The most important element when designing a kitchen product is function. Does the object do what it's supposed to do? However, more and more, objects are being designed to not only fulfill a functional duty, but they are also made to look good on your kitchen counter. Here are some of the most beautiful (and functional) kitchen tools.

This citrus squeezer designed by Philippe Starck for Italian design house Alessi is an iconic kitchen tool. Its futuristic design makes it a real objet d'art but it is surprisingly functional, too. Starck apparently came up with the concept while vacationing in Italy. He did his first sketches of the citrus squeezer on a pizzeria napkin. Alessi citrus squeezer, $96 at alessi-shop.com

This gorgeous Magisso stainless steel cake cutter and server won the RedDot Design Award in 2010. Scandinavian designer Maria Kivijärvi's aim was to create a truly unique tool that worked as well as it looked. No more cutting a cake with a knife and then using a traditional cake server. This is a two-in-one tool. Magisso cake cutter and server, $50 at aplusrstore.com 

Morning coffee will have a whole new meaning with the illy Francis Francis Y1 iperEspresso Machine. It uses a capsule system so no measuring espresso when you're barely awake at 7:00 a.m. The machine produces full-bodied espresso with amazing crema (the mark of a good espresso). The Francis Francis Y1 comes in three colors, black, white and red, so there is one that will definitely look good in your kitchen. illy Francis Francis Y1 iperEspresso Machine, $300 at illyusa.com  

Maybe you're not a coffee person. Maybe tea is more your thing. The simply-designed Sorapot is just what you need for an afternoon tea for two. Add tea leaves and boiling water to the pot and let steep until desired intensity. Sorapot, $200 at sorapot.com