On, Of and Off the Wall

Although the parade of disparate lighting fixtures presents a bit of a distraction, such a curious cabinet treatment prompts a closer look at this kitchen. For me, there's an element of intrigue to the doors, in the way the familiar linear layout has been disregarded—their random positioning offers no contextual clue as to what's behind their solid fronts. The peep-hole finger-pulls only add to the mystery.

I suspect something's amiss when it comes to the lights in the foreground. Doesn't the one at the far end of the table appear unusually white, with no nuance in the tone? And there's certainly no need to install a pendant fixture in that location. Given how the rest of the kitchen has been quite carefully structured, I must wonder if the Photoshop elves have been up to no good, perhaps attempting to disguise an element on the cabinet wall that displeased them.

Just a guess.

The Envelope, Please

I was surprised to learn that in 1951, many categories of Academy Awards were broken into two sub-categories: one for black and white films, the other for color productions. [Movie buffs: Best Art Direction (B/W) was won by 'A Streetcar Named Desire', while 'An American in Paris' copped the color equivalent]. This puts the achievement by Crosley's Shelvador refrigerator in the proper perspective; its gold-tone interior accents surely outshone the competition's monochromatic designs.

High Drama

This extravagant bathroom may be in Milan, but its A-lister luxe would be right at home in certain ZIP codes [90024, I'm talking to you]. I am enraptured by the jade-green marble floor, whose patterns wash the surface like sea foam on a receding tide...shades of From Here to Eternity! The KBCULTURE Academy is thrilled to present the award for [very] Special Effects to architect Gio Ponti, who created this Deco den in 1924.

Brilliant Performance

Preserved under a layer of crystal-clear glass, the crackled gold leaf conjures the faded glamour of old Hollywood movie palaces; the sharp-edged rectangular format adds a contemporary note. The RND Series plays this dual role well, earning it Best Set Design in this week's nod to the Oscars. hastingstilebath.com

Gold Rush

With the Academy Awards coming up this weekend, KBCULTURE gets into the glittery mood by going for the gold. My nomination for Best Bath Faucet in a Supporting Role: the Purist. A contemporary interpretation of the classic pump style, it's a versatile design. Any similarity to a certain buff statuette is—well, all in your head, I'd say. kohler.com

Right of Way

Clever folks, over at Viola Park. Unlike wide drawers whose pull-out action forces the chef to step away from the work surface, these tip-out bins allow you to grab a knife or other utensil without shunting the cook aside. I appreciate the priority imposed by this pocket-like design, especially when applied to the busy prep zone of a kitchen island. violapark.com

New Construction

Such a radical, arty portrayal of bathroom fixtures! Not only does this vision [circa 1963] basically deny the musty post-war palette of buttercup, rose and powder blue, it also graphically broaches the then-bold idea of designing and building a new home from the ground up. Modernism was on the march, and toilets, tubs and sinks were not an inconsequential part of that movement. Of course, there would be a price for this progress: How were we to know that the daisy-strewn meadow that forms such an inviting setting here would eventually be consumed by suburban sprawl?

As recounted here, the history of the Eljer Company is an engrossing read, although there's a curious and abrupt gap in its annals that encompasses—coincidentially—the date of this striking ad.