kbculture

1 + 1 = 3

2012-02-10T13:13:00.000-05:00

Side-by-side or stacked: By my count, that's two configurations for a laundry pair. Even by today's recessionary math, that isn't exactly a broad choice of installation options, but in 1964, Westinghouse blithely indulged in a bit of creative counting. While the inventive arithmetic is amusing, what really doesn't add up here is the happy homemaker. Handbag slung pragmatically over her arm [perhaps it contains clothespins?], she is busily ironing nothing. Except, possibly, her left hand.

Change of Seen

2012-02-09T16:13:00.002-05:00

It's important to me that design—no matter how specialized it may be—have flexibility. That's one reason I give this backsplash storage a thumbs-up. With the doors open, a controlled clutter of cooking paraphernalia is revealed. Slide them close, and the kitchen assumes a seamless appearance. beeck-kuechen.de

Revolving Door Policy

2012-02-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

Picking up on yesterday's refrigerator theme—why not?—here's a look at another new model. The door-within-a-door design gives quick access to drinks and snacks without breaching the main cooling compartment. This short video shows the Grab-N-Go fridge in action. kenmore.com

Swing State

2012-02-07T16:39:00.000-05:00

Can an appliance be ambidextrous? This refrigerator may come close to that notion, as it has doors that open from both sides. The dual-swing design could certainly offer convenience in some kitchens, but I must wonder if the feature might prove too tempting to youngsters eager to play peek-a-boo with the freezer. sharp.co.uk

Industrial Strength Kitchen

2012-02-06T17:14:00.000-05:00

Talk about heavy metal. The Beam kitchen, designed by Tom Dixon, boxes appliances and counters in brass plates and hangs them off a skeleton that's constructed of raw steel I-beams. The sink is built up from a terrazzo slab. On occasion, the Beam takes a sojourn to a design fair or culinary event, but when not on the road, it's installed at Dock Kitchen restaurant in London. tomdixon.net

A Not-Quite-Super Bowl

2012-02-03T11:54:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time—starting in 1948—Evansville, Indiana was earning a reputation as the Refrigerator Capital of the World. Servel, International Harvester, Seeger, and later Whirlpool were among the appliance manufacturers whose facilities produced coils, condensers and cabinets there. What better way to raise the community's profile than to kick off a new tradition? Then as now, teaming local industry with college athletics seemed a win-win proposition, and the Refrigerator Bowl was born.

Turnovers in business trends, though, eventually took their toll on the event. The last Refrigerator Bowl was played in December, 1956; the Sam Houston State Teachers College Bearkats frosted the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State College, 27-13.

Black and Bright

2012-02-02T17:32:00.000-05:00

Its doodle-like design notwithstanding, there's nothing sketchy about this snazzy backsplash treatment. A panel of backpainted glass in a pattern called 'Amazon' creates a fine [and easily cleanable] focal point in a kitchen where minimalist restraint is much in evidence. caple.co.uk

Step Right Up

2012-02-01T21:45:00.000-05:00

It's a common conundrum: Small people sometimes need a boost to reach the sink, while small bathrooms often don't have space to spare for a footstool. The Step vanity, with its pull-out platform, solves both problems. macral.com

Screen Play

2012-01-31T14:42:00.001-05:00

As you may notice from the subject labels for this post, I'm torn as to how to categorize these unusual stainless steel panels—but that's a minor detail, really. What's much more interesting is how they could be used: to separate an open kitchen from an adjoining space; as a decorative scrim for a shower enclosure; maybe as a window treatment. A variety of patterns are available, and the manufacturer hints at a new model that will incorporate LED lighting. cainodesign.com

Organizing Principle

2012-01-30T21:59:00.003-05:00

To deal effectively with odd-shaped interiors—like this loftlike garret, with its sloping ceiling and walls—it's a good strategy to smooth out the rough edges of the space, and then develop the functional elements. Here, storage is recessed into the wall and a simple working island defines the kitchen. While I hope the frayed-fabric panels are temporary measures, I do like how this room has been pulled together.

Happy Birthday, Wolfgang

2012-01-27T14:14:00.001-05:00

On this date in 1756, one Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart was born in Salzburg, at Getreidegasse 9. This is the kitchen in the home; during the winter, that small, wood-fired stove must have been burning day and nacht. The house/museum is open for tours, of course. mozarteum.at

Fluid Form

2012-01-26T17:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Australia Day! To celebrate, here's a shot of Aussie-turned-international designer Marc Newson's bathroom. Famously averse to sharp angles in his work, this space soothes with gentle contours and a muted palette. The grey stripes of the Linac marble sheathing the walls resemble all too closely the drizzly winter day here—let's hope it's sunnier Down Under. marc-newson.com

Visual Metaphor

2012-01-25T19:14:00.001-05:00

Please excuse me while I rhapsodize a bit. Each piece of Plateau Block tile pairs a sculpted, raised rectangle with a rough and crumbly 'empty' patch. In and of itself, this contrast creates a compelling surface treatment, but when you think about how it represents the processes of construction and erosion, it assumes [Pun alert!] another dimension entirely. It's offered in four colors. Lixil

Stealth Shelf

2012-01-24T15:53:00.001-05:00

Here's a gem of a storage solution, especially in a bath that's pinched for set-down space near the sink. The Cascada mirror features a concealed, drop-down shelf that's held closed by a tiny magnet. I think it's a secret worth sharing. americanstandard-us.com

Cool Kitchen

2012-01-23T16:07:00.002-05:00

As our weekend snow begins to thaw, unexpected forms are melting into view, putting me in mind of this kitchen by Tehran-based Ryra Studio. Commissioned, appropriately enough, by a ski resort for its guest lodgings, it conjures the bumpy topography of a mogul run—albeit one snugly outfitted with hot water and cooking facilities.

