Advice on an attractive, functional garbage can?  

I love these two. The red...
I love these two. The red one is on my Xmas list.

But then again, you could...
But then again, you could insert a bit of irony into your kitchen

I use
Two different bins from IKEA -- one for trash, one for recycling.

Which red one is on your list?!
The second red one adds more than irony. 🙂
I LIKE the orange! It's exactly what I was thinking in white, but orange would look great!

The first one is gonna be a...
The first red one is gonna be a Xmas present from her goodself, I've been hinting for weeks.
Although the last one came a close second ;o)

Now that
Marcel Wanders is designing for Target, perhaps he will do a trash can.

I love Vipp trash cans...
but they're not particularly cheap. Kinda glad to see that they are coming out with more accessories too.

The bullet cans are classics...
but were designed for public restrooms. They aren't the best choice for a kitchen space. The first time you try to scrape food leavings or empty the vacuum bin, you'll know why. The lids snaps closed with a bit of a kick and it just isn't practical.
Personally, I'm a fan of Simple Human. I have this one:
http://www.simplehuman.com/index1.html

Not so good
Olive, I hadn't thought of those issues with the bullet can. Functionality is very important because I don't want to discourage the kids (or husband) from cleaning up after themselves.
Agreed that Vipp is great! And expensive!!!

Olive...
Simple Human does have some good things. It never occurred to me that they would have trash baskets. Recently I raved about one of their paper towel dispensers. This trash can you pictured is definitely going to be catching our refuse. Thanks.

Brabantia
Brabantia

Umbro or
find an old Rubbermaid can.

I too vouch for the simple...
I too vouch for the simple human trash can. Easy to clean and fun to use. The lid opens with ease, then slowly and quietly drops down. Somewhat hypnotic.
I don't have the model pictured below, but I enjoy playing with it whenever I visit the Container Store. It utilizes a trap door opening. Imagine the Isralites camping out after crossing the red sea and asking Moses to design a trash can.

Olive
I have the same exact trash can. Bought it at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Love mine.