Pylones (Paris, France)

Some might find the idea of buying kitchen appliances or homeware a bit boring. Unless you really enjoy cooking or decorating, browsing shelves stocked with cheese graters and garden tools might sound like your worst nightmare. If so, Pylones will change your mind. Founded in 1985, the idea behind the brand and its shops was to provide customers with everyday objects in an innovative, colorful and fun design.

(image: Pylones)

Items range from kitchen appliances to office supplies and grooming tools. Basically anything you could ever need or didn't think you'd need is available in the cheerful stores located throughout Paris (and other parts of the world, as well as online). What makes these items unique is that they're either boldly patterned, such as the compact mirrors adorned with various vivid graphics or prints - or take shape as completely different objects, such as my personal favorite: graters that are integrated into the 'dresses' of cute dolls. Other desirable goodies include binder clips shaped like butterflies, tweezers and nail files (again integrated in a doll-design) and the ladybug kitchen timers.

Going to the official website will give you a good idea of the massive range and believe it or not, almost every item seems to be available in the actual shops. The store I visited this time (in the Marais) was one of the oldest, but all branches have a similar decor. They're very bright and thanks to the vibrant display of products give the interior an almost psychedelic feel. Everything is aligned either along the multicolored shelves, featured in wall displays or on one of the big canisters around the store area.

I don't think I've ever seen one of the shops empty and if you're not careful, you'll probably spend hours browsing the different gadgets, trying to figure out what they do and whether or not you need them. If you don't need anything, you'll probably end up getting something anyway, just because these objects are too adorable to leave behind. It's also a great place to pick up a gift for that someone who seem to have everything already.

If you hate colorful things and have a minimalist house or apartment, this might not be the place for you. Depending on the product, prices are also slightly higher than what you would pay for the standard equivalent out of a household appliances store - and your average gear will probably last longer or be more practical. But then again, Pylones is more about putting a smile on your face and that alone should justify your purchase.

(individual images: Pylones)

Address: 13 rue St Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris
Opening Hrs: Mon-Fri: 11:00-19:30, Sat: 11:00-20:00
Sun: 12:00-20:00
Pylones Homepage & Online Shop, Pylones USA Webstore