Those Were the Days

In 1949, it seems that developing an optimal floor plan for the kitchen was still in its early stages; only later would people realize that putting the range in the middle of the room was not exactly the best way to go. But that is an insignificant quibble when compared to the many reasons for delight this ad presents. The fashionable ladies—young and matronly alike—are all so politely impressed by the appliance's 'Talking Colors': push-buttons whose hues indicated the temperature of the electric coils. And in an era when gloves were de rigueur, such 'finger-tip controls' were bound to receive a warm welcome.

One feature puzzles me—the 'Raisable 4th Surface Unit', which sounds like a military brigade of sorts. I call upon KBCULTURE readers for enlightenment.

Room for Reflection

Designed in 1927 by Eileen Gray for her Villa E 1027, the Castellar mirror continues the pivoting details found throughout the house; its windows, shutters and screens could be swung open and closed to affect the architecture. It's always gratifying to see such care taken in the furnishing of a home. classicon.com

Choice Seats

Speaking of comfortable seating.... The Morph stool catches the eye with its fresh take on form and fabrication. If I had a breakfast bar in my kitchen, this design would be a contender. Seen here in oak, it's also available in walnut. suiteny.com, zeitraum-moebel.de

Fantasy Island

As winter drags on, it's tempting to daydream about a rejuvenating escape to warmer climes. Developed by NOA Design for Hoesch, the Water Lounge would make a quite acceptable substitute for a beach getaway: Clean water, comfortable seating, and a very handy side table, all without the aggravation of the airport. hoesch.de

Period Pastiche

I believe the design of this kitchen will hold up—at least in the short term—over the years to come. Inserting anonymous, modern islands into the semi-classical, contoured space tweaks both the geometry and the style of the room. The Artichoke light [designed by Poul Henningsen in 1958] somehow makes me think of what might happen if all the dentil molding in the room was compressed into a ball—and then blown up. designlabarch.com, edlundhaasdesign.com

Hocus Focus

Let's end the week with a little weirdness from 1963. While this Hoover washer offered eight different laundry 'programmes'—enough to impress even those 'who can afford the best'—it seems that the appliance might have had a small vibration problem. How else to explain the peculiar fuzziness of its admirers?

Another thought: As this ad appeared in UK publications, maybe it's a visual metaphor for Swinging London.

A Clean Sweep

There is a poetry of form in this sink; it is at once architectural and sculptural, defining space and being defined by it. Lest I sound too arch, allow me to point out that the base of the pedestal can be pristine ceramic [as shown] or a length of nicely turned wood, adding a material accent to the fixture that makes it compatible with different decors. azzurraceramica.com