On Ice

In 1955, this is what 'bilt-in' refrigeration looked like...but in my opinion, all the pink paint and potted daisies in the world can't disguise the commercial [if not forensic] origins of these reefers, which offered a not-so-grand total of 14.7 cubic feet of cooling. The deep knee bends required to retrieve food from the freezer would keep one limber, that's for sure. Revco also manufactured ice cream vending machines. Today, still true to its roots, the company makes a variety of laboratory refrigerators.

One Cool Cabinet

Meet Lenny. With his asymmetric design, rounded corners and high-gloss finish, he's a bit of a throwback to the heyday of Mod fashion, but that's part of what endears him to me. There's another member of the family, called Logan, which sports two enclosed cabinets. hib.co.uk

Back to Black

The idea of a black faucet appeals to me, but the reality of that notion has frequently fallen short of the mark. Oil-rubbed bronze: Usually looks artificial to my eye. Powder-coat blacks: Too unpredictable in tone, and their finish is sometimes so glossy as to seem plastic-like. Wrought iron: Getting closer, but can be a bit drab. This treatment, though, called Midnight Chrome, is unique and interesting to me. It's pleasingly dark, but with a deep lustre that gives the fitting an unexpected sophistication. pfisterfaucets.com

Smooth Transition

I was conflicted about how to index this post: Should it be labeled a sink, or surfacing? In a Solomonic editorial decision, it is both. Made from a single piece of quartz-based Silestone, the Integrity sink is seamlessly one with its surrounding countertop. The basin measures 16-inches x 20-inches x 6-inches, and is available in five fashionable, neutral hues. silestoneusa.com

A Good Pairing

This kitchen is a happy reminder of how patterned and solid-color surfaces can play well together. Using a saturated, serene blue as a common denominator, the plain cabinets come into their own thanks to the thicket of lines criss-crossing the backsplash and wall. No need for white space here. elmarcucine.it

A Chilling Effect

Right now, I'd happily wait a full trice for said shower of cubes.

While we no longer have to sully our frosted-pink manicured nails to extract ice from trays, in 1956 this was quite the convenience. Ten years later, Frigidaire offered a fully automatic ice maker in conjunction with a thru-the-door dispenser. Engineering takes time.

It's 111ºF now, and I'm going to go savor a tumbler of iced [cubes, not crushed] coffee as I contemplate whence comes the hand operating the Ice-Ejector. It's just too hot to think about anything more complicated.

Not-Hot Tub

Another escapist post. As I type, it's a tormenting 105ºF outside—but the temperature in this lush valley [perhaps soaking in the Unico tub] is doubtless a good deal cooler. Maybe it's even a bit chilly.

I really need to believe that right now. rexadesign.it