No, Virginia, ovens were not always self-cleaning. And in 1965, this novel drawer-like device was the state of the art solution to the grimy chore. While it might have been an ergonomic improvement on the old way of doing things, I wonder [being a subscriber to the fewer-moving-parts-the-better school of thinking] what would happen if those ovens were jostled off their tracks or otherwise got stuck in the open position. Convenience turned into calamity!
Dirty Work
No, Virginia, ovens were not always self-cleaning. And in 1965, this novel drawer-like device was the state of the art solution to the grimy chore. While it might have been an ergonomic improvement on the old way of doing things, I wonder [being a subscriber to the fewer-moving-parts-the-better school of thinking] what would happen if those ovens were jostled off their tracks or otherwise got stuck in the open position. Convenience turned into calamity!
Clean Lines, Indeed
From the reliably outré Antonio Lupi, the Talamo tub is pleasantly responsive to a bather's needs. The tall, gently scooped backrest looks supportive and spacious, and I love how the shelf is well above the splash line [a term I just made up]. Part cradle, part cube, it's an elegant yet challenging design. antoniolupi.it 
Cooling Tower
For some reason—could it possibly have something to do with the record-setting July temperatures that continue to torment us?—I'm drawn to this snappy little fridge, which goes by the name Trio. The drawer between the cooler and freezer compartments is for deli items. It's on the market in Europe, where its 24-inch width and 80-inch height is more in keeping with kitchen dimensions. fagor.com
In the Round
How wonderful it must be to amble through this bathroom, views changing from every vantage point. And I don't mean the outward-looking views—it's the varying sightlines of the interior landscape that make it such a dynamic space. What's particularly interesting is that despite the room's openness, there is near-complete privacy within its walls: standing at the sink, you can't see the tub; from the tub, the shower is deftly hidden. It's so much more effective than the artificial drama of just plunking a big tub down in the middle of the room.
The Great Outdoors, Part 6
For the past few weeks, my enjoyment of the Great [Hot] Outdoors has been severely curtailed by global warming. Today the heat wave broke, if only for a short while. In gratitude, I offer this poetic lighting design for al fresco dining. The Halley 4150 fixture is a brilliant use of LED strip lights, perfect for nights when the moon and stars are hiding in the clouds. vibia.es
Wash Out
For this Flashback Friday, we return to 1986 to see this funky collection of kitchen faucets inspired by Peter Max, who started out in the 70s as a graphic designer with a unique Pop-psychedelic style and ended up following in the cheesy footsteps of LeRoy Neiman, sporting-event lithographer. The faucet itself has some character, but the colors—red and yellow [white, black and almond really don't count]—are anything but imaginative. A missed opportunity.
Surreal Space
No right angles, an odd foreshortening, a gnawing feeling that time passes a little slower in this space—this is Salvador Dalí's kitchen in Púbol, Spain. I like the smallness of the room; its rigidity is surprising. The furniture is deliberately placed in a way that is useful but not comfortable. Dalí remodeled [if that's the right word] the building in tribute to his wife and muse, Gala. salvador-dali.org
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