Begin a New Year with a Small Everyday Change

Jan. 2018 -no.1

An idea for an everyday object

In 2016, after years of making tableware, POTPURRI introduced its first collection for another part of the home. Writing in early 2018, nearly two years after the launch, we still vividly remembered the challenges of developing it. Our first feature of that year was about making a small everyday change, at an unhurried pace.

The challenge of a simple shape

 

Hus means “house” in Swedish. Stockholm streets inspired this toothbrush stand. A toothbrush placed in the top becomes the chimney.

The windows were the difficult part. Each house is slip-cast, and the maker opens the windows individually while the clay is still unfired. Square holes caused cracks between the windows.

The solution was a square frame in the mould with a round opening behind it. The windows still look square. The makers tested the spacing and size repeatedly to get the balance right.

Finding the colours

 

Once the shape was working, the glaze presented another challenge.

One difficulty was that some colored glazes flowed into and filled the tiny window openings. We adjusted the glazes and checked each piece during production to keep the windows clear. Since its launch in 2016, the Hus series has found its way into many homes. Its appeal lies in the friendly shapes and the different combinations of color.

Pair Hus with Humble Brush from Sweden

 

Humble Brush was created in Sweden with a bamboo handle as an alternative to a conventional plastic handle. Developed with input from dental professionals, it combines bright colors with a simple, easy-to-hold form. Keep the bamboo handle dry between uses and follow the manufacturer's care and disposal instructions.

The handle is bamboo, while the bristles are nylon. The whole toothbrush is not biodegradable: remove the bristles before reusing or composting the handle, and follow local disposal rules. The packaging described in this feature used a plant-based clear material and recycled resources.

A colorful toothbrush may make the daily routine feel a little more inviting for children who are reluctant to brush. Give everyone their own color, and the bathroom becomes brighter too.

When children find it hard to settle down to brush…

Toothbrushes are part of daily life for adults and children alike, but getting children to settle down and brush can be a challenge. A brush that looks a little like a wooden toy becomes the chimney of their own tiny house. That playful detail may make the routine more enjoyable.

We hope the whole family enjoys this little streetscape in the bathroom.