Out of the Closet

I've always admired the engineering—unheralded as it may be—that underlies the inserts that make the most of storage space in the kitchen. It's one of those design injustices that these finely-crafted devices are typically relegated to unseen corners of cabinets. But this cylindrical cupboard not only rights that wrong, it becomes an architectural element in the room as well. Love! effetiusa.com

Conflict of Interests

Sometimes it's just not possible to follow your bliss—especially if your passions occasionally diverge. Based on recent personal experience, a case in point: A rare instance of perfect spring weather and cooking dinner for friends. Spending the day cooped up in the kitchen would seem much less an act of deprivation in this almost-outdoor environment. Architect Massimo Iosa Ghini balances the cabinet elements with a nimble blend of solid and void. snaidero-usa.com

A Man's House is His-n-Hers Castle

I imagine that there are more than a few dads out there who can identify with this fellow from 1956. Who, indeed, would want their headroom compromised by damp crinolines, nylons, and house-dresses? Although it might be that pop's bath-time troubles are not solely caused by the drip-drying wardrobe; he seems to be scrunched into a tub that's no more than 48 inches long. Let's give this father lots of credit for not airing out such dirty laundry—allegorical and otherwise—in public.

Non-complaining patres familias everywhere: KBCULTURE sends you best wishes for a rewarding, relaxing weekend in the comfort of the man-cave of your choice.

Time to Reflect

There's something about this compound form—part sphere, part cylinder—that's calming me down during a stretch of stressful days. Perhaps it's because the unusual shape of the sink demands more than a passing appraisal; contemplation is good for the soul. neutradesign.it

Technology is Our Friend

Appliance or counter surfacing? In truth, this innovative material is both. A thin sandwich of porcelain ceramic, bakelite, and aluminum, it conducts electromagnetic energy, in effect becoming an induction cooktop. Make that a virtually invisible induction cooktop. It's scratch-resistant and comes in a palette of neutral colors. I've seen it used in an outdoor kitchen installation; a clever application, indeed. tpbarcelona.com

Campy Fire

Leave the exotic mahi pibil and planked salmon to the über-grills, with their flavor rods and sideburners. I think the Lillön—an improbably sweet mix of the rotund and leggy—is by design more suited to burgers and brats. ikea.com

Happy Anniversary

Today is a day of significance for me, and coincidentially or not, there are a lot of threads tracing back to southern California. One of them: My first job in LA was with the revived Arts + Architecture magazine; here is a shot of the kitchen at the Schindler House on Kings Road, where the publication had its office. It was built around 1921, and, as a transplant from the wintery Northeast, I remember being amazed at its uninsulated walls made of canvas.

The warmth of love continues to this day. Thank you, JSC.