Do Not Try This At Home

2012-01-20T17:23:00.000-05:00

Wow. This 1966 ad is so bizarre on so many fronts...let's look it over, point-by-point, shall we?

1] The 'Swing-Door' concept: Unless you want to experiment with the novelty of trying to seal water behind a folding or by-pass design, what other kind of door is there?

2] The boast about loading up to 17 sets of dishes 'any way you like': Sure, if you don't mind washing 17 sets of still-dirty dishes by hand afterwards.

3] Finally, regarding the marquee claim about putting a barefoot and blindfolded ten-year-old to work: Please consult an attorney regarding applicable child labor laws.

Talking Shop

2012-01-19T18:21:00.001-05:00

Surjit Kalsi, Chairman of Capital Cooking Equipment, recently answered a few questions for 'Talking Shop', a recurring feature at KBCULTURE.

How did you get your start in the appliance industry?
On a cold night in London in 1957, while I was preparing for my medical degree exams, I found myself without a roof over my head or a warm bed to sleep in. Luckily, I was able to take shelter in a friend's home and bought an evening newspaper to look for new opportunities. The first job posting I saw was for a lab assistant with Main Gas Appliance, a company that manufactured gas ranges and space heaters. I loved the job so much that it became my new career path. It was the catalyst to my thinking about and exploring new and improved methods of designing gas ranges and burners for appliances.

What is it about designing appliances that appeals to you?
It is so interesting to see your ideas materialize in front of you when you apply them to the daily life of a consumer. It also amazes me that these very ideas have the power to revolutionize the entire world market.

Is there a specific innovation you've developed of which you're particularly proud?

Although I am proud of everything I have developed, the Culinarian Series is definitely garnering a lot of attention. It offers the highest Btu output—23,000—available on an open burner. Going back farther, it would have to be the product that really set my career in a new direction: I designed the very first Viking range.

Who does the cooking at your home?
My wife. She has written a cookbook called Cuisine of Lucknow.

What do you see as the new frontier in cooking technology?
The sky's the limit.

Bright Spot

2012-01-18T18:36:00.001-05:00

Double-teamed by travel and deadline pressures, a full-blown post today is not forthcoming. Yet I am happy to quickly share with you this tidy and polychromed idea for storage in the kitchen—which may have been borrowed from the bathroom, and its ubiquitous shower niches. How nice to break both character and color scheme by using bright, patterned tiles in this design.

A Touching Experience

2012-01-17T22:55:00.000-05:00

The form of the Thames lav handle [shown with the Kensington faucet] is irresistible to me. It's a visceral piece of design: grasping its smooth, slightly irregular form creates a kind of physical memory, and the lustrous, copper-coffee finish lingers in the mind's eye. watermark-designs.com

Side by Side

2012-01-16T13:30:00.003-05:00

I love the easy compatibility between modern and traditional in this kitchen. It's as if the two styles are having a friendly chat about what they've got in common: simple lines, neutral colors, and natural materials. While I'm no Luddite, I had initial reservations about the TV on the wall, but I've warmed to the idea; hanging a static painting or print there might tip the balance between old and new.

You Can Take It With You

2012-01-13T13:38:00.001-05:00

While KBCULTURE primarily pursues all things kitchen and bath, we're not immune from following our bliss into other realms that overlap this focus. With the perfect storm of the Consumer Electronics Show and Detroit's automobile extravaganza both taking place this week, what better occasion to flashback to this tricked-out 1947 Caddy? Owner Louie Mattar customized it with complete bathroom and kitchen facilities [see the fender-mounted shower, backseat stove and combination washing machine/toilet above] and much more in preparation for his non-stop, cross-country drive made in 1952. Gearheads will be impressed by the plethora of under-the-hood shots at the redoubtable Hemmings blog.

Playing with Planes

2012-01-12T19:27:00.000-05:00

In their renovation of a hotel in Athens, the brothers Campana created a variety of faceted designs for vanities in the guest rooms. This one, which I'd describe as an asymmetrical pedestal sink, is one of the tamer installations. I like how it coalesces a study of solid form with a function that's all about flowing water. campanas.com.br

Lighten Up—and Down

2012-01-11T13:50:00.000-05:00

Continuing what has turned into a week of unwittingly featuring products that zig and/or zag: the Match Lamp. An online design tool generates numerous possible installation configurations, based on the dimensions of the space to be illuminated. Each LED construction, therefore, is one-of-a-kind—just as it should be. vibia.com

Tricky Tiles

2012-01-10T19:03:00.000-05:00

What you see here is not quite what you get. Some of these ceramic tiles are functional, and some are not. The control valves and the shower heads are the active elements, while the snaking 'pipes' are faux. [That sound you hear is a great collective sigh by plumbing professionals.] If you're not inclined towards black tile in your bath, know that the Cover Tiles are also available in white. studiojspr.nl

Freed Forms

2012-01-09T12:05:00.001-05:00

The Suspendida kitchen takes a deliberate step out of line—and I mean that in a good way. Attaching cabinets and appliances onto a concealed superstructure allows the units to float above the floor, and the resulting irregular outline is happily nonconforming. The design is quite adaptable; it's as intriguing in a galley installation as it is in an island form. artificio.es

New Visions, The Conclusion

2012-01-06T20:44:00.001-05:00

On this Flashback Friday, as we wrap up a week of looking at some paradigm-challenging designs for the future, comes this reminder, courtesy of Electrolux, that change is good. While its gas-powered refrigerator might have turned heads in 1932, it was a short-lived innovation. But we all learn from failure—don't we, Grasshopper?

