I absolutely love the smooth chicness of anything matte black, particularly in the kitchen. With so much that's already bright and shiny in that room — stainless steel appliances! Shimmering tile! Glossy ceramic plates! — I find matte textures a welcome diversion. They're understated yet still glamorous. Here are a few matte black kitchen and dining things I've had my eye on lately, from a simple faceted vase to a mind-blowing Bertazzoni range. (Guess which one I will not be purchasing anytime soon.)

I'm married to a scientist, so that fact that I haven't thought of this until now is kind of embarrassing. I currently have a 1000ml Pyrex beaker (well, technically a flask) that I brought home from a wedding. (The bride and groom — also scientists — used them as flower vases at the reception.) I'd been using it as a vase, too, when suddenly it dawned on me. These are actually perfect prep tools for cooking! They're non-porous, heat-, cold-, and crack-resistant, have easy-to-read measurements on the side, and a spout for pouring. So why aren't more people using them in the kitchen? Here are 3 reasons why we should all start: 

I am so obsessed with whisks. I have, at last count, seven whisks — including one spiral sauce whisk that is still buried in our moving boxes and I miss rather desperately. I use my whisks of varied sizes and shapes all the time for dressings, sauces, and yes, puddings, so this plethora of wire is not just for show. I'm always looking for an excuse to buy a new whisk, and so this incredibly clever design caught my eye — do you see what it does? 

Spring is in the air, finally! In celebration, I went looking for verdant and vibrant kitchen things in all shades of green. Here's to the end of dark, grey days and the beginning of a beautiful season — outside and in your kitchen!

You may not think you know Normann Copenhagen, but chances are you'd recognize a few of their classic pieces. (Remember this peeler? Or this tea egg? Or these fun beater whisks?) Fans of modern design also know that you can find Normann Copenhagen pieces at stores like Horne, Huset, and The Modern Shop, but the brand has its own online webshop as well where you can peruse and purchase the full beautiful line.

Cooks who work on marble countertops already know that marble is great for working with pastry and chocolate. When chilled, a marble surface is ideal for keeping dough from sticking -- particularly when you're not keen on adding too much extra flour. If you're an avid baker, it's an essential tool to have in your kitchen. And you can get one for around $30!

If you've been baking or cooking for awhile, this will sound like a no-brainer, but it's a life-changing tip for those who have never thought of it. Ready? Get rid of that ring that holds your dry measuring cups together. Forever. Do this and baking will instantly be an easier, cleaner and altogether happier experience.

Q: I'm looking for the perfect cheese grater, or even just a mostly okay one. I hate the rolled lip on the bottom of so many, which catches cheese goo and water and gets nasty and rusty. I want it sturdy enough to not warp with hard cheeses, two grater sizes, and large enough to accommodate at least two cups. 

You see the picture, so I don't need need to explain what this is, but I'm going to anyway. A standing knife. I repeat: a standing knife. In other words, a knife that doesn't leave a mess of peanut butter or jam or cream cheese all over your countertop. The future is here, people. 

I have a handful of kitchen tools that I really, truly use: a KitchenAid mixer, an espresso machine, an immersion blender, and a food processor. But other than that, we have a smattering of old wooden spoons, mismatched silverware, an odd collection of mixing bowls and an old mortar and pestle. Oh, and my kitchen scoop. More