Going Off the Grid

Amsterdam-based architects Merkx+Girod create a composition in this bathroom that is both balanced and unbalanced—and immensely appealing. Careful squares on the floor and glass doors are nudged out of stasis by the trough-like sink. The conservative color palette, combining black with pale blue and grey, is fresh in how it's blocked out and gives weight to the room. Soft daylight washes all the elements together. Lovely! merkx-girod.nl

The Great Outdoors, Part 9

Why do most gas grills look like chromed oil drums toppled over? That's a partly rhetorical question, of course: While I know the thermodynamics of cooking mandates the basic form, it remains a mystery to me why product designers haven't tackled the aesthetics of these hulks.

This suite of outdoor kitchen appliances and cabinets demonstrates a stylish alternative is within the realm of the possible. Eight modules [including a flip-top plancha and a sink unit], offered in seven colors—far more pleasing than the garden variety barbecue. outcook.fr

A Musical Interlude

'Come Together', 'Everyday People', and 'A Boy Named Sue'—these were among the hit songs of 1969, the year American Standard released 'The Bathrooms are Coming', an LP marking the launch of a new line of fixtures. While it didn't yield any chart-toppers, the catchy tunes developed a cult following. Check out this verse from 'The Ultra Bath', a track with a light calypso beat:

Here's another thing so dramatic:
This pool fills up automatic.
The temp—just right! We're ecstatic!—
Automatically controlled.

But what are words without music? Were it not for the always amazing archives of radio station WFMU, this gem might have been lost forever. Click the link and have a listen.

Against the Grain

Your eyes do not deceive you—these planks are anything but straight and narrow. Contoured to capture the irregularities of wood, I find the design intriguing and appealing in a universe of sameness. The flooring is available in five species; fumed oak is featured here. waldilla.eu

The Great Outdoors, Part 8

Look—out by the pool! It's a side table! It's a beverage cooler! Well, it's actually both of these handy items. The top of the table [whose squat-yet-clean lines attest to Mr. Starck's influence] telescopes up to reveal a double-walled ice tub. That's what I'd call really raising the bar. frontgate.com

Quiet Style

I'm impressed by the way this kitchen preserves space—as opposed to making room. Despite its simplicity, the design has ample personality, in no small part owing to the delicacy of the color scheme. The white floor suffuses the room with light in a wonderful way.

Sweet Storage

It would be a shame to cover up these hanging knobs with a robe or towel. I like how they're casually scattered here, adding incongruous little pops of candy-color to the smoky patternings of the wall. The collection is called Twin, and was designed by Bruna Rapisarda. regiasrl.it