I sometimes get this guilty feeling for being a bit of a snob when it comes to kitchen supplies. I’ve generally written it off as a side effect of being a designer — and therefore a sucker for “pretty things”. However, there is a nice side effect of spending a bit more for the higher-quality stuff, and that is that it tends to last longer — therefore reducing waste and energy use. The idea of purchasing items that last rather than trendy gadgets we use and get bored of turns out to be a key component in our efforts to live a more sustainable lifestyle. As discussed in the most recent issue of Good Magazine, a vast amount of energy is consumed creating the everyday products we use. And when we toss them out for something new, we not only contribute to the environmental waste in our landfills, we also essentially waste the energy put into producing the product. By spending a little more for an item that is beautiful, functional and timeless, such as a good set of knives, nice pots and pans or perhaps going for the vintage plates and cups, we not only set ourselves up for a more stylish (and fun to use) kitchen, we also reduce our impact by increasing the length of time we use these energy-expensive products. So I plan to let the guilt go…and save my pennies for the lovely items I love with the anticipation of holding on to them — and hopefully passing them along some day.

I love a home cooked meal, but I also love the process of making that meal — and the various tools we use to make and serve that meal. It’s hard to deny the ability of a funky plate or a fantastic towel to add a little joy and inspiration to the whole business of mixing food together over a hot stove. It’s even better when you feel like you’ve found something unique (and cheap) to add to your kitchen or table that helps make it your own. Above are a few of the treasures I brought back with me from my recent trip to Idaho — including a few kitchen towels, a set of cool retro salt and pepper shakers, some Japanese coasters and a couple of new cookbooks to add to the growing collection.