New Visions, Part 4

2012-01-05T18:38:00.002-05:00

There's no shortage of concept kitchens that feature a built-in herb garden or a water-free dishwasher; while such innovations often advance the design discussion, they don't always address the bigger picture of the kitchen as both an independent and inter-dependent ecosystem. The Microbial Home by Philips does that in a number of ways, one of which is the harnessing of methane that's produced by composting organic substances. The gas fuels the cooktop [located on the Bio-Digester Island in the foreground] and light fixtures [along the overhead pipe], and is instrumental in cooling food that's stored in the Larder [the unit in the background of the photo]. There's a bathroom component to the concept, too, that serves to complete the circle.

Eye Spy

2012-01-04T21:49:00.000-05:00

Here's a US-exclusive look at a new quartz surfacing that will debut in March. From Caesarstone, the Supremo collection has a look unlike anything I've seen before; the design is, in fact, patented. The cellular-like pattern is randomly studded with concentrated pools of color. Shown here is the Shining Armor variant, which is one of eight colors [including a rich blue and, of course, black] that will be offered. At once graphic and organic, the material opens up some intriguing aesthetic possibilities. caesarstoneus.com

New Visions, Part 3

2012-01-04T18:23:00.000-05:00

Dubbed 'The Isle of I', this bathroom basin features an archipelago of integral porcelain perches for soap and other toiletry items. The mirror pivots, making it easier to keep an eye on I—or you. Mexico City-based design firm Agent developed this interactive prototype.

New Visions, Part 2

2012-01-03T17:10:00.000-05:00

Recognizing that a lack of awareness about natural-resource conservation has impeded progress on said front, the Poor Little Fish washstand makes an emotional appeal to the softie that lives inside us all. As the faucet runs, the water level in the aquarium drops, graphically putting the fish into peril. The cause-and-effect message couldn't be clearer: Turn off the water, save the guppy. [Designer Yan Lu has engineered the flow so that our finny friend is not actually going to end up high and dry.] yanlu.com

We Interrupt This Blog...

2012-01-02T21:21:00.002-05:00

... for a technical note. Over the weekend a slight change to the KBCULTURE domain name was made [the 'blogspot' appellation is no more]. Those of you who follow this blog via a RSS reader should reset your feed to reflect the new domain. Thank you.

New Visions

2012-01-02T17:18:00.001-05:00

Rather than rush back into hard, post-holiday reality, I'd like to start the new year at KBCULTURE by looking at some conceptual products and installations for the kitchen and bath. After all, creativity must precede commerce, right?

From Michael Harboun comes this video of a kitchen—I guess it's OK to use that term—which utilizes the technology of claytronics. A nutshell definition of this, as gleaned from the collaborative research project of Carnegie Mellon University and Intel, is the transformation of 2-D planes into operational, 3-D mechanical structures; the scientists refer to the substance as 'programmable matter'. With the recent findings on the Higgs boson furthering our understanding of the molecular-material frontier, who's to say that M. Harboun's vision [which just won a Red Dot award] won't someday be realized?

The Possible Dream

2011-12-30T16:11:00.001-05:00

Ladies and gents in formal finery, strolling about colossally-scaled architecture with the endless heavens glittering above: that's quite an image to commemorate even a landmark achievement [three million and counting] in the production of Frigidaire refrigerators. The text of this ad is no less operatic; click the image to read it.

While this 1935 vision of the future might seem overblown by today's standards, it does serve to remind me of how very important innovative, optimistic thinking is during challenging times. Maybe as we head into a new year, we could all do with a bit of hopeful star-gazing.

Cheers, dear readers, and thank you for your companionship—past, present and future.

Breathing Room

2011-12-29T19:33:00.000-05:00

Celebrating at least two holidays in the space of a single week can exact a [ahem] toll on one's system. My antidote of choice is a warming sauna session. This simple cabin offers some nifty features beyond the usual mood-setting sound-and-light show; given a chance, I'd opt for the SanO2 accessory, which lets bathers inhale pure oxygen via a flexible tube. klafs.com

Out of Sight

2011-12-28T17:43:00.001-05:00

If a more organized kitchen happens to be on your list of resolutions for the new year, here's a design that might inspire you. Mounted along the backsplash, stainless steel boxes split open to reveal all manner of conveniences: ceramic storage bins, hooks for hanging utensils, a roll of paper towels, even electrical outlets. The system is called 'Next Cube'. next125.de

