10 designs on a shoestring

We’d all love to give our kitchens a designer makeover, but in these cash-strapped times… well, we can’t always have what we want. But we can still introduce a dash of designer chic to our kitchens with some stylish gadgets, accessories, utensils or tableware – if the price is right, of course. Here, we’ve rounded up our favourite, great-value kitchen items of the moment. They all combine practicality with eye-catching design – and most importantly, they won’t break the bank.

Basket case
Distinctive design and great value are the hallmarks of eco-friendly company Bambu – as these nesting baskets show. Made in Vietnam from organic bamboo, and available either in a natural hue or dyed in a range of funky colours, they are ideal catch-alls for fruit, veg or bread. They come in sets of three, ranging from £8.50 to £17 (01380 818515; Bambu Boutique).

Sign of the time
Here’s something that’s useful, affordable and innovative all at once. Keep an eye on cooking times with this 60-minute chrome and black rubber timer, £10 at David Mellor (01433 650220; David Mellor).

The big squeeze
There’s nothing like a good, freshly squeezed juice, so why not treat yourself to the simple yet stylishly designed Cuisipro Citrus Juicer, £12.98 at Whisk (020 8995 8990; Whisk Cooking).

Weighing in
Typhoon’s new slimline electronic scales come in a great range of Pantone colours, which give them a funky, arty air. We’ve pictured Lollipop Red, but they also come in Raspberry Rose, Calla Green, Dazzling Blue and Liquorice. Available from September, £20 (020 8974 4750; Typhoon Housewares).

Mincer charming
Divertimenti’s Wondermincer looks like a much more expensive piece of kit than the £21.48 price tag would suggest. Made of tough plastic, it has a powerful suction cup on the base and is available in black, white or red. It also comes with two interchangeable cutting discs and is dishwasher-safe (0870 129 5026; Divertimenti).

Espresso yourself
Espressos and macchiatos are usually a restaurant treat, but now you can make your own with this sleek and sexy Venus espresso maker from La Cafetière. Made from stainless steel, it’s compatible with all hob types, including induction. The four-cup model costs £30 (La Cafetiere).

Flash in the pan
New from The Conran Shop this autumn is Well Considered, a range of inexpensive designer items. The heavy-duty cookware, made by De Buyer, features dinky red handles. The 28cm frying pan (below) costs £25 and the 24cm sauté pan (above) is £39. Available from 18 August (0844 848 4000; Conran Shop).

Top of the pots
Enamelled cast ironware gives a kitchen a classy look but it doesn’t come cheap, so we welcome the Chef’s Classic Enamelled Cast Iron Cookware selection from Cuisinart, in luscious red. The range of six starts at £30 for a grill pan, and the 20cm round casserole costs £50 (see Cuisinart Cookware for stockists).

Grate expectations
Fans of the iconic Microplane grater will be pleased to know that they’ll get four utensils for the price of one with this new product. The box grater comes with a fine grater for nutmeg, garlic and ginger; an extra-coarse grater for Cheddar, apples and courgettes; a medium ribbon grater for chocolate, almonds and onions; and a slicer for cheese, fruit and vegetables. It costs £38 from Salamander Cookshop (0845 680 0258; Salamander Cookshop).

Blades of glory
Anything endorsed by Monsieur Blanc has to be the business – and this seven-piece knife block in the Raymond Blanc by Anolon range comes with some hefty bonuses on top. The ergonomically designed knives – their blades made from hardened steel – deliver a professional performance, while the birchwood block with integrated chopping board lends a stylish touch. So, you’re getting quite a lot of style and substance for your £125 (visit Meyer Group for details of stockists).