Our stories often focus on the talented designers, makers and artists in our midst – but we don’t always get a chance to bring together a broader round up of cleverly designed objects, beautiful pieces that perhaps point to an overarching trend, and which can be purchased locally. It’s time to dip our toe into this new territory, with a new monthly ‘market round-up’ column! Each month we’ll feature our own edit of beautifully designed pieces which we’re loving right now, linked broadly by function or theme.

We’re kicking off with a feature on creative cutlery. Yes. Really!

Written

Lucy Feagins

Clockwise from left to right: Handcrafted Sterling Silver Small Loop Handle Spoon by Anna Varendorff ($160.00), Sterling Silver Long Spoon by Anna Varendorff ($210.00), Sterling Silver Circle Line Circle Spoon by Anna Varendorff ($210.00), Sterling Silver Medium Spoon by Anna Varendorff ($170.00), Sterling Silver Small Spoon by Anna Varendorff ($140.00), Sterling Silver Long Circle Handle Spoon by Anna Varendorff ($240.00), Sterling Silver Twisted Handle Spoon by Anna Varendorff ($180.00), Sterling Silver Long Spoon by Anna Varendorff ($210.00), Sterling Silver Circle Circle Scoop by Anna Varendorff ($240.00), Cutipol Dinner Knife from Francalia ($26.00), Sterling Silver Large Serving Spoon by Anna Varendorff ($310.00), Dome Basalt Spoon by Anna Varendorff ($210.00 sold separately). Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Natalie Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.

Clockwise from left to right: Oslo Matte Black teaspoon from Third Drawer Down ($8.95), Oslo Matte Black tablespoon from Third Drawer Down ($10.95), Black butter knife from Cibi ($18.00), Wooden small spoon from Mr Kitly ($40.00) , Oslo Matte Black fork from Third Drawer Down ($10.95), Oslo Copper Pink tablespoon from Third Drawer Down ($10.95), Oslo Copper Pink teaspoon from Third Drawer Down ($8.95), Wooden large spoon from Mr Kitly ($70.00), Oslo Copper Pink fork from Third Drawer Down ($10.95), Oslo Copper Pink knife from Third Drawer Down ($10.95), Hovenia Wooden Spoon Large from Mr Kitly ($45.00). Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Natalie Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.

Clockwise from left to right: Tam spreader from Country Road ($7.95), Brass Muddler from Lightly ($15.00), Brass square spoon from Lightly ($10.00), Cutipol GOA 24 Carat Gold Matte coffee spoon from Francalia ($14.00), Cutipol GOA 24 Carat Gold Matte dessert knife from Francalia ($38.00), Cutipol GOA White 24 Carat Gold Matte dinner knife from Francalia ($40.00), Cutipol GOA White 24 Carat Gold Matte dinner fork from Francalia ($22.00), Cutipol GOA 24 Carat Gold Matte table spoon from Francalia ($22.00), Cutipol GOA 24 Carat Gold Matte dinner fork from Francalia ($22.00), Cutipol GOA White 24 Carat Gold Matte dinner knife from Francalia ($38.00). Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Natalie Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.

Clockwise from left to right: Alessi Tibadabo Spaghetti Serving Fork from Make Designed Objects ($44.95), Alessi Coffee Spoons Mixed (set of 8 various) from Make Designed Objects ($119.95), Face teaspoon from Daiso ($2.80), Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Natalie Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.

Three-piece picnic cutlery set from Mr Kitly ($65.00). Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Natalie Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.

Phillip Wave Cheese Knife Set from Make Designed Objects ($69.95). Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Natalie Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.

Clockwise from left to right: Cutipol GOA White Stainless Steel Moka spoon from Francalia ($10.00), Cutipol GOA White Stainless Steel Dessert Spoon from Francalia ($16.00), Handcrafted silver Paddle Spoon by Sydney designer Alison Jackson (set of four $1300.00), Cutipol GOA White Stainless Steel Dessert Fork from Francalia ($16.00), Cutipol GOA White Stainless Steel Dinner Knife from Francalia ($28.00), Handcrafted Cheese Tools by Sydney designer Alison Jackson ($230.00). Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Natalie Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.

