Our current favorite domestic science find: Utility, a housewares shop in the British seaside town of Brighton. Owner Martha Tiffin takes the name from the World War II rationing program, designed to protect the supply of everyday goods. Tiffin (who professes to love cleaning), is all about paring life down to its necessities, and specifically seeks out household goods that are simple, lifetime-lasting, and hard-wearing. As she notes, “If we just bought one of everything like we did then, we wouldn’t be in the jam we’re in now.” No online shopping yet, but phone orders accepted; go to Utility for more information.
Above: Utility promotes simple, long-lasting household goods.
Above: Owner Martha TIffin surrounded by her utilitarian domestic finds. Image via How to Spend It.
Above: Utility’s own line of WWII-era-inspired Tea Towels; £9.50 each (no longer available).
Above: The renaissance of the traditional brush and broom.
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