There’s nothing like moving house to highlight all the home fixtures we once took for granted. A mere two months ago, I was living in a Melbourne home with more built-in storage than I could possibly need, and for a shopping editor, that’s saying a lot.
However, since relocating to my new Sydney abode, I’ve been working with exactly eight kitchen cubbys (many of which are filled with linens, towels, and pet essentials) and two drawers worth of bathroom real estate. Needless to say, I’ve been scrambling to find design-led storage solutions that align with my aesthetic and offer much-needed space for my things. Thankfully, I’ve finally found one that ticks all my boxes, and with endless colourways on offer, it fits into any home.
The brief
When tracking down any key furniture find, I start by creating a list of non-negotiables to narrow down the search. And for this particular piece, I had three key criteria to tick off.
- Visually pleasing: As I’m currently undertaking an interior overhaul, I’ve promised myself not to settle for furniture that I don’t love looking at, regardless of how practical it may be.
- Generously sized: It had to be deep enough to store my favourite dinnerware, coffee table books, and any other not-so-small trinkets that I no longer have the bench space for.
- Quality: When it comes to storage, I need furniture I can depend on; a sturdy piece made from high-quality materials. After all, I’m not looking to start my hunt all over again if the piece I choose can’t withstand the weight of what’s inside.
And, as always, I did my due diligence, sifting through customer reviews, combing through social posts, and even heading to Reddit to look for the brutally honest truth. With all of this in mind, one piece rose above and earned pride of place in my humble kitchen: The Mixer by Mustard Made. And now that I’ve tried it out for myself, I’m ready to deliver the verdict on just how good this piece really is.
My winner: Mustard Made’s ‘The Mixer’
Standing just 100cm tall and 75cm wide, my final choice isn’t the largest storage solution on the market, but for what I had in mind, it fits the bill perfectly.
For those who know me, it’ll come as no surprise that I opted for the sage colourway, and I absolutely adore how this statement colour looks in my (otherwise quite neutral) kitchen. And having now filled The Mixer with my favourite dinnerware set, a cocktail kit, glasses, tea towels, and cookbooks, I’m pleasantly surprised at just how many things it can hold despite not being a full-sized cupboard.
However, my favourite feature might just be the fluted glass panels. Striking the perfect balance between concealing and revealing all that lies inside, I feel like I can still display my favourite pieces while still getting away with just a little bit of disorganisation. The only thing that I’d change about The Mixer is that it requires a little bit of assembly, though I openly admit that this wouldn’t be an issue if I were better at following (very clear) instructions.
My verdict on The Mixer from Mustard Made
- Rating: (9 out of 10)
- Why I rated it a (9/10): The mixer delivers a dreamy blend of practicality and beauty, transforming durable, high-quality materials into a statement piece you’ll love to admire, all at a perfectly reasonable price.
Pros
- Available in 12 dreamy colourways
- Adjustable shelves for total versatility
- Durable metal frame
- Elegant fluted glass panels
- Adjustable feet
- Generous 40cm deep shelves
Cons
- Requires assembly
- It’s almost too tempting to purchase all their other pieces in the same colour
How to style your Mustard Made Mixer
For styling inspiration, I called in the experts at Home Beautiful, and as expected, they did not disappoint. What follows are three distinct styling options suited to any and all aesthetic inclinations, and I’m positive you’ll enjoy them just as much as I did. The first option, a coffee station, the second, a statement for your living room, and the third, a hosting cabinet.
The best part? We captured the styling process on film; sit back, relax, and enjoy watching the HB team putting their interior expertise to great use in the studio.
Recreate Home Beautiful’s looks
The
Hero
The Mixer in Sage
$699 , Mustard Made
The star of the show and the one non-negotiable for recreating Home Beautiful’s looks: you guessed it, it’s The Mixer. Regardless of whether you’re taking a leaf out of our book and copying the collage, or going rogue and finding your own way to purpose it, every home could benefit from an extra cabinet, and this is my pick of the bunch.
Look #1: Coffee station
Sunbeam Origins Slimline Espresso Coffee Machine$349 $244 at The Good Guys
100% Certified Organic Matcha Powder Tin 30g$35 $28 at Freedom
Salata: Mediterranean Salads for all Occasions$39.99 $25 at Amazon
Smeg 50s Retro Style Kettle$239 $178 at The Good Guys
Look #2: Living room statement piece
Soreli Glass Vase Small$24.95 $19.96 at Bed Bath N’ Table
French Pear Madison Candle
$59.95 at Ecoya
Elec Elm Wood Stool
$169.95 at PillowTalk
The Flower School: The Principles and Pleasures of Good Flowers$55 $41.25 at Amazon
Look #3: Hosting cabinet
Maison Balzac Pomponette Coupe Set$149 $119.20 at Aura Home
Dried Lime Cocktail Garnish$29.95 $20.96 at Pillow Talk
Bow Dessert Spoon Set of 429.95 $27.96 at Pillow Talk
4 Linear Cocktail & Gin Glasses
$14 at Target
What you need to know
Investing in a storage solution can be a big decision, especially if it’s going to be on display. Here’s all you need to know before adding yours to cart.
In my personal opinion, it’s the thoughtful design that sets this piece apart from others. And, for the quality and features you’re getting, the price point is well below that of similar pieces, making it a great choice for wallet-friendly interior design.
The Mixer is constructed of a metal frame and fluted glass panels. Its metal shelves are also fully adjustable for ultimate versatility
Absolutely. From the timeless but statement-making design to the piece’s durability and price, this piece is a fantastic mid-size cabinet option, particularly for those wanting to display their belongings.
However, if you want a storage solution that hides away disorganised clutter, it may be worth opting for one of their models that doesn’t feature the fluted glass. That way, you don’t have to worry about having a perfectly neat cupboard at all times.