Clockwise from left to right: Brass Serving Spoon by Studio Kyss ($180.00), Fine Silver Sugar Spoon by Rowsaan ($138.00), IHADA fork from Mr Kitly ($64.00), IHADA Muddler from Mr Kitly ($70.00), IHADA knife from Mr Kitly ($98.00), Brass Table Spoon by Studio Kyss ($130.00), Fine Silver Coffee Scoop by Rowsaan ($225.00), Brass Tea Spoon Studio Kyss ($70.00), Fine Silver Tea Leaf Spoon by Rowsaan ($145.00). Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Natalie Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.

Clockwise from left to right: Jam Factory Curved Salad Servers made in Adelaide, available from Make Designed Objects ($94.95), Cutipol Salad Serving Set (2 pieces) from Francalia ($70.00), Stelton Ribbon Salad Severs from Resident GP ($109.95), Stelton Salad Servers from Resident GP ($99.95). Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Natalie Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.

Stelton Norstaal E M (four piece set) from Make Design Object ($129.95), Moma Ramen Spoon and Fork from Make Designed Objects ($24.95). Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Natalie Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.

Writer

Lucy Feagins

8th of March 2015

The humble table tool can be more of a statement than you might think. When planning for a special meal, perhaps a significant birthday dinner or holiday feast, we might shop for new plates, table linen or serving dishes, but utensils are often overlooked. Necessities like knives, forks and spoons so often fall into ‘oh that’ll do’ territory, either bought in a crazy just-moved-house daze at Ikea, or handed down from some sympathetic family member when you first fly the nest.

I get it. Purchases for the home fall into various priority levels, there are things worth spending decent money on from the get-go (a good bed, TV, and super fast internet connection) and there are things that sit waaaay down on the priority list. And if a fork functions efficiently enough to get your pasta from table to tongue in under .05 of a second, you’re unlikely to demand a whole lot more of it.

But, dear readers, as with many things in life, the magic that sets the most memorable experiences apart from, well, everyday unremarkable-ness is always in the details. And the most unassuming, unexpected details can be the talking point of an entire evening – like serving each guest an espresso after dinner with a different silver spoon, from Alessi’s amazing set of 8 various sugar spoons (which we found at Make Designed Objects in Carlton – so great!).

We found some real gems in this line up, sure to illicit a smile next time you feed someone special. Like the BEST ramen ‘Spork’, which, as the name suggests, perfectly combines a soup spoon and noodle fork in one elegant instrument. Or Daiso’s genius ‘resting spoon’ which perches perfectly on the edge of your glass or cup.

And whilst a meal is generally better when shared, don’t be misguided into thinking that an investment in excellent cutlery is about impressing other people. If you start anywhere at all, I’d buy one perfect knife, fork and spoon for personal use only! Because even if it’s just you snuggled in your doona with a bowl of porridge, any meal can be made truly special if eaten with one of Cutipol’s exquisite 24 carat gold matte finish dinner spoons (which at $22.00 really is a very affordable moment of luxury to be savoured every morning!).

We’ve rounded up over 80 beautiful foodie utensils from a mix of local makers and retailers, established international design brands and even the odd unexpected discount store discovery. There is rather a LOT to admire, but once we got started sourcing, we just couldn’t stop…!

TOP PICKS from team TDF include everything and anything by Portugese brand Cutipol, designed and made in Europe and available locally through Francalia, the entire range is so understated and just insanely beautiful. We also swooned with delight over the perfectly imperfect silver spoons from local artist and maker Anna Varendorff (an excellent keepsake gift for a wedding, engagement or christening), and the Oslo matte black and pink copper cutlery ranges from Third Drawer Down (so striking, and starts at just $10.95).

Special thanks to our amazing styling assistant Natalie Turnbull for the epic sourcing and captioning effort for this story! TOP EFFORT.

We’re taking requests for our next product round up – let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll put our feelers out…!

Clockwise from left to right: Kobo Aizawa White cutlery set from Cibi ($80.00), Resting Spoon from Daiso ($2.80), locally made Pot Heads stirling silver knife and fork set by Kim Jaeger ($380.00), Copper Tip spoon from Cibi ($22.00), Copper tip fork from Cibi ($22.00). Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Natalie Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.