The problem with most knife blocks is that they're, well, blocky. They take up a lot of counter space and can only accommodate certain knife sizes in specific pre-cut slots. And let's face it--they're almost always brown.

Renowned French coffee press maker BODUM has been doing a lot lately to liven up kitchens with bright, contemporary small appliances. Now their new Bistro Universal Knife Block gives an old countertop workhorse a welcome makeover. For a splash of color, choose red, orange, or lime green. Or if bold color isn't what your kitchen needs, you can also get it in black or white.

The block's slim design (the base is a tiny 2-3/8" x 8-3/8") frees up valuable countertop real estate. And to maximize storage flexibility, the Bistro Knife Block does away with conventional, pre-cut slots. Knives are held upright among thin, vertical plastic rods that let you store up to a dozen knives of various sizes and shapes--perfect for home cooks who've built their collections one knife at a time. The plastic rods won't dull knife blades and are actually part of a removable unit that can be washed in the dishwasher. The soft plastic case wipes clean with a soapy cloth, and the silicone base anchors it in place.

With the Character Approved BODUM Bistro Knife Block, it's easy to keep your knives at hand and in style.

[Images: BODUM]