Take—or Bake—It Easy

2011-12-27T18:46:00.002-05:00

Right about now, those who hosted multiple end-of-year holiday dinners and parties might be excused for seeking a shortcut for getting yet another meal on the table. Here's a little multi-tasking microwave that might appeal to that overworked crew. When using the pizza drawer, cooking time for fresh or [shhhh!] frozen pies is automatically adjusted. lg.com

Old + New

2011-12-26T18:43:00.001-05:00

This week, when many folks wind down from the old year while gearing up for the new one, I find that a winter sojourn is much on my mind—but unfortunately not on my calendar. Designer Nils Holger Moormann created berge, a guest house in the alpine town of Aschau. Each apartment has its own kitchen; this one, which references traditional design in a modern way, is my favorite. moormann-berge.de

Checking It Twice

2011-12-23T17:39:00.000-05:00

Poor Santa. In 1935, not only did everybody apparently have a GE fridge on their wish lists, but the choice of models had expanded from the original monitor-top to include new flat-top and lift-top designs. Chimney delivery was optional, I assume.

A peaceful holiday to you all, dear readers.

Icy Interpretation

2011-12-22T22:46:00.001-05:00

As there's a snowball's chance in Hades that we'll have a white Christmas—and after last year, I'm definitely not complaining about that—here's a look at a stone treatment that might bring to mind some childhood attempts at constructing an igloo. Little blocks of marble, with loads of tactility: I like. frederickielemoes.be

A Present for the Present

2011-12-21T22:14:00.001-05:00

After a marathon session of holiday cookie baking, this tub looks mighty appealing to me right about now. And look—it's in one of those seasonal colors, holly green. If that hue doesn't please you, the glass surround of the Naked tub comes in 25 other shades. Calgon, take me away. glassidromassaggio.it

Deck the Bath

2011-12-20T12:06:00.000-05:00

With its adjustable shelves that slide in and out of the cabinet, and the bauble-like, add-on accessories, there's something Tannenbaum-ish about the Kali. Hmmm: Named for a Hindu deity, having design aspects that link it to both a Christmas tree and a Menorah [Work with me here, people!]—perhaps, in the spirit of the holidays, this medicine cabinet offers a cross-cultural tonic for the times. authentics.de

'Tis the Season

2011-12-19T17:16:00.002-05:00

This French kitchen displays a funky variation on the traditional colors du Noel. Call me an escapist, but during these too-busy weeks of the holiday season, such a retro vibe—even with its blazing rouge cabinets—can provide a restful antidote to the rush. Let's raise a cup of tea to simpler times.

Peace Without Victory

2011-12-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

Well, what a fine idea, little lady. Dirty dishes—now that's the real scourge of the world. Once the military-industrial complex wrapped up its WW2 operations, it promised to retool those 1943 assembly lines to make electric sinks instead of Sherman tanks. I wonder how such a scenario would play out today, with microprocessors as vital to our treasured personal entertainment devices as they are to drone aircraft.

Halo Effective

2011-12-15T11:49:00.000-05:00

Isn't it nice to come across a use of LEDs that's muted rather than klieg-bright? Some might argue that the Aimes showerhead should cast a stronger light for safety's sake, but I think its soft glow is more for mood than any other purpose. There's an eco-benefit to the fitting, too: the bulbs are hydropowered. totousa.com

Design Detour

2011-12-14T14:07:00.001-05:00

The unexpected grace of this wholly contemporary faucet is so appealing. While I do wonder about the efficacy of the spray function—the head and hose look a mite undersized—it's such a bold and fun departure from the norm that all is forgiven. The fitting is part of the manufacturer's collaboration with Espirit. kludi.com

All Access

2011-12-13T09:36:00.001-05:00

The life of a touring rock star isn't all presidential suites and Escalades. There's the laundry—and that's a subject of interest to KBCULTURE, of course. No less than U2, Tina Turner and the sartorially splendiferous Sir Elton John have engaged the services of Rock 'n' Roll Laundry to keep their wardrobes [and those of the crew, too] fresh while on the road. Here's a backstage peek at the equipment [Miele's rugged Little Giant model] and its travel cases that are trucked from venue to venue. mieleusa.com

Nobody's Perfect

2011-12-12T11:50:00.001-05:00

We're going to ease into the week with what could be called an example of slow design: a highly personal space whose creator [who is unknown to me] isn't afraid to swim against the currents of convention. I especially like the frankness of the marble backsplash, and how ladles and photos are just wedged into the gap at the top of the slab. My one misgiving is the unfinished floor, sure to be a dust and dirt magnet.

Soft Sell

2011-12-09T15:29:00.001-05:00

Particularly by today's standards, where nearly everything that walks is faced with 'curating' their 'personal brand', this ad for General Electric is heroically understated. No heralding new features or hawking improved performance; in the 1930s, modesty prevailed. But this appliance doesn't completely lurk in the shadows: A red-carpet-worthy spotlight shines on the monitor top, and the fridge itself towers—a bit technocratically, I'd say—over the city.

