Tea with Kettle by Keren Hu, Beijing, China and London, UK

There is a growing need for new products which assume multiple roles and are designed to work in more than one context. Quiet and compact, the Teawith Kettle, designed by Royal College of Art graduate Keren Hu, fits the bill exactly. Smaller than a standard kettle, with the stylish, minimalist looks of a modern teapot, the object is designed to sit on a living room shelf, desk or side table. Users press the handle down to turn on the kettle, which boils enough water for two cups of tea.