The Astiankuivauskaapi
The Astiankuivauskaapi (or Finnish dish draining cupboard) allows you to save time and space in the kitchen. Instead of stacking clean dishes beside your sink, you place them straight into the cupboard, which has racks for shelves and no solid bottom. The cupboard is positioned over the sink so any water drips will be caught.It was developed in the Finnish Association for Work Efficiency around 1944-45 by Maiju Gebhard and is the standard design used in Finland where I first saw it (and was so delighted by it I actually took a photo of the inside of my friends cupboard).
What makes this good design?
Good design can be invisible - I probably wouldn't be so impressed by this if every home in the UK had one, yet it is such a brilliant, simple idea. It seems hard to believe it is rarely seen outside its country of origin.
You can read more about this design at Wikipedia.You can even join a group on Facebook for international fans of the design.