A Different Light

2011-12-08T19:24:00.001-05:00

There's something about this light fixture—I think it's the angles at which the shades are set. Or could it be how the cables are bent? The fact that I can't really pin it down testifies to the subtle design of the TYS Suspension model. christophedelcourt.com

Fluid Thinking

2011-12-07T16:45:00.001-05:00

While the faucet is usually a focal point in the kitchen, on occasion, existing conditions can send it into hiding. Here, scant counter space forced a creative solution: push buttons control the water flowing from a spout that's concealed beneath a shelf in an Arclinea kitchen. novastudio.com

Bathing Beauty

2011-12-06T17:36:00.001-05:00

Tweak a traditional slipper tub by swapping the claw feet for a skirted treatment, and you have the Greenwich, a soaker that is as at home in an Edwardian boudoir as it is in a ultra-modern bathroom. The broad, flattened roll is a nice bit of tailoring for an acrylic design. A variety of colors is offered; I'm partial to this dusky blue. bcsanitan.co.uk

Kitchen for Winter

2011-12-05T20:25:00.001-05:00

These cabinets have a combination of solidity and softness that I find quite compelling. The cool, pale wood has a barely noticeable grain; maybe that's why designer Piet Boon grooved the door and drawer fronts. Flush-mount, handcrafted hardware in a pewter tone is more somber than sparkly—and spot-on in its matte finish. The collection is available in ebony, too. warendorf.eu

Back in the Space Race

2011-12-02T14:19:00.001-05:00

About a week ago, the rover Curiosity lifted off, bound for Mars. Who better to wish the mission well than our favorite space cadets, the bubble-hatted Frigidaire babes? They have time-traveled from 1966, in full Carnaby Street style, ostensibly to call attention to some sort of now out-moded refrigerator improvement, but judging from the way they are increasing in number, I suspect they have a secret plan to take over the Earth. We'll check back with them in 247 days—the scheduled date for Curiosity to touch down on the Red Planet.

Vertical Vino

2011-12-01T22:50:00.001-05:00

What a simple and sensible idea—keeping a couple serving trays close to a few bottles of wine, along with a small drawer for corkscrews and coasters. This clever, compact storage configuration seems made for the holiday season, with its parties, both impromptu and planned. howdens.com

Warm Atmosphere

2011-11-30T22:27:00.001-05:00

What's so special about this shower installation, you might well ask? The answer: One of the glass walls radiates heat, making the enclosure comfortably toasty. An electric current invisibly warms the fixed, front panel; look carefully at the right side of the towel bar and you'll see the control module. The surface temperature runs from about 115ºF to 130ºF—that will certainly take the chill off a winter morning. vismaravetro.it

Blues Power

2011-11-29T17:41:00.001-05:00

To counter today's dark and drizzly skies, I flipped through [and, as always, over] the current catalogue from Dominic Crinson. A visionary patternist and a relentless colorist, he produces wallpaper and tiles that some may consider optically overwhelming, but I find quite soothing. This collection of ceramic squares is called Blue Glitz. crinson.com

Back to the Box

2011-11-28T11:02:00.001-05:00

Open shelves in kitchens are a fine idea, but if the proportions are off, you've got a very public mistake on your hands [or, more exactly, on your walls]. I think the Kalea kitchen offers the next step in display-cum-storage with its inset niches of contrasting color and material. Here, the cubicles are matte lacquer; the surrounding cabinets are rough-textured oak. I like the chiaroscuro effect achieved by varying the depth of the installations; pushing some of the boxes further out of the main plane than others livens up the wall dramatically. cesar.it

Nuke the Bird

2011-11-25T09:14:00.001-05:00

Microwaving Thanksgiving leftovers—sure. But cooking the whole turkey? I think not. However, in the famously futurist year of 1984, such behavior was encouraged. It gives new meaning to the Quasar slogan: 'Out of our minds.'

Cleaning Up [and Down]

2011-11-24T11:00:00.001-05:00

While ovens and cooktops will get a workout in US kitchens today, the hardest working appliance will doubtlessly be the dishwasher. In my book, the machine's capacity is on a par with cleaning performance as the most important feature, and so this cutlery tray—which has a section that flips down to accommodate bulky utensils, like ladles—has a particular appeal. The Futura Diamond model also has an automatic-close door, which means [for the klutzes among us] no more bruised hips. mieleusa.com

The Spit's a Hit

2011-11-23T15:52:00.001-05:00

Every Wednesday afternoon, an online confab takes place [if you're interested, check out #kbtribechat on Twitter] about all things kitchen and bath. One of today's topics: the favorite method for cooking the Thanksgiving turkey. Votes were cast for deep frying, a combination of convection and steam, barbecuing and tried-and-true oven roasting. This Flamberge rotisserie would be quite the gourmet option. The unit doesn't require venting, freeing up installation possibilities. The 'garage' for the wheeled carving block is a prudent move, positioned right where it's needed. lacornueusa.com

Power Prep

2011-11-22T11:18:00.001-05:00

Kitchen sinks that are simply basic basins are all well and good, but designs that feature add-ons like cutting boards and colanders really grab me—and if used intelligently, can make food prep a more efficient process. What sets this Stages sink apart from other similarly-accessorized models: an undercounter storage rack that's made to contain the trays and bowls that slide along the rim of the sink. Smart. kohler.com

Movable Feasting

2011-11-21T10:43:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is this coming Thursday, and on that day kitchens across America will be packed with families, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, strangers and dogs. For the host trying to get the Big Dinner on the table, cooking in such close quarters may be problematic. Deliverance comes in the form of the Pro Cook series of mobile appliances; guests can continue to mingle in the kitchen, while the chef wheels the meal preparation off to another, less crowded space. atelier-saintpaul.fr

Dapper Indeed

2011-11-18T17:44:00.001-05:00

Here in dramatic black and white is a curiosity from the surprisingly late date of 1960. One simply throws the switch on the side of this petite, all-in-one laundry appliance to channel the power between a washer with a bantam-weight capacity of five pounds and separate, the solid copper drying drum. Unless that drum is the size of a pill bottle, we are talking some serious 2011 cash, here. That should please 'He', the bowler-hatted, banker-type gent who, by bringing the Lavalux home, has made life so much easier for his companion, 'She.'

