Bewitching Design, Part Four

Particularly in a windowless, cramped powder room, I can imagine this subversive wallpaper would make an indelible impression. A C.F.S. Voysey pattern from 1889, the writhing population of beady-eyed, flame-tongued demons is a far cry [or should I say 'wail'?] from conventional floral or geometric decor. trustworth.com

Perceptual Play

A work-in-progress, the slyly-named Collapse suite of bath fixtures. Triangular slices and volumes shift and slide away from the fixtures, creating—to my eye, at least—an animated dance among the elements. While the tub is my pick of the collection, the sink's unusual design is certainly noteworthy. Instead of a hollowed basin, a solid tilted plane directs water into the drain. rapsel.it

Fairly Balanced

Anyone who's looking to 'right-size' [not my idea of a graceful turn of phrase, but it is descriptive] could pick up a few design pointers from this lovely little kitchen. Number One: Do not be cowed by existing conditions as far as your storage needs are concerned. Cabinets running up to the ceiling are to be encouraged. Number Two: Opting for small-sized appliances doesn't mean sacrificing amenities. This set up has it all, from coffee machine to steam oven. Number Three: Resist the temptation to have everything you want. The faucet here looks like it is too large for the sink, with excessive over-spraying a distinct possibility. jacktrench.co.uk

Seasonal Showdown

Despite an unexpected—and need I say, unwelcome—coating of snow this weekend, I'm certain that winter is on the way out. Icy remnants are receding, each day yielding more territory to bare earth. This EL_01 kitchen, with its stark white/brown split, is an interior analogy to what's happening outside.

Nota bene: Seen upside down, this photo is really interesting. Stretch your mind and rotate! elmarcucine.com

Edgy, Indeed

Pretty pointed design, this, and guaranteed to pop any mid-winter funk. The stone-as-wallpaper is a tour de force of fabrication and installation. I like the the mirror; even if it's a stop-gap measure until a wall-hung model arrives, it adds a bit of brutalist brio to the room. The drawer fronts are—la-de-dah!—lacquered goat skin. kellywearstler.com

Renewal

The landscape is particularly blank this winter day; grey and flat and...well, you get the idea. This bathroom illustrates that even in a monochrome environment, there can be liveliness through pattern. The deft design work here is a visual pick-me-up—I'm grateful! katehume.com

Playing with Planes

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

Flattering Form

The flatness of this faucet certainly makes it stand out. 'Cut' is the name of the collection of fittings, in which conventional pipe-like plumbing is reduced to visually provocative slices. Adding to the drama is the chrome-and-matte black combo finish. rubinetterie3m.it

Contoured Cooking

Omnipresent Karim Rashid has produced a line of appliances for Gorenje. The hallmark of the collection is a LED light integrated into the handles of the units—ho hum, I say. Much more interesting is his take on the cooktop, which replaces the familiar burner circles with a fluid, topographic pattern. It's an elegant departure from the norm. gorenjegroup.com

Summer Whites

Summer having officially arrived, a lot of us shed the city style and slip into casual mode. This rustic bath retains some urban edge, with its Ingo Maurer-ish lights and deliberately detailed windows.

Simplicity Squared

By keeping the fittings, sprays, lights and other components of the ShowerCollection to a uniform 12 x 12cm module, Philippe Starck streamlines not just the look of the shower, but also its installation. axor-design.com

Escaping Confines

Here's a peek at an arty cul-de-sac of a powder room by Marsh & Clark of San Francisco. Repeating curves in the window, mirror frame and mosaic floor [I love how the tile traces up the wall in the foreground!] gracefully relieves the shoebox quality of the space. marshandclark.com

Form with Feeling

The Prisma sink exudes a sense of calm and balance that I find immensely appealing. A utilitarian object that inspires quiet contemplation is rare; this stone vessel's complex curves invite thought as well as touch. ilbagnobandini.it