What's on your kitchen bench?

Tidying up my kitchen over the weekend left me wondering if other people have as much stuff on their bench tops as I seem to have?? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with my 'stuff'. Some of it serves a purpose and some of it is just a collection of random things I've gathered over the years that have managed to find their way to my kitchen.

However, it's certainly different to the good old toaster and kettle on the bench that I grew up with. The current trend seems to be that these 'necessities' are mostly being hidden away, unless of course they are seriously good looking toasters that still get to hang out on the bench :) People are now putting all manner of other paraphernalia out on display whether it be on the bench or on exposed shelving.

I have tried to be minimalist in all areas of my home but it just doesn't seem to work for me, so I say bring on the junk shop finds, plants, books, old school wooden chopping boards, gorgeous artworks/vintage signage and trays full of anything ranging from bottles of olive oil to candelabras!  Tx

Picture of a little corner of my kitchen.
The Wooden Bird Board is timber table-ware and part of a set of four by Bonnie and Neil.
Bonnie and Neil are a Melbourne based studio that create lovely handcrafted items for the home. Check out their great things at http://bonnieandneil.com.au