Happy Birthday, Mickey

2011-11-17T14:16:00.001-05:00

On this date in 1928, Steamboat Willie premiered in New York. Its plucky animated protagonist would soon become an icon of American pop culture. This enameled steel stool is only one of countless designs inspired by Mickey; I think it could find a place—of honor, even—in just about any kitchen. There's a shorter version that could give a bathroom a little zip, too. cappellini.it

Going Through the Wringer

2011-11-16T19:49:00.001-05:00

In addition to acting as the collective memory of the appliance industry, the expert crew at automaticwasher.org has a well-developed sense of the absurd. This picture—one of my favorites—is a hilarious take on the zeitgeist of today.

Have You Herd?

2011-11-15T19:50:00.001-05:00

These four-footed fixtures [the collection is called 'Cow'] both amuse and impress me. There's certainly a sense of wit to them; one version features Guernsey-style spots. But they also present a rather compelling alternative to traditional bath ceramics. The commode combines design elements of wall-hung and skirted models, and the 'pedestal' sink has a solidity that its columnar counterpart lacks. artceram.it

Knotty and Nice

2011-11-14T16:42:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend, the leaves were falling from our trees in torrents; now, bare branches dominate the landscape. Perhaps that impression forms the root of my fascination with this kitchen, with its sumptuously figured wood walls. Is is just me, or do you see faces peering out from the bookmatched panels, too?

Low Tech

2011-11-11T17:56:00.001-05:00

Simpler times, 1911. Refrigerators of that day didn't dispense water or crush ice or freshen the air. This White Frost model pledged merely to 'keep food cool, pure, sweet, wholesome.' No boasting about energy efficiency or cubic feet, either; just the understatements 'Several sizes. Common prices.'

Aw, shucks.

Small + Sculptural

2011-11-10T14:31:00.001-05:00

Art in a tidy, eight-by-eight format—that's my take on the Dune tile. Handcrafted out of a variety of materials, including concrete, gypsum and some truly sweet hardwoods [visit the studio's site to see these], these squares put a spin on any wall. urbanproduct.ca

Cold Storage

2011-11-09T22:19:00.001-05:00

Best. Full-size, bottom-mount refrigerator installation. Ever.

Any floorspace that was lost by this superbly creative design was well worth the sacrifice. Let us sing the praises of simple molding and skilled finish carpenters. martinimobili.it

Inside-Outhouse

2011-11-08T17:34:00.001-05:00

My earlier post on a centralized kitchen plan touched off a few lively discussions around the Web, so for your consideration I'm offering up a similar scheme for the bath. A few years back, architect Harald Schnur designed this freestanding 'bathroom' that utilizes four triangular plumbing frames. On its far side, out of sight, is another sink; I think including a hand shower in its stead might make more sense for a small household. missel.de

Interior / Exterior

2011-11-07T10:01:00.001-05:00

It's a shame we don't see much of the business side of this kitchen, as a couple details shown here certainly pique my interest. One is the placement of the sink: While the lack of surrounding counter area is generally considered a design no-no, I take a contrary view. No counter = no clutter. But the highlight of this room is definitely the beautiful ombre treatment of the cabinet. With its segue from saturated orange to a golden saffron, it's a perfect echo of the autumn scene outside my window.

Occupy the Kitchen

2011-11-04T18:10:00.002-04:00

As much a panacea for the post-Depression gloom as a paean to the promise of the future [sound familiar?], the 1939 New York World's Fair featured several General Electric-sponsored model homes set in the Town of Tomorrow exhibit. The type-written press release taped to the back of this photo introduces us to "...Muriel, top-flight cook of the Electrified Farm, preparing cookies" in a kitchen that was calculated to save 10,000 steps a year—thanks, of course, to an array of GE appliances lined up in a logical order. Power to the people, indeed.

Holding the Line

2011-11-03T09:45:00.000-04:00

Cabinet design is precise work. Especially with unforgiving modern geometry, if a door is a sixteenth of an inch off, visual disaster can ensue. I love how this corner detail provides both aesthetic and functional solutions to a problematic condition. leicht.de

Peace and Quietude

2011-11-02T22:16:00.001-04:00

After a tumultuous few days coping with the fallout of Mother Nature's grand Halloween trick, I am back in my home, which is once again warm and illuminated. The serenity of the MH bath suite is a fine antidote for an interrupted life. totousa.com

Splish Splash

2011-11-01T15:38:00.000-04:00

The 4Bambini sink isn't just child's play—although that's certainly a big component behind its design. The clear acrylic 'dam' that demarcates the two levels of the basin is removable, so kids can discover basic properties of fluid dynamics while having fun sending fleets of submarines and canoes over the brink. Almost six feet long, the trough-style sink has room for four faucets; is there any doubt that the nozzle-nosed character shown here is the ideal fitting? keramag.de

Wishful Thinking

2011-10-31T19:11:00.000-04:00

I am so happy to be able to share this post with you today, dear readers. Since Saturday, I have been forced to wander the byways, gypsy-like, in search of a working connection to the Interwebs. This is, of course, due to the extensive power outages caused by the Great [Pumpkin] Blizzard of 2011. Here and now, holed up in the basement of our local library, I can vicariously bask in the still-summer setting of this tropical-tinged kitchen.

