Fun with tools

Most plungers are just plumb ugly, destined to be hidden in the closet or garage along with dustpans and toolboxes. Well, no more. “We didn’t set out to reinvent the wheel, just to make it more fun,” says Maria Barnes, right, co-founder of the Alice Supply Co. with Raili Clasen, left. The new Newport Beach-based design house has tried to transform some of the most unglamorous items in the house: a plunger ($18.50), toolbox ($46.50), garden hose ($38.50) and bucket ($36). To catch the eyes of modern guys, they added the manly Woodgrain Home Warrior set with a toolbox, dustpan and brush ($88.50). Some items are for sale at www.delight.com, and the entire line can be seen at www.alicesupplyco.com.

-- David A. Keeps