one can often spot his salt and pepper shakers, along with his corkscrew, also from the mid-1980s.Credit:Smith Street Bazaar

As a result, the items need to be worth collecting. One item that does often take up space, but is worth displaying, is the 1950s laminate table, complete with vinyl chairs and bakelite canisters. Often these settings are presented in their original condition or alternatively, taken to a nearby factory to be restored.

“A restored table can cost upwards of $2,000,” says Kieldgaard. Also popular are the tea sets, including teapots, plates and teacups from the 1920s and ’30s and still produced up until the 1960s. “Those sets with a royal crescent stamped on them can cost up to $2,500.”

And although these pieces are ‘eye candy’ for many younger people, they often refrain from buying them when told that they’re not dishwasher proof. “The gold disappears in the dishwasher. These sets need to be carefully handwashed,” he says.

Some of these items can be found in the back of cupboards, simply forgotten about. And often it takes a trip to a design museum or even a specialist store to appreciate the value of these household items.

“Many of these items were originally mass-produced, but there are certain things that are now resurfacing,” says Stormont, referring to a mantle clock by Michael Graves that recently sold at Leonard Joel for $550.

• Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.

Stephen Crafti is a specialist in contemporary design, including architecture, furniture, fashion and decorative arts.

The Money with Jess newsletter helps you budget, earn, invest and enjoy your money. Sign up to get it every Sunday.

Most Viewed in Money

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article