Tomorrow, of course, is another day.

Boo! The Final Chapter

2011-10-28T21:19:00.000-04:00

The head-scratching attire and generally bizarre-o imagery in this 1960 advertisement wins it the Flashback Friday spot in this year's run-up to Halloween. Does the princess descending the stairs realize she is about to be ambushed by a six-gun-toting tot? [Trick or treat, indeed!] And those steps—where do they lead, anyway? The giant heart encircling the agitator adds a weird sort of sentimentality to the mix.

Have a strange and disjointed All Hallows Eve, dear readers.

Boo! Part 4

2011-10-27T17:48:00.002-04:00

Glossy meets gothic in this unlikely kitchenette design by Matteo Thun. Incongruously delicate legs hold up the sarcophagus-like cabinet, which is home to a sink, induction cooktop and a small fridge. The sinister bulk of the piece, combined with its after-midnight color, makes—to me—a most macabre impression. salvaranicucine.it

Boo! Part 3

2011-10-26T10:50:00.002-04:00

Light fixtures in the form of a skull are a dime a dozen, especially at this time of year. To me, the indefinite appearance of this Dorian pendant is far more disturbing than representational designs. The bone-white shade has a ghostly translucence, owing to its gilding with dichroic glass. The tentacles of crystal beads threaten to entangle those who linger beneath. Creepy! waclighting.com

Boo! Part 2

2011-10-25T08:37:00.001-04:00

A cloud of vampire bats? Or vertebrae from a dismembered skeleton? Neither, squeamish reader. Hung from the ceiling, these Flying Hooks could hold bath towels or a cook's apron. Made of non-slip rubber, they were designed by Bos [just add another 'o' and it's the ultimate Halloween name!] and Couvée. ygoods.com

Boo!

2011-10-24T10:10:00.001-04:00

Appropriate to the eerie occasion, this hauntingly lit kitchen leads off Halloween week at KBCULTURE. Shadowy chef's tools and ingredients—to be used in concocting a witch's brew, perhaps?—are stored behind glass doors, where they're safe from splatters. If ghoulish green isn't your color, Moodlight's LED display may be programmed to more flattering hues. warendorf.eu

Going Green

2011-10-21T16:36:00.000-04:00

While the folks at Kelvinator were justly proud of their own rendering of the timeless bile-green hue we call avocado, I suspect they knew that the real star of this 1966 fridge was the futuristic door handle. Set on etched-metal panels, the pulls look like a tool that ol' Scotty would deploy to tune up the Enterprise's dilithium crystals. And that's good enough for me.

[P.S. Everybody knows that avocados should never be refrigerated. FAIL, Kelvinator!]

Halo Effect

2011-10-20T19:03:00.001-04:00

Fittingly based in the City of Light, Le Deun Luminaires creates ethereal, minimalist fixtures. The delicate rings comprising the [pi]super8 pendant are ribbon-thin bands of steel, lined with 168 LEDs. It would be quite striking in the round and sleek Argento Vivo kitchen, I think. ledeun.com

The Time Has Come

2011-10-19T23:26:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back, a Tweet from the inquisitive minds at Moen asked the question, 'What faucet innovation would you like to see in the future?' I am not one to shy away from such a poll, and wished for a fitting that would dose out water in specified amounts. It exists in laboratories—why not the home? Jasper Hou has put more thought into this project, and I think his 'No More No Less' design is an elegant, workable solution. Some in the blogosphere have expressed doubts; they worry that the electronics would be vulnerable to water. Problems are meant to be solved, I say.

[Jasper's website is currently disabled.]

Sinkopation

2011-10-18T16:35:00.001-04:00

Big, but not bulky; clean-lined, but not clinical. The Canasta 2 sink is a pared-down design that melds [card sharks will smile at that reference] materials with restraint. In an ambidextrous detail, the wooden shelf slides freely along the length of the basin. Or you can remove it completely, if you so choose. moma-design.com

Singular Style

2011-10-17T23:37:00.001-04:00

It's not too often that a small, urban kitchen catches my attention. Usually, they seem to be one of two predictable types: either a by-the-book, Euro-style space, or a 'spontaneously' messy tableau that aspires to inclusion in The Selby. This room is refreshingly different, preserving some of its indigenous charms [the tile floor and the ceiling medallion] while adding new, necessary cabinets and appliances. Note the range hood, atop the tiled portion of the wall, squeezed in between the windows. I like that.

Head-Spinning Design

2011-10-14T12:27:00.000-04:00

Domestic life in 1953 must have been very sedate, considering the reaction these ladies are having to a rather basic dishwasher. The novelty of the twirling upper rack seems to have sent them into a collective tizzy, as if the wheel had been reinvented. Never mind that the capacity of a circular design is less than that of a rectangular tray—it spins! Whee!

