Home Help: 7 September

Modern mugs don’t have to be ugly – Hugh St Clair handles some chic and contemporary ones to brighten up your kitchen

Today, mugs have taken the place of cups and, thankfully, there are attractive options as well as those that have things like 'The Boss' or 'I Love New York' emblazoned across them. There are even mugs out there that feature original artwork on them, rather than just cheap transfers of antique patterns. To add a bit of class to tea or coffee breaks, check out artist Mark Hearld's ornately decorated mugs, on sale at the Tate, which are inspired by the UK's flora and fauna.

Another good selection can be found at East London shop SCP, where the porcelain range is illustrated with blue bird designs inspired by the worldfamous Danish earthenware, Delft Blue. SCP East also offers large mugs available in six different colour combinations, with each brightly coloured mug featuring a contrasting shade on the handle.

Also worth a look are Brickett Davda's – 01273-414765, www.brickettdavda.com - generous-sized mugs, which are coloured in English and Scottish countryside hues including fern, heather, pebbles and charcoal. If you like traditional English colours and designs, striped Cornishware is also highly recommendable and can be found at TG Green & Co.

Or for some 1970s-era appeal, you can purchase bone china mugs illustrated with garden vegetables, entitled 'Gemuse', at online shop Theo – 020-7739 7237, www.theotheo.com

Clockwise from left:

• On The Wing mug designed by Mark Hearld, £16.95, the Tate shop: 020-7887 8888, http://shop.tate.org.uk
• Mugs from Sue Binns, £28: 020-7739 7237, www.suebinnspottery.co.uk
• Bird mugs, set of four, £20.50, SCP East: 020-7739 1869, www.scp.co.uk
• Cornetta mug, £8.50, Habitat: www.habitat.co.uk
• Mugs from TG Green & Co, (Main Picture) various prices: 07867-787946, www.tggreen.co.uk

Email your design enquiries to Hugh St Clair at homehelp@lady.co.uk