The Opening Note
After more than a decade immersed in the world of interiors, I’ve learned that some of the most meaningful objects in a home aren’t the grand gestures, but the quiet workhorses we reach for every single day. Nowhere is this truer than in the kitchen – the room that, for me, has always held a special kind of magic.
The kitchen was my favorite room in the house growing up. My mother was a keen cook, and our kitchen was very much like a chef’s kitchen, equipped with all the modern conveniences you’d expect from a professional setup. I can still picture her at the kitchen counter, confidently preparing meals for the whole family, her movements assured and unhurried. I would sit nearby, watching as she chopped, stirred, seasoned, and tasted, absorbing the comforting rhythm of it all. The soft hum of appliances, the warmth of the oven, the clatter of pans – it was in those moments that I first understood how a kitchen becomes the true heart of a home.
This week on The Very British Edit, I’m turning my attention to the icons that make that heart beat: the beautifully designed appliances that earn their place on the countertop year after year. From the stand mixer that anchors weekend baking sessions to the perfectly weighted kettle that greets us each morning, these pieces don’t just perform tasks; they shape the rituals that make a kitchen feel lived-in, welcoming, and deeply personal.
Great British design has a particular talent for balancing form and function. Many of our most beloved kitchen appliances are instantly recognisable, their silhouettes woven into the fabric of everyday life. Built to last, they combine purpose, craftsmanship, and quiet confidence rather than chasing trends. They sit on the countertop not as clutter but as companions: the stand mixer passed down through generations, the toaster that has seen countless hurried mornings, the kettle whose soft whistle signals a pause. And more recently, the non-toxic air fryer, a modern kitchen essential that has quickly earned its place on the countertop.
In this edition, I’ll be spotlighting kitchen icons that truly earn the title – appliances that pair utility with soul, efficiency with elegance. They do more than help us cook; they shape the ways we gather, unwind, and create warmth at the heart of the home. For anyone who values thoughtful design, heritage craftsmanship, and tools built to endure, this is a celebration of the everyday objects that enrich our routines – and prove that the hardest-working pieces in a home can also be the most beautiful.
The Edit: Kitchen Icons
Spotlight: Dualit
Few kitchen brands have achieved the status of a true design icon quite like Dualit. Since Max Gort-Barten invented the flip-sided toaster in 1946, the brand has become synonymous with craftsmanship, durability, and timeless style. What began as a single mechanical toaster in a Camberwell factory has grown into a collection of appliances that balance performance with enduring aesthetic appeal – stand mixers, blenders, kettles, and, of course, the legendary toaster, all built to be used, loved, and proudly displayed on the countertop.
I’ve owned my Dualit toaster (the same one on Amazon) for over 20 years, and I adore it. It has been a constant companion in my kitchen, reliably browning my bread to perfection morning after morning. Its durability, design, and effortless functionality make it one of those rare appliances that feel indispensable, yet beautiful enough to keep on display.
Dualit’s appeal lies not only in its design but also in its story. Over the decades, the brand has maintained a commitment to innovation while honouring the principles of quality and reliability that made it a household name in Britain. From its early appearances in John Lewis and Harrods to its presence in modern kitchens across the globe, Dualit has proven itself a trusted companion in homes that value both style and function.
What makes Dualit especially compelling today is its ability to feel contemporary without ever losing its heritage. Each appliance carries the quiet elegance of thoughtful design, whether it’s a sleek blender, a perfectly proportioned kettle, or the signature toaster that has become a staple for families for generations. They are tools that help shape the heart of the home – making morning routines smoother, entertaining effortless, and everyday cooking a joy.
Recently, Dualit has been gaining popularity in the US as well, earning fans among design-conscious households who appreciate British craftsmanship and the blend of practicality with elegance. For anyone seeking kitchen appliances that are as beautiful as they are functional, and that transform the simple act of cooking into a ritual worth savouring, Dualit remains unmatched.
In the Queue
Next week on The Very British Edit, I’ll be moving on from celebrating kitchen icons to embracing the season with friends and family. As the days grow shorter and the evenings cooler, our homes become places for connection – where style meets hospitality and every detail matters. This edition celebrates the elements that make a table feel festive and unforgettable: elegant serving dishes, sparkling glassware, and holiday candles that cast a warm, inviting glow.
I’ll be highlighting pieces that elevate entertaining into an art form – items that are as beautiful as they are functional, helping create gatherings that feel effortless, welcoming, and deeply celebratory. If you love thoughtful design and seasonal touches that delight your guests, this is for you.
I’ll also be spotlighting Jo Malone, a brand cherished not only in the UK but across the USA, celebrated for its luxurious fragrances and exquisitely crafted candles. Instantly giftable and brimming with sophistication, its pieces add a signature touch to any festive table, making them a favourite on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.