Soft Touch

2011-10-13T19:17:00.001-04:00

I tend to be over-protective of the oak counters in my kitchen, doing all my slicing and dicing on cutting boards. Perhaps if I worked on cork surfaces I'd be a little more freewheeling in my treatment of them. No surprise to anyone who enjoys a bottle of wine, the material is happy in a wet environment. These counters are made of 100% recycled cork that has been formed into slabs just over an inch thick. While a long stretch of a cork counter might be appealing to some, I'm envisioning strategically-placed inserts routed into surfaces of stone, concrete, and yes, wood. suberra.com

What's Under the Hood?

2011-10-12T19:11:00.003-04:00

It's a techie type of day here at KBCULTURE. Pairing an efficient direct-current motor with a computer component makes the Verona range hood both quiet and powerful. Dubbed the DCBL [say the letters out loud—you'll understand*] system, the DC power source produces less than a quarter of the noise that an AC motor [typically found in hoods] emits. The LED lights can be set to hold one color or to cycle through a three-shade spectrum, illuminating the edge of the glass canopy. [* decibel] zephyronline.com

Irresistible

2011-10-11T22:38:00.005-04:00

This morning I attended a presentation hosted by IFDA/NYC on the Maison et Objet trade show. As Hermine Mariaux reported on emerging trends in furnishings and textiles, she noted a nascent interest in Baroque-era design and art. The curving profile of the GrandTour bathtub seems right on track with that forecast—but there's a twist of a different kind to this story. The tub was pilfered off the exhibition floor when it was displayed at another industry expo, Cersaie. [Puns about a clean getaway will be stifled.] rapsel.it

Change of Season

2011-10-10T20:38:00.000-04:00

Although the calendar confirms it's mid-October, we've been basking—even baking—in summer-like weather for a few days. This room, with its traditional style and materials brightened by sunlight, straddles the two seasons in a quietly confident way. Not too many kitchens can make such a graceful transition; their functional aspects—from walls packed with cabinets to super-scaled appliances— typically overwhelm the subtleness of the space. thomashamel.com

Good Intentions

2011-10-07T16:27:00.000-04:00

Let's give Hotpoint props for its pledge to eliminate 'fumbling and groping' for items in this refrigerator—but the 1956 design does have a drawback. The Big Bin that's affixed to the bottom of the door is so deep that it looks to me like one would have to stand aside when opening the fridge. The awkward access is compounded by the not-so-ergonomic action of crouching down to reach the food in the enclosure.

Back to the drawing board.

Sharp Idea

2011-10-06T17:37:00.000-04:00

It's cutlery confession time: I have never liked slotted blocks [too clunky on the counter] nor magnetic strips [visually haphazard] for keeping my knives in order. But stashing them all in a drawer is not always convenient. Here's a tidy and efficient solution: a glass-and-cherry wood rack that slides along the backsplash. alno.com

iSad

2011-10-05T21:22:00.005-04:00

Like many so many people this evening, I was brought low by the news of Steve Jobs' death. There is no underestimating his impact—direct and indirect—on the design world. Thank you, Steve.

Making the Connection

2011-10-04T10:55:00.000-04:00

It looks like the magnet trend in bathrooms is [ahem] taking hold in the kitchen. These ribbon-like handles and trim pieces can be swapped out to feature different colors, thanks to strategically-placed magnets. I'm especially fond of the hot dot on the cooktop. The Weblicity appliance collection was previewed at the recent IFA fair in Berlin. gorenjegroup.com

Monday, Monday

2011-10-03T20:49:00.000-04:00

Staged though it may be, the controlled chaos in this kitchen is a fair [but thankfully not literal] reflection of my life today. Everything started out well organized, but affairs were upset by unforeseen events which took the better part of the day to sort out. But enough about that—let's be cheered by the Lego-like quality of this colorful cabinetry. Supporting the island on transparent acrylic panels is fun, and the staggered/cantilevered composition of the island's drawers lends itself to some fantastic custom designs. lago.it

Watt's Up?

2011-09-30T14:15:00.001-04:00

'Housepower' was the catchy tag given to a 1959 industry campaign to promote all things electric in the home, from light bulbs to heating and cooling technologies. Naturally, the appliance-rich kitchen was very much the focus of this effort, and manufacturers vied for the public's attention in predictably wacky ways. Above, we have Westinghouse's effort. That big box on top of the island is—ta da!—the Refrigerator of the Future. It had doors both front and back, so you could access your snacks and ingredients with total convenience. It's a concept that I think is worth pursuing today, albeit in less conspicuous installations. To wit: How about a through-the-wall fridge that opens onto adjoining rooms?

Out on a Limb

2011-09-29T21:28:00.000-04:00

You just never know when that college botany class will come in handy. This showerhead goes by the name of Rami, which is the plural form of ramus, Latin for 'branch'. That explains a lot about the design, with its chromed shoots weaving away from the wall. gattonirubinetteria.com

In the Hot House

2011-09-28T19:10:00.000-04:00

Even though yesterday yielded thirteen fat tomatoes from our garden, the time when the vegetable patch will be plucked clean is inevitably coming. Solace comes in the upright form of these cupboards, which promise to extend the planting season year round. Integral LED grow-lights encourage seedlings, which are rooted in a deep, removable 'drawer' that can be carried from potting shed to cabinet. And should your green thumb suddenly take a turn for the black, your kitchen still benefits from plenty of storage, enclosed as well as open in design. toyokitchen.co.jp