Thrill of the Grill

After three days without electricity [thanks, Irene], I'm looking for ways to make the BBQ routine a bit more aesthetic. The compact oneQ system can be set up in a straight array of modules, or in a series of 90º connections. Charcoal or gas fuels the fire, and the line is available in silver, grey or black. one-q.com

Sunny Bathing

About as close to an open-air bath as one can get, taking a shower in this inventive space would be as eye-opening on a star-lit night as in the morning. For some, the height of the room might be a bit overwhelming—but I'd be up for the experience. minarc.com

Circumstances Beyond Control

With luck, this rooftop kitchen survived this weekend's visit from Irene—a most unwelcome guest—intact. I confess to a little case of hurricane-induced envy here, as our power has been knocked out and we're resorting to the trusty Smoky Joe for cooking until electricity is restored. [Refrigeration is another matter altogether, I'm afraid.] Until we're back online, I'll do my best to post daily, but please forgive me if I falter. gradenyc.com

A Seat at the Table

Judging from the appliances, the young family that occupied this kitchen from 1954 to 1960 was certainly of modest means. At the time, wringer-top washers were being eclipsed by automatic models; the fridge, though, looks more or less up to date. As a pastor and community leader in Montgomery, Alabama, Martin Luther King Jr. spent hours in this room discussing the nascent civil rights movement. The residence is now a museum, and is open for tours. dexterkingmemorial.org

It Must Be the Weather

Hurricane Irene is still hundreds of miles away, and yet we have a turgid, grey sky and intermittent rain. The quality of light in this bathroom—diffuse and cool—is more intense than what's currently outside in the real world, but its softness is remarkably similar. The proverbial calm before the storm? anoukb.com

Attachment Issues

It's time to test your powers of observation: What's not seen in this shower drain? That's absolutely correct, oh sharp-eyed ones! There are no screws holding the grate in place. In their stead are four tiny rare earth magnets, which are more than up to the job of keeping everything in place. Look for this twist on traditional fasteners to spread to other plumbing assemblies, speeding installation and keeping appearances neat. watermark-designs.com

Too Many Choices

Selecting just one photo of the Cun modular kitchen was not an easy task, dear readers. Cooktops [gas, induction, or teppanyaki], sinks, chopping blocks, and myriad storage options—on casters or fixed legs—can be hooked together or stationed separately. Side panels are available in a variety of woods, Corian or stainless. This is the best-looking freestanding kitchen system I've seen to date; perhaps it's an idea whose time has finally come? jokodomus.com