Open and Shut Case

Swivel open the top of the Degree sink, and voila, instant counter space. Swing the lid closed, and no one's the wiser about your unmentionables soaking in the now-concealed sink. It's available in a palette of zingy colors, too. bmood.it

5417 Marigny Street

Four years ago today, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. This photo was taken by Robert Polidori in March 2006. To see the above location as it is now, click here.

Now Hear This

In 1951, the Bosch company applied some high-tech thinking to laundry products, with this innovative device the result. By generating sound waves in a wash tub, clothes could be cleaned in five minutes. The appliance carried a $32 price tag.

Every Drop Counts

Developed Down Under—where they know a thing or two about coping with drought—the Smart Profile commode is a dual-flush toilet with a difference. Upon flushing, fresh cold water flows into the tank-top hand basin, then drains into the cistern, where it remains until it's needed to wash down the bowl. Using 1.28 gallons per flush, the unit is WaterSense certified. caromausa.com

Talking Shop

John Troxell, Director of Design for Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry, recently answered a few questions for 'Talking Shop', a new feature at KBCULTURE.

As a designer, my greatest responsibility is...
To fulfill the client's needs and wants to the best of my ability using creative solutions to provide a positive, enhanced living experience. This applies to both the functional aspects of the design and the aesthetic details, as well.

One of my creative touchstones is...
I don't know that there's just one, but a whole range of them. I tend to soak up images and ideas from all of the places I've visited in person; then there's material from magazines and books, and museums and works of art—and even nature. It's more a sense of the trends I see around me as well as the relevant historical background.

A current project I'm exploring is...
Actually, I'm focusing on fine-tuning the materials and details on a series of design-concept rooms.

If I had a week off from the studio, I would...
That's hard for me to say. I suppose I would like to explore some new places, or read, or engage in some 'creative play.' Or maybe just kick back and do nothing.

Pleasure of the Unexpected

A nice confluence of the standard and the surprising makes this bath pleasing. A comfortable bench, your everyday white tile—and a swirling school of mosaic koi at your feet. My other favorite feature is the window: how it opens up the shower to abundant light and air. bricault.ca

A Full Count

These ceramic mini-canisters, in the style of Burleigh Ware, would be useful in kitchen or bath for stashing away all sorts of oddments and essentials. anthropologie.com